?Chapter 465:


    Jade’sughter rang out like a victory bell. She deliberately moved her chair closer to Ethan until their arms almost touched.


    Ethan’s initial surprise froze into indifference. “Last I checked, you were supposed to be behind bars,” he said coolly, slicing into his steak.


    Greta sank into her seat, simmering with frustration. But she realized that anyone who knew Ethan like this must be someone with real power.


    Jade twirled her fork casually. “My father had leverage—a spy inside the military. They arranged an exchange, and I got out of jail,” she said as casually as if discussing the weather.


    Even Ethan hadn’t expected the Ward family’s influence to be so extensive. Brenna looked indifferent as she said, “How fortunate. Though if I were you, I would tread carefully from now on. Your father’s leverage might notst forever.”


    Ethan added, “Next time, they might not be so lenient.”


    Jade’s smile sharpened like the edge of a de. “You still owe me a favor, Ethan. I can’t die so soon.”


    The air sizzled with tension as the trio exchanged verbal daggers.


    Greta shrank quietly into herself. Military spies, prison escapes—this was no petty workce spat but a dangerous power y.


    After a while, Jade said with a smile, “Oh! There’s good news I almost forgot to tell you. I have purchased office space in the Financial Building, Brenna. We will be working in the same building from now on.”


    Brenna was displeased by the news. She said sarcastically, “How lovely. Has the Ward family shifted from trafficking narcotics to legitimate business?”


    Greta stiffened, stunned. She felt she had overheard something she shouldn’t. She stared hard at her te, silently wishing she had chosen the far end of the table instead of sitting near Ethan.


    Jade didn’t seem fazed by Brenna’s words. Herughter rang out again. “The Wards only handle legitimate business. It seems you have been misinformed.”


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    Leaning closer to Ethan, Jade said in a low voice, “Those robotics and drone projects you have…


    “Those robotics and drone projects you’re targeting—I want them. You can hand them over to me as repayment. What do you think?”


    Ethan smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “No offense, but yourpany can’tpete with the Mitchell Group on that. Besides, even if you got those projects, yourpany doesn’t have the capacity toplete them. Feel free to prove me wrong.”


    Jade’s eyes shed with anger. “Then tell me,” she said, “how exactly do you n to repay me? Are you considering an alternative form of payment?” A suddenugh escaped her lips as she entertained a thought. “That might not be such a bad idea.”


    Jade ced a hand on Ethan’s arm, leaning in close. “Do you think your mother would wee me into the Mitchell family as your wife?”


    “Enough!” Ethan eximed, pushing her away.


    Greta sat frozen, stunned by Jade’s audacity. She nced at Brenna and noticed her cold expression.


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