Chapter 207
Sean sat in silence for a long time.
Mr. Jasper Sr. spoke patiently.
“Desmond is a businessman. He’s never dealt with this kind of violence. Even if you assign bodyguards, you can’t protect them every second of the day. You saw it yourself this war between you and Joseph is already hurting the Riley family first.”
Sean’s deep eyes were as still and bottomless as a dark lake. His throat bobbed slightly, the comers of his eyes tinged red.
“Grandpa,” he said quietly, “do you really think joseph will belleve I’m done with Lottie just because I say so?”
“That’s why you can’t fake it,” Mr. Jasper Str. said firmly. “You need to really break it oft. Charlotte’s too pure–hearted. She can’t pretend. If you tell her it’s just an act, she’ll give it away. Sean, you have to make it clean. Make it hurt.”
A flicker of pain flashed through Sean’s eyes.
“I promised her I would never do anything to hurt her.”
“This isn’t hosting her,” Mr. Jasper Sr. said softly. “It’s protecting her.”
Sean’s voice lowered.
“Joseph targeted the Riley family because he knows Lottie is my wealmness. I don’t believe for a second that breaking up with her will convince him I’ve really let her go.”
Mr. Jasper Sr. shook his head.
“No, he’ll believe it. You’re the heir to the Jasper Corporation. Ite’ll assume you’re not the type to stay loyal to just one woman. Men born into families like ours are expected to be charming, not devoted ”
Sean let out a bitter laugh.
“Grandpa, give me a little time. Let me think it over,”
Mr. Jasper St. patted his shoulder, his tone heavy with meaning
“I can wait, but the Riley family can’t.”
Seanclosed his eyes for a moment. His chest rose and fell, like he was trying hard to hold something back
Mr. Jasper5r.’s voice softened.
Sean… if you really care about charlotte, then deal with Joseph first. Once he’s no longer a threat, you can win her back”
Sean’s voice was hoarse, his eyes lost and unfocused. He looked so shaken, it startled Mr. Jasper Sr. He had never seen him like this before.
“And what if, by them, she doesn’t want me back?”
Mr. Jasper St had no answer.
He understood bow Sean felt, but there was nothing he could promise. People’s hearts changed in an instant. Who could say what would happen?
And this time, it was Sean who would be the one ending things. Charlotte had no reason to stand still and wait for him
Worse still, he would have to break it off so convincingly–so cruelly–that she would truly give up on him. Only then would Joseph be fooled.
But if Sean went that for, what reason would she ever have to forgive him?
it was a dilemma with no right answer.
Mr. Jasper Sr. was quiet for a rooment before speaking again.
“Unless… you’re not ready to let her go. If that’s the case, be honest with her. Let her in on the plan, not only if you’re absolutely sure she can pull it off. It she slips up and someone gets the truthiout of her, she or her family could pay the pike.”
Sean didn’t respond.
“That wouldn’t work,” he thought,
Charlotte wasn’t someone who could hide her feelings. If she wasn’t completely over him, one look in her eyes would give her away. Anyone would see it instantly. Mr. Jasper Sr. stood up.
Think it over,” he said. “I came back to Jersey City for one reason to officially end the engagement with the Rileys. I need your answer by tomorrow. Tomorrow night, we’ll go to the hospital together and offer Desmond a formal apology”
Sean said nothing, eyes downcast, a heavy sadness hung around him like a shadow.
Seeing that he needed time alone, Mr. Jasper Sr. said no more and went upstairs.
The grand hall was quiet and still. The windows were shut tight, not even a breeze slipping through. The air felt heavy, stifling.
Sean tugged at his collar. A sharp, persistent ache throbbed in his chest.
Pale winter sunlight spilled through the glass, stretching his shadow across the polished floor
The silence felt hollow. So did he.
