Joshua said, “The night before, he was supposed to take a couple of days off. Did you push his buttons yesterday? We got dragged into overtime again.”
Jessica’s face flushed. She had kissed him yesterday. Could it be that he actually liked her?
She had thought it was just because of that marriage certificate that he felt obliged to pay attention to her.
No. There was no way he could possibly like her.
They barely saw each other. How could he even fall for her?
“Did he say anything?”
“Nope.”
Joshua glanced at his phone. “Alright, I’m done hanging out. My car’s here, so enjoy yourself. I’m heading back to the ranch to slave away.”
“1
He then got out of the car and hurried off toward the main street.
Jessica pressed her lips together, staring at the interior of the car.
Zachary had rushed out so quickly last night. It turned out that he’d been fussing over this car.
But why would he like her?
Biting her lower lip, she sent him a message. “Thanks, I really like it.”
A reply came instantly. “Yeah.”
Was he that free that he could reply so quickly? But why did he never reach out to her first?
Still puzzled, she drove the car back to her garage and went in to eat breakfast.
By the afternoon, Robert sent a message asking if she needed a ride. She declined, but asked him to prepare a racket.
Back in school, they’d often played together. But after graduation, they hadn’t really hung out, and she had no idea where her old racket had gone.
Riverside Athletic Club was the city’s upscale badminton and basketball club. Only members or cardholders could get in. It wasn’t enough just to have money.
The elevator stopped at the top floor. Once her identity was verified at the front desk, Jessica was guided inside. She wore fitted gray yoga clothes with black sneakers, and her hair had been tied in a messy bun, looking casual yet put together.
“Robert!” She immediately spotted the standout figure in the crowd.
He was dressed in a loose black tracksuit with baggy pants and a fitted tank top that showed off his toned muscles. He must have just finished warming up, a light sheen of sweat already on his forehead.
“Jess, you’re here.” He grinned, showing his perfect white teeth.
“I’m not late, am I?”
“Nope, you’re right on time.”
Just then, she noticed two familiar faces in the group.
Lucas and Evelyn.
Lucas spotted Jessica first and waved. She only nodded in acknowledgment.
Four people were already paired for a doubles match on the court. Lucas and Evelyn made one team, and the other side had two men Jessica didn’t know.
“Do you know them?” Robert asked, glancing at her.
“They’re the two new managers at our company. I didn’t expect them to be so close. Wait… Do you know them?”
“We graduated together. Old classmates.”
“I see.” Jessica nodded.
“One of them is my client, and the other a friend of his.”
“Oh.” Jessica wasn’t particularly interested in them and just smiled before warming up.
After playing for a while, they all gathered together and exchanged a few words before they started reshuffling teams.
“Hi, Mickey.”
A guy with a buzz cut, wearing a loose T–shirt, cargo pants, and Martin boots in the heat, stepped forward. He extended his hand, wiping off the sweat before offering it, clearly recognizing Jessica.
But since Zachary had asked for discretion at her request, he didn’t act too casually with her.
The others nearby were all watching the two of them while sipping their drinks.
Jessica naturally reached out, shaking just a third of his hand.
“Hi, Jessica. Nice necklace,” Mickey said, pointing to the ring around her neck.
Evelyn glanced at her, and Jesicca quickly fucked the necklace under her clothes. “Thanks.”
Seeing the dark intensity in Evelyn’s eyes, Jessica knew she wasn’t someone ordinary.
Lucas and Evelyn formed one team, and Jessica paired with Robert. They started the next match of badminton, while Mickey and his partner rested.
Mickey pulled out his phone and sent Zachary a text. “Zach, your lady’s here. Lots of rivals around.”
He then attached a video.
Chapter 87
