The heir of the Wolfe

CHAPTER SIX: AFTERMATH

The drive back was silent, but not empty. The tension from the dinner clung to the air, thick and unspoken, like something waiting to break.

Jane kept her eyes on the passing lights outside the window, refusing to look at Adrian, refusing to replay that moment in the garden—the way he had looked at her, the way his voice had lowered when he said he wanted her there.

It meant nothing. It had to mean nothing.

“You embarrassed her,” Adrian said finally, his tone calm but edged. Jane didn’t turn. “She was trying to embarrass me.” “And you responded.” “I defended myself.” A pause. “You challenged her,” he corrected.

Jane let out a quiet breath. “Is that a problem?” Adrian’s gaze shifted to her, sharp and unreadable. “It becomes one when you forget where you are.” That made her turn. “I didn’t forget.” Her voice was steady. “I just didn’t let her reduce me.” Something flickered in his eyes—approval, quickly buried. “You don’t understand how this works yet,” he said. “Then explain it to me.”

The words came out before she could stop them. Another pause. Longer this time. Adrian leaned back slightly, studying her like he was deciding something. “Elisa doesn’t attack directly,” he said at last. “She observes. Waits.

Then removes what she sees as a threat.” Jane’s stomach tightened. “And you think I’m a threat?” His gaze held hers. “She does.” The answer was settled between them.

Jane looked away again, her thoughts racing. “I’m just your assistant.” “That’s not how she sees it.” “Then that’s her problem.” Adrian didn’t respond immediately. When he did, his voice was quieter.

“It becomes yours if you’re not careful.”

The car slowed, then stopped in front of her building. Jane reached for the door, but his voice stopped her. “Jane.” She hesitated, then turned slightly. “Yes?” A pause. His eyes dropped briefly—to her lips again—before returning to her face.

“Don’t make me regret hiring you.”

The words were controlled, but there was something underneath them. Something she couldn’t quite name. Jane held his gaze. “Then don’t give me a reason to.” For a second, neither of them moved.

Then she stepped out of the car. The cool night air hit her immediately, but it didn’t clear her head. Nothing did. Because she could still feel it—that moment, that look, that pull she didn’t understand and couldn’t ignore. And the worst part? She wasn’t sure she wanted to.

The next morning came too quickly. Jane arrived even earlier than before, determined, focused, unwilling to let anything from the night before affect her work.

She stepped into the office, set her bag down, and immediately began organizing the day’s schedule. Meetings adjusted. Calls confirmed. Documents reviewed. Perfect. She didn’t hear him enter.

“You’re improving.” Jane looked up.

Adrian stood near the door, watching her again. Always watching. “That’s the goal,” she replied. He walked closer, his steps slow, deliberate.

“You didn’t sleep.” It wasn’t a question.

Jane held his gaze. “Neither did you.” A pause. Then, unexpectedly, the corner of his mouth lifted slightly. Not quite a smile—but close.

“Observant.” “It’s part of the job,” she said.

He stopped in front of her desk, closer than necessary. “No,” he said quietly. “That’s something else.” The words sent a subtle tension through her, but she didn’t step back.

“What do you want, Mr. Wolfe?” His eyes darkened slightly at the formality.

“We’re traveling.” Jane blinked. “Today?” “In an hour.” Her mind immediately shifted to work mode. “Where?” “Countryside estate. Three days.” Jane stood, already reaching for her tablet. “I’ll prepare everything.” She moved past him, but his voice stopped her.

“Jane.” She turned. He was closer now. Too close. “Pack accordingly,” he said, his tone lower.

“This isn’t just business.” Her breath caught slightly.

“Then what is it?” A pause.

His gaze held hers, intense, unreadable. “You’ll find out.” The same words. The same tone. But this time—it felt different. More personal. More dangerous.

Jane nodded once. “I’ll be ready.”

She turned and walked away, but she could feel his eyes on her the entire time. And this time, it didn’t feel like he was watching an employee. It felt like something else entirely. Something neither of them was ready to name.

And as the clock ticked down to their departure, one thing became clear—whatever was waiting for them at that estate… it was going to change everything.