She's Too Busy Winning to Watch Him Cry novel Chapter 334

Lyra carried only her phone upstairs. When she pushed open the door to the café's private room, the last person she expected to see was Jayden Ward.

A wave of conflicting emotions hit her. Jayden was older—if he were just a few years older, he would be her father’s age. Had Caleb lost his mind? If she actually married a powerful politician like Jayden, who would be calling the shots between him and Caleb?

The lighting in the room was dim, casting shadows across Jayden's profile and adding to his commanding, serious aura. A knot formed in Lyra's stomach, and her first instinct was to turn and sprint away.

But the man had already lifted his gaze, noting her arrival.

"Have a seat, Lyra," Jayden said, his voice smooth and composed.

Lyra froze. After a few agonizing seconds, she slowly walked over and sat across from him, offering a polite, rigid greeting. "Mr. Ward."

Jayden's warm gaze rested on her luminous skin, a gentle smile touching his lips. "I took the liberty of ordering you a latte. If you'd prefer something else, feel free to pick."

"That's perfectly fine, a latte is great," Lyra murmured.

Sitting across from a high-ranking politician with such a mature, intimidating presence left Lyra completely on edge. She couldn't relax a single muscle.

After a beat of silence, Jayden spoke slowly. "Your brother mentioned you've been going on blind dates recently. Have you officially broken up with Caspian Jameson? It seems I might actually have a chance after all."

Lyra sat stiffly, her spine ramrod straight, practically sweating bullets.

Noticing her nervous demeanor, he chuckled lightly. "The way you're looking at me, you'd think you were sitting across from a strict school principal."

Lyra lowered her eyes, a slightly helpless smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

"Mr. Ward, the pile-up on the overpass that day... were you riding in the armored Lincoln sedan? Is that why you consider me a lifesaver?"

Jayden looked genuinely surprised. "No, actually. I wasn't in that vehicle."

"I noticed you simply because I admired your extraordinary courage."

A flicker of shock crossed Lyra's eyes.

Jayden went on to list the traits he admired about her. Listening to his calm praise, Lyra slowly let go of her anxiety, no longer as tense as she had been when she walked in. Everyone liked being complimented, and Lyra thoroughly enjoyed hearing his perspective.

Jayden looked at Lyra, his voice soft. "Have a safe trip. Give me a call when you get there."

Lyra agreed.

...

When Harrison strode into the CEO's office, Rowan was buried in paperwork. Hearing footsteps, Rowan didn't even look up; he simply held out his hand, expecting to be handed an iPad.

Instead, a stack of glossy photographs was placed in his palm.

Rowan lifted his gaze, his predatory eyes pinning Harrison to the spot.

Harrison offered an awkward smile.

Fearing the CEO would smash another tablet today, Harrison had opted to print the photos out.

Just as expected, as Rowan flipped through the images one by one, his expression turned lethally dark. A second later, he viciously hurled the entire stack of photos across the floor.