Chapter 36
Chapter
Thirty-Six
ZACK
T he steady rhythm of my pen against the desk is the only sound in my office. The morning has been uneventful so far…just as I prefer. My schedule is packed, the hours already blocked out with meetings and reports, but at least here, within these four walls, there’s a sense of control. Everything in it's place. Predictable. Or at least it should feel that way.
Instead, my focus drifts, slipping between the cracks of the tasks I’ve set for myself. The trip with Jenny looms in the back of my mind, casting shadows over my carefully organized thoughts. What was supposed to be a straightforward distraction, a calculated move to steer her away from Brett, had turned into something far more complicated. And now, the aftermath weighs on me like an anchor.
The trip wasn’t necessary, I tell myself again for what feels like the hundredth time. It wasn’t urgent. I could’ve left things as they were, let her linger in her infatuation with Brett while the merger fell into place. But no. I had to step in. I had to play my part, the puppeteer pulling strings to control an outcome that’s now slipping from my grasp.
My pen stills mid-stroke as the memory of her voice surfaces, unbidden…her laughter, yes, but more than that. The way she spoke to me, her words so effortlessly weaving between sharp wit and unguarded sincerity. It had been too easy to lose myself in those conversations, to forget why I’d orchestrated this charade in the first place. And then there was her body. The way it moved beneath mine, the heat of her skin against my own, the way she unraveled under my touch…it had been intoxicating. Fucking her hadn’t just felt good; it had felt inevitable, like I was claiming something I hadn’t known I needed until she was there, offering it so completely. Being with her, in every sense, had felt right in a way I couldn’t afford to admit.
Each moment we spent together…exploring ruins, sharing meals, even the quiet hours in the suite…chipped away at the walls I’ve spent years building around myself. Walls that should have remained intact. Impenetrable.
But no. She’d gotten through.
The realization stings, it makes me feel like a monumental failure and it has been a very, very long time since I have felt this way in any aspect of my life. Jenny was supposed to forget Brett. That was the goal. To entice her completely, to shift her focus so entirely that she wouldn’t even remember the boy who’d never deserved her devotion. But instead, she hadn’t and I’m the one left in emotional straits.
I drop the pen onto the desk and lean back in my chair, pinching the bridge of my nose. The mountain of work before me should feel like a welcome distraction, a chance to reassert control. Instead, it feels like a mockery. The deals and deadlines blur together, insignificant compared to the storm I’ve unleashed. The thought of her with Brett gnaws at me, a constant, unwelcome presence in the back of my mind.
She’s back home now, probably settling into the comfort of familiar surroundings, reconnecting with people who adore her in ways I never could. People like Brett, who’ll swoop in with his charm and ease, who’ll make her smile with effortless grace. And me? I’m here, drowning in the consequences of my own actions, pretending that everything is fine.
A knock at the door pulls me from my thoughts, and I straighten in my chair, forcing the mask of indifference back into place. Whatever this day throws at me, I’ll handle it. I always do. But as the door creaks open, I can’t help but wonder if I’ll ever be able to untangle myself from the mess I’ve created. Or from her.
Turns out it’s Brett, and my eyes almost can’t believe it. Speak of the devil, literally.
He bursts in, grinning like a cat that’s just found its next meal.
“Morning, big brother,” Brett chirps as he strolls into my office, exuding the kind of confidence that only comes from never facing consequences. He collapses into the chair opposite me with practiced ease, tossing one leg over the other and looking far too cheerful for this early hour. “You’ll be thrilled to know I have plans tonight.”
I glance up briefly from my desk, masking my irritation. “Should I be worried?”
“Not unless you consider dinner at home scandalous,” he says, smirking.
My pen stills against the paper. “At home? Since when do you host dinners at the house?”
His grin widens, the kind that makes me instinctively brace for trouble. “It’s just Jenny. Nothing remotely controversial.”
Her name hits me like a jolt, though I force myself to maintain a facade of indifference. Leaning back in my chair, I fold my hands together, steepling my fingers. “Jenny,” I repeat, keeping my voice measured. “And why, exactly, is this dinner happening at home?”
“Convenience,” Brett replies with a nonchalant shrug. “Plus, Elizabeth has been on my case lately, combing through my schedule like I’m some wayward teenager. The last thing I need is her catching wind of me entertaining a ‘friend’ at a restaurant.”
“You’re treading on thin ice with her,” I say, my voice clipped. “And entertaining Jenny at the house isn’t exactly a subtle move.”
“She’s like family, and she lives there,” Brett insists, waving a hand dismissively. “You act like I’m planning an elopement.”
Something about the way he minimizes her makes me furious, though I try my very best to hide it. “She’s also on track to become a world-renowned model now,” I point out, narrowing my eyes. “She’s not just the chauffeur’s daughter anymore, Brett. The least you could do is take her somewhere befitting that. She deserves it.”
“World-renowned?” Brett snorts, leaning forward with that trademark charm that works on everyone but me. “You’re joking, right? It’s for some brand I’ve never even heard of. But it doesn’t matter…model or chauffeur’s daughter…you know I’m soft for her. I didn’t see her that way. It’s just safer while I try to figure out my own head. You haven’t forgotten, have you? About all the extensions before you two left for Rome. I still want the chance to figure it out before it’s too late.”
