Chapter 83
As Jasper took those final strides, he appeared tranquil and self-assured. Yet beneath the surface, his emotions churned-part thrill, part unease.
"Jasper, that was incredible! I'm beyond impressed!"
Before he could even find his footing, Evelina leaped forward and embraced him tightly.
A mesmerizing scent wrapped around him, and the inner chaos gave way to sheer bliss.
He struggled to accept this was happening, but the warm figure pressed against him made everything undeniably real.
"I'm just relieved you're safe," he murmured, holding her like he never wanted to let go,overwhelmed by gratitude and a sense of something finally aligning between them.
"You have no shame, Evelina! How could you-ow!"
Cary was mid-outburst when lan, without hesitation, shoved his dislocated shoulder back in place.
A sharp cry escaped Cary as lan dragged him down the aisle.
Jasper had been seconds away from commending lan's timing, but Evelina pulled back just then.
His arms suddenly empty, Jasper stood there feeling an ache he couldn't quie place. "Evelina...?"
She had already regained her poise, her tone all business. "Tell me exactly wat happened in the cockpit.Do you think it was a malfunction, or something intentional?"
She strode toward the front of the aircraft.
The moment her eyes landed on the mangled.remains of the windshield, her doubts intensified. "That glass is reinforced. It doesn't break under normal circumstances. Jasper, I reviewed the passenger manifest.Besides you, a few others were tied to powerful families. And where did we land? Eastmere..." A region known for its unrest was now the unexpected location of a significant gathering.
The town was overflowing, bursting at the seams with unfamiliar faces and unpredictable energy.
"Are you suggesting this detour wasn't coincidental,but calculated?"
Jasper had entertained that idea, but her arriving at the same thought caught him off guard
It made perfect sense why he admired her-sharp mind, keen instincts.
"We don't know Eastmere's terrain or players. We must stay alert," she warned.
After such a close brush with death, Evelina was hyperaware of danger.
"No need to worry. lan has arranged for an extraction. A chopper's on its way."-
Jasper offered reassurance, extending a hand to guide her down the ramp.
But she deftly sidestepped the gesture. "We should be ready for surprises."
"...Of course." His hand dropped as awkward silence crept between them. He followed without another word.
"Evelina!" he suddenly called out before they crossed the threshold of the jet.
She paused and looked back. "What is it?"
Meeting her gaze with unwavering intensity, he spoke slowly. "I would never hurt you."
In his world, tough decisions were unavoidable-but his loyalty was to those he held close.
And Evelina meant more than she probably realized.
"I didn't want Aurora's assistant to die. I accept responsibility, but it wvasn't by choice."
He laid himself bare, hoping she'd stop retreating behind her walls.
"I believe you," she said, resolute. Though her heart trusted him, her life was still tangled with Cary-and until that was resolved, she couldn't embrace anything new.
Jasper found the response inadequate.
In a rush, he stepped in front of her, halting her movement. "Every word I've said to you is real."
Even the bold declaration he made in Cary's presence-that he wanted her by his side.
Evelina was taken aback by his urgency, then smiled gently. "I know."
"Then why not-"offer him a real answer?
Her smile widened. "Give me time to decide. Besides-"
She teased, "Ireah has no shortage of charming, eligible men. I should browse a little before picking the one I fancy most."
His heart sank, and his body stilled.
She noticed and softened her tone. "At this moment, Jasper, you still hold first place."