chapter nineteen

Chapter Nineteen

Jasmine had barely slept after leaving Antonio's house that night.

Her mind was restless, spinning with thoughts she couldn't quite process. She had tried to convince herself that she could keep her distance, that she could pretend she wasn't being pulled deeper into his world.

But pretending was exhausting.

By the time she arrived at work the next morning, she was running on little more than caffeine and determination.

Lana, the clinic's receptionist, greeted her with a knowing smile. "Rough night?"

Jasmine sighed, setting down her bag. "You could say that."

Lana raised an eyebrow but didn't push. "Well, you've got a full schedule today. Might help distract you."

Jasmine nodded, grateful for the distraction. She needed to focus on work, on the things she could control.

And for the next few hours, she did exactly that.

It wasn't until her last client of the day that things shifted again.

As she was reviewing notes in her office, a soft knock sounded at the door. She looked up to find Dr. Meera Chapel standing there, her expression unreadable.

"Jasmine," she said, stepping inside. "I wanted to talk to you about a new client."

Jasmine sat up straighter. "Of course."

Dr. Chapel hesitated for a moment before continuing. "He specifically requested you."

Jasmine frowned. That was unusual. "Do I know him?"

Dr. Chapel handed her the file. "I'm not sure. But I thought you should see for yourself."

Jasmine took the file and opened it, her heart stopping the moment she read the name.

Konrad Conner.

Her blood ran cold.

Why the hell would Antonio's right-hand man be coming to her for therapy?

She looked up at Dr. Chapel, trying to keep her expression neutral. "When does he start?"

"Tomorrow."

Jasmine exhaled slowly, nodding. "Alright. I'll be ready."

But deep down, she knew nothing about this was normal.

Konrad wasn't here for therapy.

He was here for something else.

And she wasn't sure she wanted to find out what.

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