Chapter 28 Jadie waited for a moment before she spotted Zach emerging from the study . Swiftly , she moved toward him . " Zach , what's wrong ? You look upset . Did he … give you a hard time ? " Zach , with a blazer draped over his arm , was visibly troubled . But upon catching sight of her , his expression softened slightly . " It's nothing . Let's head back . " Seated in the car , Zach's grip on the steering wheel tightened as he replayed the conversation from the study , his gaze sharp and determined . " This is an invitation to a charity gala happening next week . I'll send someone to assist you . You know what to do . " Zach accepted the invitation . " Is Father trying to ally with the Young family ? " " No , it's a bid for a strategic marriage between our families . You're not getting any younger , Zach . It's about time you settle down . Currently , the Young family seems like " I understand . I won't disappoint Father . " For some reason , Zach pulled over . Confused , Jadie turned to him . " Zach , what's going on ? " your best bet . " Before she knew it , Zach pulled her into his arms , the delicate scent of camellias from her filling his nostrils . Jadie stiffened at his sudden embrace , caught off guard . Though they had been together for years , there had always been a chasm between them , a line neither had dared to cross even though their feelings were apparent . Now , Jadie could sense something was off with Zach . This man who had always been conscious of boundaries was initiating an intimate moment . The air in the car grew thick with tension , Jadie slowly relaxed into his arms , her head tilted . back to rest on his shoulder as her hands rubbed gentle circles on his back . Her voice was soft , almost a whisper . " Zach … What's wrong ? Are you upset about something ? " It was only after a while that Zach let her go . " Jadie , I've got some things to deal with soon . I need you to stay on campus for a while . " Jadie paused , taken aback by his request . A wave of disappointment washed over her . Her heart felt heavy in her chest . " Did I cause you trouble ? " Zach smoothed her disheveled hair with a gentle hand . " No , you've been great . Just give me some more time . After you graduate , I'll give you all the answers you're seeking . " Zach had the most expressive pair of almond - shaped eyes , full of depth and sentiment . But he had always been reserved , hiding his emotions , which made him appear cold . Staring into his intense gaze , Jadie's heartbeat picked up pace , and she lowered her slightly flushed face . " Zach … I understand . I'll do as you say . A hint of a smile tugged at Zach's lips . " I'll pick you up after school on Friday . " Jadie nodded . " Alright . " After dropping Jadie home , Zach made a beeline back to the office , where Kevin Harrison was waiting to debrief him on the upcoming arrangements . Kevin , Zach's right - hand man , presented several documents for him to sign . Wearing a sleek black vest and gold - rimmed glasses , Zach exuded a commanding air of self - discipline . He meticulously reviewed the departmental reports and upcoming project proposals . Outside the window , the sky had faded to darkness . His phone , placed on the desk , buzzed to life . His gaze never left the papers , as he accepted the call and placed it to his ear . " This is Zach Jardin speaking . Who is this ? " " Oh darling , I miss you so much … " A woman's voice , sultry and seductive , wafted through the receiver . Zach's eyebrows knitted together . He put down the documents , leaning back in his chair , an air of impatience emanating from him . From the other end , the sound of running water could be vaguely heard . " You've got three minutes . You'd better have something important to say . " " When did you become so timid , Zach ? Scared our secret might be discovered ? Why don't you guess what I'm doing ? If you guess right , I'll come over right now and you can do whatever you want with me . " " Jasmine , I don't have time for games . If you don't want this , feel free to decline . There's no need to test me . I've always said that you're free to walk away anytime . " Zach ended the call , and just as his screen was going dark , a new message popped up . It was from someone named Ethan . [ The walnut cake you made was delicious . Thanks , Madelyn , I loved it . ] Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!