I stare at him, not even knowing how to address his comments. I decide, ultimately, to play it safe before the wrong thing comes out of my mouth.
“Tod’s is a significant brand,” I counter sharply. “I arranged that opportunity for her. It’s a solid foundation for her career.”
For once, Brett looks momentarily thoughtful. “Well, that’s a relief then. Knowing you’re looking out for her takes a load off my mind. You’ll make sure she’s got what she needs, right? She’s got a great support system, thanks to you.”
The casual praise does little to temper my growing irritation. His interest in Jenny feels too familiar…transient, superficial, just like all the others. It’s his pattern: infatuation that burns bright and fizzles out, leaving nothing but a trail of discarded hearts in its wake. But this time, the thought of Jenny being part of that trail gnaws at me, stirring something sharper than I care to admit.
“What’s the plan for dinner?” I ask, keeping my tone neutral.
“I told the chefs to whip up something nice…stuff she likes,” Brett says, leaning back in his chair, the picture of smug satisfaction. “And for the occasion, I grabbed a bottle of Chateau Margaux. You know, that ridiculously expensive vintage you keep stashed away in the cellar like it’s some kind of holy relic. Figured this was as good an excuse as any to crack it open.”
My pen halts mid-stroke. I glance up sharply, my gaze locking on him. “You took the 2005 Margaux?” My voice is calm, but there’s an edge to it.
He grins, unbothered by the quiet fury simmering beneath my words. “Yeah. Don’t worry, big brother, I’ll savor every drop for you. It’s not like you were ever going to drink it anyway.”
“Generous of you,” I mutter, the words clipped as my hand tightens around the pen. That bottle isn’t just expensive; it’s irreplaceable. A symbol of discipline and patience…qualities Brett has never possessed.
“Oh, and I’ll pick her up a little something too,” he continues, completely oblivious to my growing irritation. “Maybe a nice Hermès bag. Women like that, right? Something understated but elegant. It’ll show I pay attention.”
I lean back in my chair, studying him. His cavalier attitude grates on me, but what stings more is the ease with which he talks about Jenny, as if she’s just another fleeting interest. Another accessory to add to his collection.
“And the dinner?” I ask, keeping my tone neutral.
He shrugs. “Something light but fancy. Chef’s got it under control. Maybe some grilled seabass with that citrus glaze she liked last time. Toss in a side of those roasted vegetables she raved about. You know, keep it classy.”
“You seem to have it all figured out,” I say, my voice heavy with forced indifference.
“Don’t I always?” Brett quips, flashing a grin that’s too self-assured. But then, as if sensing the weight in the room, his expression shifts, softening into something unfamiliar. “Look, Zack, I know you don’t approve of my... let’s call them ‘adventures’, but you don’t have to worry about Jenny. I’m not going to screw this up.”
I arch an eyebrow, unimpressed. “You’ll forgive me if I don’t share your confidence.”
His grin falters, and for a brief moment, the mask drops. “I mean it,” he says, his voice quieter now. “I like her. A lot. I’m not going to mess with her. Like I told you, she’s like family. I’m serious about this, and if I find out it’s not a good fit, then I’ll ensure things end amicably.”
“Amicably,” I repeat, my voice edged with disbelief. “Is that even possible when it comes to relationships?”
Brett laughs heartily at this, his easy charm shining through. “Probably not, but I’m sure Jenny will be fine.”
“Maybe she will, and maybe she won’t,” I say evenly, my tone hard enough to make him pause.
For the first time, he notices the shift in my demeanor, his grin fading into uncertainty.
“What do you mean?” he asks, his brow furrowing.
“I’m saying,” I continue, “I think she deserves someone who tries. Someone who really tries. So, if you’re going to do this, then really do it. Don’t hurt her.”
He nods, but I’m not convinced he understands yet. And I need him to understand…so violently, I almost can’t contain myself.
“Jenny loves you, Brett,” I say, my voice steady though it feels like shards of glass in my throat. “She has her whole life. If being with you makes her happy, then the merger doesn’t matter. I need you to focus all your attention on this…on her…and make it work.”
He stares at me, stunned. “Y-you’re serious about this.”
“I am,” I reply firmly.
His eyes narrow, his shock refusing to wane. “Wow… I… I’m shocked. I thought you’d be furious…like before. I still can’t believe you’re willing to risk the merger. Did I hear you wrong just now?”
“You didn’t hear me wrong,” I say deliberately. “Not everything is about money.”
Again, he looks at me like he doesn’t recognize me. “You don’t sound like the brother I know. I guess that vacation you took in Rome did something to you.”
With a carefree laugh, he stands and pats my shoulder lightly. “Well, I just stopped by to say hello. You’ve been going to bed early since you got back, so I haven’t seen much of you. I’ll see you later tonight, though? Let’s have a drink by the pool.”
“Sure,” I reply.
He leaves without another word, but the weight of his presence lingers. The thought of Jenny sitting across from him, smiling, laughing at his charm, twists something deep and unrelenting inside me. I clench my fists, willing the ache to fade, but it only grows worse.