Chapter 18: Chapter 18

Jeremy glanced at Annie and found an excuse to strike up a conversation. “I’ve gotta get some flowers for an older relative’s birthday bash. But I’ri clueless about these. Any recommendations, Annie?”

Annie almost blurted out, “What about chrysanthemums? You disappear carly, I’ll make sure your grave is chock–full of ‘em!” But she held back and suggested, “How about lilies? They symbolize smooth sailing, blessings, nobility, and wishes coming true. A solid pick for an older lady.” With a smile, she added, “Got a bunch reatly. How about I give it to you?”

Feeling a touch of satisfaction in the smooth flow, Jeremy harbored a bit of pride. He had seen Annie loiter around his company every day and figured she hadn’t given up on him. Given that Annie’s old man, John, was the second–largest shareholder at Chandler Group, Jeremy was cool playing along. Taking the lily bouquet, he extended, “Big thanks for the assist. As a little somethin‘ back, care to grab a bite with me?”

“No need, Annie declined.

Jeremy froze.

Annie looked puzzled. “Aren’t you supposed to celebrate your elder today?”

Jeremy chuckled, “Silly me, almost forgot. How about leaving your number for me? I’ll treat you. another day.”

Annie pulled out a pink card from the counter casually. “I forgot my phone. Can you jot your number down here instead?”

Jeremy scribbled his digits on the card and took off with the blooms.

After seeing Jeremy off, Annie turned to the florist and requested, “Please wrap a bunch of red roses and deliver it to Ms. Yolanda Sanders at the Sanders residence in Royal Garden.” Cheerfully, she added, “Oh, and don’t forget to slide this card in there.”

As her words trailed off, Jackson’s voice chimed in behind her. “You hate him yet pretend like couldn’t care less. Got to be eating you up inside, huh?”

Annie turned over and clenched her teeth when she saw who it was. “What a small world!” She huffed and said, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

you Jackson sauntered over lazily. “Lilies are considered a cursed flower in Japrium. If I recall correctly, they signify decapitation.”

Annie sighed. Despite Jackson having helped her before and possessing a face that could charm any woman, she just couldn’t warm up to him. No matter how she tried to hide things, he always struck the bullseye. “If you’re not buying flowers, how about not blocking their sales?”

Jackson chuckled, “You’re a puzzle. You clearly can’t stand Jeremy, yet you greet him with sugary smiles. But for me, not even a trace of warmth. Did I offend you?”

Annie retorted coldly. Did you?”

With a low laugh, Jackson smirked, “It’s a give–and–take. I lent you a hand, so it’s fair game, right?”

Annie couldn’t help but snort. What she could handle on her own turned into a constant worry thanks to his interference, always afraid John would grow suspicious. And he now wanted warmth from her? No way. She ignored him and completed her purchase.

Jackson leaned against the flower shop’s arbor, asking casually, “Can you tell me why you hate Jeremy?”

Annie replied with a half–smile, “Who said I hate Jeremy? Everyone in Betrico’s high society knows I’m crazy about him.”

Jackson eyed the card in the bouquet of red roses intended for Yolanda, and his expression seemed to ask, Seriously?” If she truly cared for Jeremy, why would she so casually hand out his contact info:

Annie stated coolly, “Just take it as me wanting what I can’t have and turning love into hate.” She had no desire to reveal her dark past to anyone. Right now, all she wanted was to head home and watch the drama unfold.