Standing in the dining hall, talking to the client who he already made a deal to do business with, a confident smirk on her lips, was a woman he knew far too well.
Jean Adams.
His heart lurched before his brain caught up.
No.
No way.
She couldn't be the one behind this.
Jean locking eyes with him. And when she did… her smirk only deepened.
It was her.
She was the one trying to steal his damn client. Logan's fingers curled into fists. He had come to South Korea expecting a battle.
But he hadn't expected her.
The scent of sizzling meat and finely aged wine filled the air as Logan settled into his chair, his face an unreadable mask of businesslike charm. Across from him, Jean mirrored his expression, poised and effortlessly graceful as if this moment hadn't shaken her one bit.
But Logan knew better.
He had expected to meet a shrewd businessman looking to challenge his offer… not her. His gaze flickered toward Jean as she took a delicate sip of her wine, her smirk lingering like she had already won.
Mr. Kim, oblivious to the charged tension between them, smiled. "It's good to see two powerful business minds together. I admire healthy competition."
Jean flashed a polite smile. "Of course, Mr. Kim. Competition only sharpens one's skills."
Logan's smirk deepened. "Indeed. Though some competitors forget that winning isn't just about persistence… but about credibility." His voice was smooth, but his words were aimed directly at Jean.
She didn't flinch. Instead, she set her glass down and folded her hands on the table, giving Logan a knowing look. "Credibility is important, I agree."
"But it must be earned, not inherited." Logan dropped the bomb on her
Mr. Kim chuckled, amused by their verbal sparring. "You two certainly keep things interesting."
Logan leaned back in his chair, watching Jean with a sharp gaze. She thought she could play in his arena? Fine. He would remind her why he was feared.
"Speaking of credibility," Logan said casually, picking up his fork, "I always respect those who don't back down easily. After all, finding the right match… whether in business or life partner… isn't easy, is it, Jean?"
Jean's fingers twitched slightly on her napkin, but she masked it well. Her smirk didn't falter. "That's true. Though persistence shouldn't be confused with desperation, don't you think?"
A direct hit.
Logan's grip on his fork tightened before he exhaled slowly, a cool, amused chuckle leaving his lips. "Wise words," he mused. "But some people just need a little guidance in making the right choice. Which I think people sometimes lack."
Jean met his gaze head-on, her eyes burning with challenge. Oh, he wanted to play dirty? She could play dirtier.
She turned to Mr. Kim with a bright, effortless smile. "Let's talk about your vision, Mr. Kim. I believe I understand exactly what you need."
And just like that, she pulled the conversation away from Logan, forcing him to watch as she effortlessly navigated Mr. Kim's preferences, solidifying her standing in the negotiation.
The lunch continued smoothly, both Jean and Logan maintaining their polished facades while waging war in subtle glances and veiled words. Neither would give in. And neither would forget.
As the meal came to an end, Mr. Kim wiped his mouth with a satisfied nod. "It's been a pleasure. I'll review both proposals carefully."
Jean and Logan stood at the same time, exchanging professional smiles as they shook hands with Mr. Kim.
But the moment he walked away, their smiles faded, and their eyes locked like drawn swords.
"Enjoy your meal, Kingsley?" Jean murmured, tilting her head.
Logan smirked, his voice a low whisper. "I enjoy winning more."
Jean's lips curled, stepping slightly closer. "Then I hope you don't lose your appetite."
And with that, she walked past him, leaving him standing there… hungry.
Logan stood frozen for a moment, his mind racing as he watched Jean walk away. She had played him.
Right in front of his own client.
His jaw clenched, frustration surging through him. How had he not seen this coming?
Jean had never been on his radar as a true business rival. She specialized in beauty and luxury… not in his world. Yet, here she was, slipping into his territory, challenging him where he least expected.
And worst of all? She had enjoyed it.
His grip tightened on his glass before he set it down abruptly. No. She wasn't getting away with this.
Before Jean could take another step, Logan reached out, his fingers closing around her wrist.
She gasped, caught off guard, turning back sharply. But before she could protest, Logan pulled her in, close enough for her breath to hitch. The warm scent of his cologne surrounded her, and his piercing gaze bore into hers, dark and unreadable.
"What were you thinking coming here, Jean?" His voice was low, filled with warning.
Jean stiffened. Her heart pounded… not from intimidation, but from something deeper. Something different.
Dangerous.
Then it hit her. The weight of his touch. The firm hold of his hand on her wrist.
Too tight. Too close.
Her breath grew shallow. A chill ran down her spine, even though the room was warm.
"Let go," she said, her voice suddenly quieter, strained.
Logan didn't release her immediately. He had been prepared for her sharp tongue, for another smirk, another taunt.
But definitely not this.
Her face had paled slightly, her body unnaturally rigid, as if she were fighting something unseen.
Even in his anger, he felt it. The panic rising in her eyes. The way her fingers twitched, desperate to free herself but unwilling to show it.
Something in his chest tightened.
Slowly, his grip loosened, his fingers brushing against her skin before pulling away completely. Jean took a step back, exhaling shakily.
Logan studied her, realization dawning. He had seen Jean Adams face ruthless competitors, reporters, and even him without flinching. But this?
This wasn't business. This was something else.
His voice softened just slightly, curiosity threading into his irritation. "Jean—"
"Stay out of my way, Logan," she cut him off, her tone sharp again as she hid whatever had flickered in her eyes moments ago. "And don't you dare come close to me ever again!"
Then, without another glance, she turned on her heel and walked away.
Logan watched her retreating figure, jaw tightening. He had wanted to intimidate her, to make her understand that this wasn't her game to play.
But now, for the first time… he wasn't sure if he had gained the upper hand at all.