Karina replied with a soft smile.
âBut I want you there,â Jack said in a sulky tone as he tried to appeal to her affection.
Karina raised an eyebrow, glancing at his agent.
âDo you think Leilani did something wrong? Should I deduct her salary?â
Leilani Wagnerâs face turned pale.
She was just an agent.
Come on, she didnât want to get dragged into their argument.
âJack, did I do something wrong?â she asked, looking at him with wide, worried eyes.
Jack knew that Karina was deliberately changing the subject, and it only made his eyes fill with more frustration.
âLeilani didnât do anything wrong.
I just want to see you, okay?â he pleaded.
Karina patted his shoulder gently.
âWork hard, Jack.
Donât overthink things.
Itâs late now.
Get some rest.
Weâre heading back.
â
As she turned to leave, Jackâs voice grew more desperate.
âYou just got here, and now youâre leaving? Canât you stay a little longer?â
Before Karina could respond, Bar
low stepped in, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
âJack, as a man, you should be considerate of women.
Donât you know they shouldnât stay up late? Youâre being so childish.
No wonder no one likes you,â Barlow said, his tone smooth but cutting.
The implication stung Jack-his childishness was the reason Karina didnât like him.
His face twisted in anger.
Karina watched Jackâs reaction, fighting the urge to laugh.
She wanted to comfort him but realized it might be better to let Barlowâs words sink in.
With Carlowâs interference, at least Jack wouldnât try to woo her anymore.
âWeâll be off now,â she said gently.
âLeilani, please take care of him for me.
â
âOkay,â Leilani replied immediately, relieved to be out of the conflict.
Barlow nodded slightly and guided Karina out, his arm still around her.
Observing Karina and Carlow leave the room, Jack clenched his fists and pounded them against the sides of the bed in frustration.
Leilani approached him carefully.
âJack, donât be angry.
You know that Karina only loves Mr.
Tucker.
â
Jack took a deep breath, his face darkening.
âThatâs why Iâm even angrier.
If Karina only loved Mr.
Tucker, why did she choose Carlow as her boyfriend now? If sheâs lonely, why not choose me instead of Carlow? Is it just because Carlow looks like Mr.
Tucker?â
Leilani smiled awkwardly.
âItâs possible.
â