After a long flight and an intense first encounter with Logan, Jean finally checked into her hotel room. She sighed, rolling her stiff shoulders before stepping inside. The room was elegant, boasting a breathtaking view of the city, but she had no time to admire it. She had a battle to win.
Just as she was about to freshen up, a knock on the door interrupted her. Emma, ever efficient, entered with an envelope in hand. "You got this too," she said, handing Jean a sleek black invitation card with gold lettering.
Jean read the words aloud. "'In honor of my esteemed father, Mr. Kim Chong Yu, I invite you to an exclusive poolside gathering this evening. Hosted by Junho Kim.'" Her lips pressed into a thin line. "A party?"
Emma raised an eyebrow. "More like a test. Junho wants to see how well you can socialize in a casual setting. Probably his father's idea."
Jean let out a tired chuckle. "How convenient."
At the same time, on the other side of the hotel, Logan sat in his suite, reading the same invitation. His fingers tapped against the armrest of his chair, a smirk forming. "A pool party, huh?" His mind immediately went to Jean. "Let's see how well you swim, Adams."
Jean arrived at the pool party with a clear mission… turn this pointless social gathering into a strategic opportunity. The moment she stepped in, though, she immediately regretted it.
Loud music pulsed through the air, neon lights flickered across the shimmering pool, and guests were already well into their drinks. It wasn't the sophisticated business event she had envisioned, it was wild. Far too wild for her liking.
Emma, always quick to read her, leaned in. "Jean, if you want, I can take over and talk to Mr. Kim instead. You don't need to do this."
Jean inhaled deeply, pushing away her unease. "No, it's fine. I can handle this."
Emma didn't look convinced, but she nodded anyway.
Their lawyer, sitting comfortably with a cocktail in hand, smirked. "Don't worry, Jean. If anyone tries something weird, I'll put my tricks to work."
Despite herself, Jean chuckled. Having her team's unwavering support gave her the confidence she needed.
She scanned the party, mentally strategizing. If she had to endure this chaos, she'd make it count.
Jean moved through the lively crowd with practiced ease, her head held high despite the chaos surrounding her. She finally spotted Mr. Kim seated in a quieter, more refined section of the poolside lounge, engaged in conversation with a few other esteemed guests.
It was the perfect opportunity to approach him. Straightening her shoulders, she stepped forward.
But the moment she neared, her eyes landed on the person sitting beside him, Logan Kingsley.
Of course, he would be here, she thought bitterly. He lounged casually, one arm draped over the back of his chair, his shirt unbuttoned just enough to show off his chiseled collarbone. He looked like he belonged at an event like this, unbothered, relaxed, and annoyingly confident.
Jean ignored the smug look Logan threw her way as she greeted Mr. Kim with a polite smile. "Mr. Kim, I hope you're enjoying the evening."
Mr. Kim beamed at her, setting his drink down. "Ah, Miss Adams. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised by your initiative earlier. You certainly know how to make an impression."
Jean's smile remained composed. "I believe business is about making the right impact at the right time."
Before Mr. Kim could respond, Logan let out a low chuckle, drawing Jean's sharp gaze. "Impression, indeed," he murmured, swirling the whiskey in his glass. "Though I wonder, was your sudden interest in this deal about business or about one-upping me?"
Jean's jaw clenched, but she didn't take the bait. Instead, she turned back to Mr. Kim with an effortless grace. "I'd love to hear more about your vision, Mr. Kim. What are you truly looking for in a partnership?"
Logan leaned back, watching her intently, but Jean refused to acknowledge him. She wasn't here for petty arguments.
Before Jean could continue her conversation with Mr. Kim, a new voice cut through the air.
"Jean Adams and Logan Kingsley, two powerful CEOs in my party... What a grand way to start my week."
Jean turned her head to see Junho Kim approaching, his steps a little too loose, his grin a little too wide. The scent of alcohol clung to him, strong enough that Jean instinctively took a small step back.
Mr. Kim's polite smile faltered, and Jean sensed that even he hadn't expected his son to behave this way.
Junho's eyes, however, were locked on her. "Miss Adams, you've been the talk of my father's meetings lately. I must say, you're even more stunning in person." His voice was smooth, but the way he leaned in slightly made Jean's stomach twist in discomfort.
Logan, who had been silently observing, let out a slow breath, already irritated. "Junho," he greeted, forcing a neutral tone. "Nice party you have here."
Junho barely spared him a glance, waving off his words as though Logan was nothing more than an afterthought. His attention remained fixed on Jean.
"Tell me, Miss Adams," Junho continued, his smirk deepening. "How are you finding our little event? Anything... catching your interest?"
Jean maintained a professional expression, despite the warning bells ringing in her head. "It's certainly lively." She chose her words carefully, refusing to let him pull her into whatever game he was playing.
Logan clenched his jaw. He wasn't fond of Junho on a regular day, but seeing him act this way around Jean made something inside him twist uncomfortably.
"Junho," Logan interjected, his tone sharper now. "Maybe you should sit down. You're clearly enjoying the drinks a little too much."
Junho chuckled, finally looking at Logan. "Relax, Kingsley. I'm just having a friendly conversation." Then, he turned back to Jean, lowering his voice just enough to make it seem intimate. "I'd love to get to know you better while you're here, Miss Adams. Perhaps a private tour of the hotel tomorrow?"
Jean's fingers curled into the fabric of her dress, her discomfort growing. Logan's irritation shifted into something darker, his grip tightening around his glass.
This was going to be a long night.