Chapter 13

Jeremny had a private villa in Blossom Estate

In the living room, he lounged on the sofa, coffee in hand,his eyes fixed on the woman across from him

"You're going to hand over your shares in Perennia Group to me?" he asked.

Kayla stepped closer, her voice firm but calm. "Yes. If you agree to collaborate with Perennia Group, I'll transfer every share I own to you. You'll become the second-largest shareholder in the company."

This was the plan she'd spent the night putting together

Sleep had been impossible-she'd tossed and turned until morning, waiting for the right moment to come and make her offer in person.

She'd worried she wouldn't be allowed in. It was his home, after all. But the butler had gone to ask, and surprisingly, Jeremy had agreed to see her.

A soft scoff escaped him. Not quite amused-more like he was entertained by her nerve. "Perennia Group is barely a blip. It's not even worth a third of North Investment's value Why would I want your shares?"

"Whether they're valuable or not-you'd know that better than anyone," Kayla answered, her voice laced with careful ambiguity

Jeremy's gaze sharpened, ice replacing the mockery "Does Liam know about this?"

"They're my shares," she said, lifting her chin slightly "I don't need his permission to use them."

"Aren't you two always joined at the hip? Did you fight?"

Kayla pressed her lips into a thin line,clearly unwilling to delve into her private life Without missing a beat,she steered the conversation elsewhere

"I'm sorry about yesterday I made some soup this morning to apologize. I hope you'll accept it."

She placed a thermos on the table

"You made it?" Jeremy raised a brow, suddenly interested

"Yes," Kayla said, her lashes fluttering nervously

Of course she hadn't The housekeeper had prepared the soup that morning,but the moment Kayla caught its scent, her stomach turned. Still, she decided to bring it along-Jeremy wouldn't be able to tell she hadn't made it herself

He didn't say anything,leaving her uncertain. Was he considering the offer? Or just humoring her?

"Mr. Graham, you have a guest," the maid announced.Almost on cue, Zoe appeared in the doorway

Kayla turned to her, eyes narrowing just slightly. Of all times,she had to show up now?

"Mr. Graham!" Zoe's voice rang brightly as she moved straight to him, dressed like she had comne to make an impression. But when her eyes landed on Kayla, her expression soured. "What are you doing here?"

Kayla didn't bother replying. She looked away,unimpressed.

Zoe's face stiffened from the lack of attention and leaned in toward Jeremy. "How's your injury?"

His posture eased a bit. "Much better," he replied.

Zoe lit up, practically beaming. She reached into her bag and set down a thermos too. "I was worried, sSO I made some soup and brought it over. I hope it helps you feel better." Edwin, nearby couldn't help the thought that crossed his mind-the Cooper sisters sure were diligent Both of them, showing up with soup.

Zoe's gaze flicked to the first thermos already on the table. She realized instantly it was from Kayla.

Still smiling, she gently pushed Kayla's thermos to the side and said sweetly. "Oh, Kayla brought soup too?If I'd known you were coming, we could've come together. That way, we wouldn't bother you twice."

Kayla remained quiet, refusing to entertain Zoe's fake friendliness

Still, she couldn't ignore the shift in Jeremy's demeanor whenever Zoe spoke. Did he really think she was the woman from that night?

Before she could dwell on it, a servant entered with a tray of fresh fruit

Zoe immediately offered, "Mr. Graham, let me peel an apple for you."

Jeremy didn't answer, but she picked up an apple and started peeling it anyway. Once done,she handed it to him with both hands

Jeremy wasn't one to eat food others had touched,but he accepted it this time "Thank you." "You're welcome!" Zoe beamed like a child who'd won a prize

She was convinced now-Jeremy liked her Definitely

Eager to prove her magnanimity, she grabbed another apple and held it out toward Kayla "Kayla, would you like one too?"

The scent hit Kayla instantly Her stomach turned. She quickly covered her mouth, turning her face to the side,quietly gagging

Jeremy noticed His eyes flicked up to her, watching carefully

Zoe's reaction was immediate and dramatic. "Kayla,are you pregnant?"

Kayla's heart skipped a beat, but she didn't flinch Instead, she replied calmly, "I've had a few stomach issues lately. I'm on medication. But, Zoe, you've never shown much concern for me before. Why now?"

The smile on Zoe's face cracked. She turned quickly to Jeremy,hoping he'd say something,maybe defend her

But he simply said, "You should leave. We still have matters to discuss"

Zoe stood frozen for a beat, then forced a tight smile "Alright. I'll visit you again soon."

As she walked past Kayla, she shot her a sharp glare before disappearing out the door

With the room quiet again, Kayla turned back to Jeremy. "I've already passed the project files to your assistant. It's a real estate venture-its value will only go up. If you decide to move forward, it'll be a strong strategic play I hope you'll consider it. And if you change your mind, you can reach out anytime."

Jeremy didn't respond, and Kayla knew staying any longer would be pointless.

She gave a small nod, then turned and walked out

The cool air hit her the moment she stepped outside,and she finally let herself exhale.

Coming here had been a risk. She didn't know if Jeremy would see the value in her offer

Though her marriage to Liam had been brief, she'd picked up enough during Graham family gatherings to piece together a few unsettling truths

Jeremy's mother had died, and all the whispers all pointed to Janiya Graham-Liam's mother Janiya was Johnny's illegitimate daughter Years ago,Johnny's affair had driven Jeremy's mother to the brink She fell ill and eventually died Later, Johnny brought Janiya home

Jeremy had never forgiven that Janiya had spent years trying to push Liam back into the family business,maneuvering to give him a top seat in Graham Group

Jeremy wouldn't let it happen. If anything, he was likely working to dismantle her plans-starting with Liam's Perennia Group

Kayla had connected the dots just last night. That was when she made her decision

Her shares, backed by the fact that she'd funded most of Perennia's early development, made up a full third of the company

Now, the choice rested with Jeremy

As Kayla stepped off the front steps, she stopped short. Zoe was waiting for her outside