Unlike the day before—when his sudden appearance had caught her off guard—today, she greeted him with a calm, confident smile.
It wasn't forced. It wasn't defensive. It was the kind of smile that told a man like Thomas everything he needed to know: she had found her footing.
He noticed it instantly.
"Hmm… this is unexpected," Thomas thought, narrowing his eyes slightly as he observed her.
He had always prided himself on being a good reader of people—expressions, body language, hidden motives.
And right now, Jade was giving off all the signs of a woman who couldn't be easily swayed, much less manipulated.
Her back was straight, her gaze steady. There was no trace of hesitation in the way she carried herself.
In fact, she exuded the kind of certainty that only came from being thoroughly, utterly satisfied—in life, in love, in self.
Thomas almost frowned.
This was bad.
Very bad.
