Three Can Play のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 21 - チャプター 30

Jasmine’s POVThe silence that followed Ryan ending the call hung thick inside the car.My pulse still raced in my throat, but it had nothing to do with Octavia’s shrill threats or the folder clutched securely against my chest.It was the memory of the pressure of Ryan’s mouth against mine.My lips still tingled, warm and sensitive from the fierce, bruising hunger he had unleashed right in front of Caleb. I didn’t expect it, but there was no denying how it made me feel.As he continued driving, I could only stare at his profile through the corner of my eye. His strong jaw was set, with one large hand resting casually at the top of the steering wheel. He looked completely unbothered, as if kissing me breathless in front of Caleb was just an ordinary chore.When the silence stretched so long that my skin began to itch with nervous energy, I couldn't take it anymore."Why did you kiss me back there?"The question slipped out before I could filter it.Ryan’s eyes flicked to me for half a

Jasmine’s POVMy breath came in ragged, uneven gasps as I pressed my back flat against the closed bedroom door.Every nerve ending in my skin felt on fire, humming with an electric ache that begged for more.I slid down the polished wood until I was sitting on the carpet, drawing my knees to my chest and burying my burning face in my hands.It wasn't guilt clawing at my throat. I didn't care about Caleb, his bruised pride, or whatever was left of our broken marriage. What terrified me was how easily I had come undone.For four years, I had survived by being small, obedient, and cautious. Throwing myself at a man and succumbing to these scandalous acts was completely out of my safe zone.I stayed on the floor until the wild thudding in my chest finally slowed. When I eventually climbed onto the bed, I wrapped myself tightly, staring blankly at the ceiling.I didn’t dare step out of the room for the whole day, as I couldn’t bear to face Ryan again. Every time I considered walking out, t

Jasmine’s POVDaylight did nothing to hide how miserable Caleb looked.Dark purple bags sagged heavily beneath his bloodshot eyes, his jaw was rough with neglected dark stubble, and his designer overcoat hung loosely over slumped shoulders. He looked like he hadn't had a good night's rest for days.I held my file tighter, my defenses going on high alert. "What are you doing here, Caleb?" I asked, my voice cold, and devoid of emotion.His gaze flicked frantically over my tailored pantsuit and expensive look overall. The sight seemed to rattle him, twitching the muscle along his jaw."Is it true?" he demanded, his voice thick. "Your mother called me fifteen minutes ago, raving like a lunatic. Did you really just sign over the entire hotel company in your name?""Every single share," I replied evenly, not bothering to hide the sharp, satisfied curve of my lips. "The Astor Group officially belongs to me. Julian is out, Octavia has zero authority, and you don't have anything of mine withi

Jasmine’s POVThe drive back to the penthouse was quiet, but unlike the nervous silence of yesterday, my mind was buzzing with thousands of thoughts.Ryan steered the SUV into the private garage, killed the engine, and turned toward me. His arm rested over the steering wheel, his gaze sharp and concerned. He had watched the entire confrontation on the sidewalk, but he hadn't pried during the ride."I told him," I said, looking straight ahead through the windshield."Told him what, cupcake?""That I'm filing for a divorce."The words tasted foreign on my tongue. I turned to look at Ryan, expecting a reaction, but his face remained steady, though a flicker of approval flashed in his blue eyes."It's about time," he replied smoothly, unbuckling his seatbelt. "I'll have my legal counsel draw up the paperwork tonight. The best divorce litigator in the state will have the summons ready before the courthouse opens."He paused, his piercing gaze locking onto mine with intensity."You know he

Jasmine’s POVWhen I arrived at the hotel the next day, I immediately noticed the change in the air.As I walked down the hall toward Human Resources, conversations died mid-sentence. Junior analysts huddled behind glass cubicles leaned together, their eyes darting toward me with scrutiny before quickly turning away.A couple of receptionists near the lounge whispered behind their hands, their murmurs carrying just loud enough in the air."...left her husband for a billionaire...""...audacity to act like she runs the place..."My nails dug lightly into the strap of my bag, but my spine remained straight as steel. I didn't break stride, nor did I grant them the satisfaction of a sideways glance. Inside, however, a bitter sting flared. Walking through these halls, I felt less like the rightful owner of the Astor Hotel Group and more like an unwelcome intruder pacing outside her own front door.I hated that they were trying to make me feel small and scared again.I dropped my briefcase