As Tommy attempted to approach Willow, a mysterious figure swiftly interposed, emanating an icy warning. âStay away from her.â
âHey! Who do you think you are? Itâs none of your business, consultant.â Tommy felt offended and annoyed, sensing that he was being intruded upon.
âTommy, donât you dare be rude to him,â Willow asserted firmly, hands planted confidently on her hips.
Startled by her words, he couldnât help but glance at her with genuine curiosity. âWhatâs your relationship with him?â
âNo matter what, heâs under my protection, so you canât bully him,â she declared, her expression firm and resolute. Tommyâs heart stung slightly at Willowâs words. With a tender tone, he asked, âWillow, do you have feelings for him?â
As her gaze met Jasperâs, she couldnât help but ponder the presence of Tommy and his entourage of bodyguards. Given Tommyâs unpredictable temperament, she could tell that admitting her true feelings for Jasper could stir up unwanted turmoil. âIf you want to stay, stay. Donât pry into my affairs,â she asserted firmly.
As the weight of Tommyâs emotions settled. upon him, he couldnât help but feel a tinge of dejection.
However, he clung to the belief that Jasper, a mere consultant, couldnât rival his wealth. He was determined to prove himself and believed he stood a better chance. The allure of the Presgrave Familyâs world beckoned him, but Tommy knew it wasnât a realm easily accessible to ordinary individuals like Jasper. If he dared to pursue Willow, heâd risk more than rejection. Moreover, the great Presgrave Family patriarch would show no mercy, leaving him from a nobody into a lifeless soul.
âYou should go to bed, Willow. Girls shouldnât stay up late; itâs bad for your skin,â he advised, looking out for her well-being.
As the clock struck past 4.00AM, exhaustion washed over her like a gentle tide. Then, her weary eyes met Jasperâs, and she couldnât help. but inquire, âAre you going to sleep?â
âIâm not tired,â Jasper replied. âAlright then. Iâll go get some rest,â Willow stated and turned toward the inviting embrace of the tents.
As she drifted into the distance, Jasper contemplated his departure, but before he could make his move, Tommyâs hand shot out, halting him in his tracks. âI donât care who you are, but I had feelings for Willow first. Donât you dare compete with me,â Tommy warned sternly, even threatening him with his gaze. However, Jasperâs words cut through the air like ice. âShe is her own person, beholden to none but herself.â
âWhat? Are you daring to challenge me? Letâs put your capabilities to the test, Tommy exclaimed, a glimmer of confidence in his eyes. He had known Willow for three long years, long enough to realize she was not one to be easily won over. Yet, he remained undeterred, buoyed by his familyâs considerable wealth, which may not rival the Presgrave Familyâs fortune, but undoubtedly surpassed that of 99.99% of the country.
Nevertheless, Jasperâs narrowed eyes spoke volumes as he turned his back on him, leaving without a word. Despite Tommyâs dissatisfaction, a resolute belief lingered within him that no other man stood a chance as long as he was there.
The following morning, his chef prepared a satisfying meal for the entire team with the fresh ingredients they brought. With each delectable bite, satisfaction spread across their faces.
As Willow joined the team, a fellow female member leaned in and whispered softly, âMiss Presgrave, I noticed Mr. Wyatt skipped breakfast and went over there.â
âWhy isnât he eating?â âIâm not sure, but he doesnât seem in a good mood. Do you want to check on him?â The female team member unintentionally noticed Jasperâs bad mood.
After hearing this, Willow scooped up a delicious breakfast plate and took some extra food. She then held two forks and headed toward him. Meanwhile, Tommy went back to catch some more sleep.
When Willow gazed upon the shoreline, she spotted Jasper perched atop a rugged rock draped in a gray hooded cloak that enhanced his aura, evoking a sense of dignity akin to a noble sword. âJasper, why are you here alone? Have some breakfast.â She approached him with the breakfast plate.
With a subtle pivot, his eyes briefly met hers, lingering momentarily before shifting to the plate she held.
Swiftly, he averted his gaze and gently uttered, âIâm not hungry,â
Willow sensed an underlying distaste for the breakfast prepared by Tommyâs chef, suspecting it was more about Jasper disliking Tommy than the food itself. Determined to change his mind, she coaxed, âDonât be like this. Fill your stomach first. Letâs eat together.â While saying this, she playfully picked up a slice of luncheon meat and offered it to him. âOpen your mouth. Ah-â
As his eyes caught sight of it, an involuntary chuckle escaped him. âDo you think Iâm a child?â