MasukJocelyn’s POVWe slid down the door together, both of us giving out faint breathless laughs.After a moment Jackson stood, grabbed a blanket from the couch, then fetched the food waiting on the table.For a while we simply ate and talked.No O’Neil drama.Then Jackson glanced at the time and sighed softly.“We need to head back.” He reached for his phone. “Is it alright if I make a few calls on the way to the meeting?”“Of course.”He stood and held out his hand for me, helping me up before handing me each piece of clothing one by one.As I pulled my underwear back on, he suddenly wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me against him again.Then he buried his face lightly in my hair.“I love this red hair of yours,” he murmured. “Your big blue eyes. Every freckle.”His lips brushed slowly across my shoulder.“When we do the unspeakable…” he said quietly, “it feels like ecstasy. I have never been more consumed in my life.”I closed my eyes, absorbing every touch, every kiss, every w
Jocelyn’s POVHe took my hand and pulled me toward the door, swinging it open without hesitation.Standing outside was Allison.Again.Both Jackson and I looked equally unimpressed.“Yes, Allison?” Jackson asked flatly.She immediately brightened. “You remembered my name?”“I remember everyone’s name,” he replied calmly.Her eyes moved between us, lingering just a second too long before she straightened slightly.“I’m here on behalf of some of the female students,” she began. “A lot of us came here expecting… more than training.”Jackson said nothing.“We already have degrees. Businesses. Careers.” Her tone sharpened subtly. “Most of us don’t need some soft little handout because certain women can’t handle their husbands having attractive company around.”Jackson simply stared at her expressionlessly for a long moment before turning toward me.“Call Chantelle,” he said calmly. “Arrange a meeting with the female students before the panel gathering.”Allison visibly perked up, clearly t
Jocelyn’s POVJackson’s hand tightened around my waist the second the hallway fell quiet again.“Here,” he repeated softly.The way he looked at me made my stomach twist.My back barely touching the wall before he was kissing me again, deeper this time.A breath escaped me as his hands slid along my waist, pulling me firmly against him.“Jackson—” I laughed softly against his mouth. “Someone could walk in.”“I know,” he murmured, sounding entirely unbothered.That somehow made it worse.Or better.I could still feel the tension from the conference room clinging to him beneath the calmness. The pressure. The expectation. The constant scrutiny.But here with me, he let it disappear.His forehead rested briefly against mine as he exhaled slowly.My hands slid up his chest, smoothing the fabric beneath my fingers.“You handled yourself well in there.”He gave a low hum.“I was one insult away from throwing someone out a window.”His hand slipping into the nape of my neck while the other s
Jocelyn’s POVEveryone slowly filtered out of the room until it was just the two of us left behind.Jackson stayed seated, staring down at the papers in front of him without saying a word.For the first time all day, he looked tired.“Can I get you some water?” I asked softly.He looked up at me for a moment before giving a small nod.As I walked down the hallway, someone suddenly bumped hard into my shoulder.“Watch it,” the girl snapped immediately.I stopped walking.Considering she had walked directly into me, I could not help myself.“Says the person who bumped into me?” I looked her up and down calmly. “My name is Jocelyn. What’s yours?”A strange look crossed her face.“I know who you are,” she said flatly before walking off.I frowned slightly but continued toward the water fountain.The interaction sat strangely with me.What was she even doing here?As I filled Jackson’s glass, I glanced around and noticed the security cameras above the hall.Thankfully.At least I could pro
Jocelyn’s POVThe next few days were spent touring nearly every division and infrastructure site the family owned.Jackson took notes constantly.At first the meetings were polite, almost cautious. But with every passing day, the conversations grew sharper. More direct. People started testing him openly.Oddly enough, he never seemed bothered by it.But today was different.Today, he looked different.Jackson stood at the front of the boardroom, one hand resting against the table as he looked around at everyone.“Alright,” he said calmly. “It’s been a little over a week now. You’ve had time to see how I work, what matters to me, and where I intend to take my role in this family.”The room stayed silent.“I know some of you expected me to ease into this position slowly.” He gave a faint shrug. “But I don’t believe in pretending for six months just to avoid uncomfortable conversations.”A few people shifted in their seats.“So I’ll be direct instead.” His eyes moved across the room care
Jocelyn’s POVChantelle held her papers neatly tucked by her side.Jackson turned to her. “Chantelle, since you know the most around here, I need you to arrange everything for our students.”“That’s not my job,” she said defiantly.“Maybe not, but you’ll make it your mission. I’m sure bossing over a hundred people is right up your alley. Make it work, and maybe it can help rectify what happened today.”She gave him a tight nod before moving toward the girls, who suddenly looked terrified of her.“We’ll move into the hall next door. Excuse the scramble while we find chairs and tables. You can start by writing on a blank page how you intend to make use of Mr. O’Neil’s opportunity.”Jackson interrupted smoothly. “Mr. and Mrs. O’Neil’s opportunity.”“Mr. and Mrs. O’Neil’s opportunity,” she corrected stiffly.Jackson turned back to the room. “Right. I caught up on a lot already, so excuse me if I ask you to skip parts I know. But before we dig in, let’s do introductions.”One by one, each







