Chapter 413

Face–to–face Interrogation I had already brewed the tea when Jared entered the room.

I looked at the refined man, his eyes brimming with the depth and wisdom that only time and experience could bring.

He didn’t seem surprised to see me, merely giving me a subtle quirk. “Hello. We’ve met before.”

I nodded and got up. “Yes, we have. I’m Chloe, Ivanna’s closest friend.”

“She mentioned you.”

I was a little uneasy about his composed manner. After all, this man was enigmatic. I felt the vast disparity in our status as a woman watching out for my best–friend.

Both of us sat looking calm, but there was a faint air of distance. Neither of us rushed to speak.

It wasn’t that I didn’t want to start the conversation, but I had never interacted with someone like him before. I had no idea how to begin.

I gestured toward the tea I had poured for him. “Please, Mr. Jared.”

He got straight to the point. ‘Do you know what you wanted to discuss with me?”

“Ivanna,” I replied directly.

What else was there to talk about with him? Of course, it had to be Ivanna. Why pretend otherwise?

I had only regarded Jared as a man my best friend trusted enough to entrust with her life. Not the mysterious big shot it rumored him to be. I felt oddly at ease.

“I’m all ears.” He didn’t ask for more details or offer any answers. These three words were spoken with great humility.

“Ivanna and I are very close friends, and I think you already know how deep Ivanna’s character is. For the past two years, she has taken care of me, and she has become family to me.”

What I said was not an exaggeration. Ivanna was not just family to me–she was irreplaceable.

Jared looked at me with questioning eyes, though it was fleeting. I must have seemed like an open book that was easy to read. But I had to get my point out.

I want her to be happy above all else. That’s why I spoke with her about your relationship last night Honestly.. Ldisapprove of it. I said boldly, lacking eyes with him.

I His gaze remained steady. His demeanor was calm, and he didn’t interrupt me. It was as if he were genuinely listening.

This calmness was far from the elevator kiss I once witnessed between him and Ivanna. It was difficult for me to picture this man as having both such refined moments and passionate ones.

Love was truly hard to understand.

“You understand why I’d think that. She may feel safe and attached to you, which every woman wants, but you have put her in a difficult situation. Mr. Jared, would you say I’m being unreasonable?”

I looked at Jared. His flawless skin and scholarly air made him incredibly captivating.

“Not at all,” Jared replied calmly, lifting the tea I had poured for him. He took a sip, and his deep.

mysterious eyes met mine. “It’s clear that you care deeply for her.”

His choice of words was measured. He used “care deeply for instead of simply “friend”

“That’s why I wanted to meet you today.” I felt surprisingly calm like I had stepped into a role. My mind was getting clearer. “I’ve only heard rumors about your reputation. After seeing you and your wife last night, Ivanna told me how you met.”

Then I added, “I should be grateful to you for saving Ivanna. She is kind and has a strong sense of what is right. She would do anything for her friends. I hate seeing her hurt, even a little. You saved her, but you also caused her a lot of trouble To be honest, I don’t know Trinity. But you do. You hold the most authority to speak about what kind of person she is. I want to know how you will protect Ivanna.”

My question was straightforward, bordering on sharp, as I looked at him with determination.

I knew my gaze would not deter him. I was perhaps overestimating my abilities. But for Ivanna’s sake, I had to press on, I needed to draw out his true feelings.

“I believe I must understand this issue clearly. That’s the purpose of my rather roundabout journey to find you today.” I added.

Jared calmly took another sip of tea, then raised his eyes, locking onto my face.