"Spends nights with…?"
Oshineda was weirded out by such a vulgar statement, especially since it came out of Anna's mouth. However, his shock soon turned into displeasure.
The only reason he had been helping Jack was because Mira had taken a liking to him. Jack didn't look half bad, was agreeable on more terms than Mira.
He was someone who could handle her, but now, all that favorability disappeared, because he learned why Jack had so much money to spend.
He was a gigolo, Anna's boytoy!
How could I have been a fool?
The car, those bodyguards, everything given to him by the woman he spent his nights with. Suddenly, even being around Jack disgusted him. It was a good thing Mira didn't get to witness this scene or it would have broken her heart.
Don't worry, Mira, I will find someone even better than this gigolo!
He was about to turn and walk away when Anna chuckled.
"Yes. Wouldn't it be awkward if two roommates didn't hang out together?" Anna said, smiling at Jack.
To Oshineda, the smile might look endearing, but to Jack it was a sign Anna was slowly losing it. But surely, she wouldn't try anything in front of Oshineda… right?
"Roommates?" Oshineda asked.
"Yes, Jack is a dear friend of mine. He arrived in the city recently and had no place to stay, so I offered to host him."
"Oh… I see."
"Regardless, how can I help you, Mister…" Anna said, trying to remember the name.
"Oshineda."
A vein bulged on Oshineda's forehead. He was clearly not used to being looked down upon. Even though Anna had more influence in the city than him, the least she could do was to respect him, if not for his social standing, then for his age.
Unfortunately for him, only a few people deserved respect in Anna's eyes. Oshineda just wasn't on that list, but it was an opportunity to get there.
Oshineda was close with Jack, who was close to Anna. He could use his closeness with Jack to his advantage and get closer to her. Professionally, of course.
"Right, Mr. Oshineda, how can I help you?" Anna asked again.
"Mr. Mills and I are business associates so I've been helping him with networking, that's what we were here for, but now I feel foolish… haha."
"I see," Anna said. "The guards will show you out. Jack, stay back. There's something I would like your opinion on."
Despite her harsh words, Oshineda smiled and left. Nothing good would come from offending Anna, but he could always stay close to Jack.
I must tell Mira about this. The young man is even more amazing that I thought he was. Gigolo or not, the boy has some potential.
He turned to look at Anna a final time. He had seen enough people in love to see through her mask of indifference. Anna clearly liked Jack. If they got together, it would be beneficial to the Oshineda family, even if Mira had to become a mistress.
Ho, ho, ho… I don't think Mira would mind that either.
However, Jack didn't feel the same love for Oshineda anymore. He wanted to escape Natalya, but got into even bigger trouble, and Oshineda, who was supposed to be his lifeline, was running away for his own life.
"Cindy Myers."
Jack's mind went numb the moment Anna uttered her name. As expected, she already knew about Cindy. Well, it was for the good. Anna could investigate her background for him by asking for it.
But that's where the good news ended. Or so Jack thought.
"She's a good girl," Anna said, leaning against the railing.
The starry sky illuminated her face, as the wind gently ruffled her hair. Jack had expected her to be furious, instead she was as still as a pond.
She… looks cute… kinda.
Unlike the other girls he had met in this life, Anna's elegance was unmatched. Perhaps Fortuna was the only one who could compete with her, and it was saying something. After all, she was a goddess.
Yet, it made Jack wonder why was his old self running away from her?
Anna had everything. The looks, the resources, and the power. Anyone would die happy to be in his place, and yet there he was, chasing others.
I'm not like other men, am I?
Jack shook his head. He couldn't let one woman stay in his heart when it could accommodate thousands. It didn't matter if that one woman was Anna.
"She's a good girl? Do you know her?" Jack asked.
"I didn't an hour ago," she replied. "But I do now."
Her cold demeanor returned as she stepped towards him. She raised her hand. Jack expected her to slap him and was ready to defend himself. Instead, she caressed his face.
Before Jack could process what was happening, Anna handed him a tablet before walking away.
"You should see what's happening downstairs," she said, walking away. "I'll see you at home."
Takeshi bowed to her as they left.
"Deal with this mess," Anna whispered, so only Takeshi heard her.
Meanwhile, Jack was busy seeing a live feed of the hall below.
"Fucking bastard!"
Jack shoved the tablet into Takeshi's arm and ran to the elevator.
—x—
Meanwhile, in the hall, Cindy's talk with James had gone over well. The offer was too good to refuse and, unlike other companies, James himself explained to her about every clause in the contract.
"Welcome aboard, Ms. Myers," James said, gesturing a server to get them drinks. "Let's have a toast to our future collaborations."
Cindy smiled, raising the glass, before handing it back to James. She had been to enough galas to not drink anything offered. Especially when she had ticked off too many people there.
"I… don't drink, Mr. Fenris. I hope you don't mind," Cindy said.
"Oh, of course not."
James gulped down his drink when Oshineda returned.
"I hope everything about our offer is to your liking, Ms. Myers?" he asked.
"Of course, sir. But the terms were too generous…"
"Oh, nonsense," Oshineda scoffed, waving his hand. "The industry is full of rascals who love to exploit the youth. We just give what they deserve and everyone says we give the best deals, haha!"
Oshineda's gaze then fell on the untouched glass of wine in James's hands and took it.
"Young man, it is not good for you to waste such a fine drink," he said, taking a sip. "Hm… the taste is quite… exquisite…"
The next second, the glass slipped from Oshineda's hand. Before anyone knew what was happening, he fell to the ground, unconscious.
"Sir!"