Chapter 125 Feisty
Sylvia chuckled with unexpected astonishment.
Up until now, her interactions with Jarrod had been non–existent–not even a casual nod in passing, though they frequented the same social circles and she was well–acquainted with tales of his exploits.
In Sylvia’s eyes, Jarrod had always been a figure of intense seriousness and command, mirroring the public’s perception of him as a business prodigy -like a machine built to print money.
Yet, here they were, unexpectedly close, and she glimpsed a side of him that was refreshingly human, a stark contrast to the rumors—a nervousness that intrigued her.
“Miss Payne, I assure you, beneath this serious exterior, I’m still human,” Jarrod declared, his expression earnest, almost as if he’d plucked the thought right out of her mind.
Sylvia let out a sudden laugh before she could stop herself, quickly covering her mouth as her eyes sparkled with amusement.
Jarrod watched her, a puzzled frown creasing his brow, completely at a loss about what could possibly be so funny.
After ensuring she received the necessary care at the hospital for her injuries, Jarrod insisted on seeing her safely home.
As they stepped out into the cool night air, Sylvia glanced at her watch–a stark reminder of the late hour. “It’s already one in the morning,” she said, a gentle refusal in her tone as she faced him. “If I let you drive me around the city, we’ll be chasing the sunrise before you’re through. I’ll take a cab. You should head home and be with your girlfriend. Thank you, truly, for everything tonight.”
Jarrod’s brow furrowed, his expression clouded with discontent.
“Your injury was my fault–I wasn’t careful enough. And anyway, I don’t have a girlfriend waiting up, so getting home late isn’t a problem,” he responded, pulling open the back door of the car with a gesture of invitation for Sylvia to climb in.
However, Sylvia remained motionless, her eyes fixed on him, pondering his words.
Caught off guard by her hesitation, Jarrod’s heart skipped a beat before he caught himself. “I apologize if I’ve overstepped,” he admitted, his tone tinged with regret. “It’s late, and I wouldn’t want to spark any rumors and upset your boyfriend. Perhaps it’s best if…”
Before he could swing the door shut, a delicate hand stopped him, her fingers chillingly cold against the warmth of his own.
Lifting his eyes, Jarrod was met by her radiant smile, a glint of mischief dancing in her gaze.
“I don’t have a boyfriend, so no worries about any misunderstandings. Since you insist, thank you; I’d appreciate the ride,” she said, her voice light and teasing.
As Sylvia settled into the car, the memory of their fleeting touch lingered with Jarrod, warming him more than the evening air. He stared down at his hand, still feeling the ghostly trace of her fingers.
“Mr. Doyle? Are you having second thoughts?” As Jarrod stayed rooted to the spot, Sylvia stuck her head out, unable to resist asking.
Jarrod, his brow furrowed in slight annoyance, reclaimed his seat behind the wheel.
The car hummed softly as it meandered through the neon–lit boulevards of Tofral. Upon gradually regaining his composure, Jarrod’s thoughts drifted to Sylvia, mulling over her ties to the prestigious Mitchell family and her unspoken affection for William.
Breaking the silence, she ventured cautiously, “Mr. Doyle, there’s a buzz online about Renee and your brother. What’s your take on it?”
Brushing off the speculation with a dismissive wave, Jarrod replied, “It’s merely a misunderstanding. They aren’t close.”
His tone shifted, spiked with curiosity, as he turned towards her. “Miss Payne, if I’m not mistaken, you and Mr. Mitchell grew up together, didn’t you?”
“Yes, we did,” she confirmed simply.
He exhaled a wistful sigh, the corners of his mouth downturned. “It’s a shame, really. Childhood connections often dim next to new romances. You two could have been something special.”
A chill ran through Sylvia’s smile, momentarily paralyzing it. Missing the fact that Jarrod was teasing her would’ve been pure stupidity.
Her voice took on a sharper edge. “Who knew you were such a gossip, Mr. Doyle? You can let me out here; I’ll take it from here.”
Surprisingly, a playful grin crept across Jarrod’s face as he caught her flustered response. “I’m only kidding, Miss Payne. Don’t read too much into
it.”
Contrary to the popular belief that painted Sylvia as gentle, considerate, and tranquil, Jarrod discovered her spirited and bold side, emerging vividly in moments like these.
