“Mr. Hob, did you need something?” I asked, putting on my best professional face and smiling.


    Jared sighed, pulled up a chair, and sat down next to me. “Did you have a good time on your vacation?”


    “Spending my ex–husband’s money and living in the house he bought me? Yeah, it was pretty great,” I said, just to get under his skin.


    Jared’s face stayed calm, but his eyes lingered on me, deep and unreadable. “I’m d you’re happy.”


    “You look like you’ve got a lot on your mindtely. What’s up? Can’t make a decision? Want me to break it down for you?” I joked, trying to mess with him a little.


    “Help with what?” Jared’s eyes lit up, curious.


    “You know, between Amy and Tracy, which one’s more wifey material for you?” I said, grinning.


    “Victoria, don’t be so childish.” Jared’s face darkened. “What kind of rumors have you been listening to?”


    I shrugged, ying it cool. “I don’t have time for gossip.”


    Jared frowned. “I promised Yvonne I wouldn’t get married again, so you really don’t have to worry.”


    With that, Jared stood up. “Yvonne’s been growing up so fasttely. She even asked to sign up for some sses herself. If you have time, maybe you could hang out with her.”


    I froze for a second, caught off guard. Jared looked me over again, a teasing glint in his eyes. “You’re looking more radiant than ever. Guess I’ve been a terrible gardener all these years, huh?”


    I hadn’t expected Jared to be in the mood for jokes. Keeping my cool, I shot back, “You plucked me and stuck me in a vase, barely gave me any water. <i>Of </i>course, I’m not blooming.”


    “Your sass game’s gotten strong. When did you get so mouthy?” Jared grumbled, clearly not thrilled.


    “I’ve been a doormat long enough. It’s about time I started being myself again,” I said with a smile.


    “Just focus on your work. The hotel’s your responsibility now,” Jared said as he opened the door to leave.


    He didn’t even mention anything about me and Ryan, like he trusted me, certain I wasn’t the type to get involved in any drama.


    That was just Jared, always ying the mastermind, acting like he’s got the whole game mapped out, seeing through everything but never giving anything away.


    He thought he had got me all figured out, but I was not his caged bird or his kite on a string anymore. If he was hoping to keep me on a leash or watch me from the shadows, he could forget it.


    12:09 Thu, 21 Aug 9 (0


    “Ms. Murphy, are you free for lunch?” Amy walked over, smiling at me.


    I looked into Amy’s eyes, which screamed ambition, and asked, “Is this about work?”


    53%


    “Why do you always look so standoffish? We’re colleagues now. Can’t we be friends, too?” Amy said, sounding


    sincere.


    I nodded. “Sure, we can grab lunch.”


    Amy booked a restaurant. When we got there and she finished ordering, she said, “Ms. Murphy, I actually divorced Clint two years ago.”


    I asked, “Really? Then howe you two still seem like a couple?”


    “Oh, we’re not, really. We’re just like old friends who hang out sometimes, nothing <i>more</i>,” Amy said with a shrug. “We got divorced because I didn’t want kids, but Clint did. So, we ended things amicably.”


    I nodded. “That’s pretty progressive. Honestly, that kind of arrangement sounds pretty healthy.”


    Amy leaned in, resting her chin on her hand, and sighed as she looked me over. “Ms. Murphy, someone as gorgeous as you must have guys lining up to ask you out.”


    I smiled. “Honestly, not that many.”


    Amy grinned. “That’s because most men feel out of their league around you. If a guy doesn’t have real confidence or status, he wouldn’t dare to just ask you out.


    “Besides, Mr. Hob spoiled you. Now you’ve got that high–ss vibe that makes you even more irresistible.”