Chapter 9%
Breaking the tense silence, I leaned back in my chair and said, “The only ones I hate are my parents and my sister, so you’re off the hook, Mr. Sterling. I’m barely a threat to an affluent man like you‘
Jasper studied me, his expression unreadable. “Alright, then. What do you think I should choose?‘
I lifted my phone, tilting it slightly, a silent message.
Money first T.
Jasper’s hesitation lasted less than a second. He tapped a few buttons, and moments later, my offshore account pinged with a $10 million deposit.
Good. At least he knew how to follow instructions.
Once the confirmation came through, I didn’t waste any time. I met his gaze and gave him the answer he was waiting for?
Jasper leaned back, nodding slightly. Then, with a smirk, he mused, “Have you ever heard the saying. All’s fair in love and war? Why can’t I have both you and the title of the richest man in the world??
I matched his smirk. “Because of this.”
I slid a thin document across the table.#
Jasper’s expression barely flickered as he picked it up. But as his eyes scanned the contents, his face darkened.X
His calm shattered.
His fingers tightened around the pages, knuckles going white.
It wasn’t surprising. That document contained everything–his secrets, the truth about Eloise, his shady business dealings, every dirty little thing he’d worked so hard to keep hidden.
It wasn’t enough to send him to prison, but it didn’t have to be.
If this information were to be released, it would have a domino effect. The media would tear him apart, his rivals would capitalize on the scandal, and the authorities would have to investigate.
I watched the muscle in his jaw tick as he processed what this meant
“These things might not kill you,” I said, my voice cool and unbothered, “but they’d definitely ruin you. Your delicate little sister, Eloise… how do you think she’d handle it if she found out? What happens when she cracks under the pressure?”
Jasper’s hands shook slightly as he gripped the paper.!!!
Before he could say anything, I continued. “I told you I’ve been reborn. Do you really think I’d come unprepared? This paper? It’s my backup plan. If you take me, I’ll be dead. And when I’m gone, all of this- I tapped the document lightly. “-goes straight to the media, your competitors, and the government.”
Jasper ripped the paper in half with a sharp growl, his frustration boiling over. “You–3
I raised a hand, unfazed. “Relax”
Then, I calmly slid another document across the table
Jasper’s eyes flickered with suspicion.
“This,” I said, watching his reaction closely. 1s my latest medical check–up.”
His brows furrowed as he scanned the page.
And then-
He froze.&
I waited, letting him absorb the information.
Finally, I smiled, slow and deliberate. “After being reborn, I made sure to do one thing.” I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice to a whisper.
“I injected myself with the HIV
Jasper’s head snapped up, his face pale.
His breath hitched, his grip tightening on the paperil
I smiled sweetly. “I’m already infected. Do you still want my organs?“8
He was speechless for the first time since I’d met Jasper Sterling ||
He exhaled harshly, raking a hand through his hair. “Alright, alright, fine!” His voice was rough with frustration. “Damn, you really are bold, strategic, and cold–blooded.
I stayed silent, waiting
Jasper let out a slow breath, his jaw tight as he finally met my gaze. Til let you go.” Then, after a pause, he added, “But here’s the deal
Without missing a beat, I cut in, “If you let me go, your secrets stay buried. They’ll never see the light of day. I’ll keep quiet, and you’ll have all the time you need to clean up your mess and save face. And,” I tilted my head slightly, letting my smile fade, “don’t forget, you need to stay alive.”
Jasper’s brows furrowed.)
“You have to make sure the Montclair family suffers,” I finished. “You get me, right?”
05 PM
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“You have to make sure the Montclair family suffers,” I finished. “You get me, right?
Jasper’s jaw clenched, his breathing slow and controlled.
Then–he nodded
Without another word, he turned and stormed out of the hotel room.
The next day, I boarded a plane and left the country without a second thought
Six months later, my phone rang.
I wasn’t surprised to see Jasper’s name flash on the screen.
But what did surprise me was the panic in his voice.
“Why?” His words came rushed, frantic. “Why would you do this to me? I didn’t make things hard for you! Why are you trying to ruin.
me?!”
I leaned back in my chair, suppressing a smirk.
Even though I was miles away, I had kept an eye on everything back home. I knew exactly what was happening.
His bankruptcy.
His investments had collapsed. His empire was crumbling.
I didn’t even pretend to be confused. “Ruin you?” Lechoed, amused. “Jasper, I told you picking Crescent Ventures would make you the richest man in the world. Did you pick it?
Silence
The kind of silence that confirmed everything.
I sighed, shaking my head. “You didn’t, did you?”
I could practically hear his teeth grinding over the phone.
“You knew I wouldn’t listen,” he finally spat out. “You knew I’d go for Alderbridge instead, didn’t you?“!
I let out a soft laugh. “Of course“}
Jasper let out a harsh breath, his frustration boiling over.
“It’s your fault,” he accused. “You knew I wouldn’t take your advice, so you deliberately told me the truth just to mess with me!” I didn’t deny it.
I shrugged, my voice light, unbothered. “Yeah, that’s right.”
Silence
And then, quietly, I added, “In my past life, you actually made the right choice.“”
