Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right

“He’s not over it yet, even if you are,” Lena said. “Right now, his head’s probably a total mess.”

Lena always had a knack for cutting to the truth.

Aaron finally took his seat just as the light show started, and wow–it was next–level. Fifty minutes of stunning effects, each one unique.

The finale? That was pure magic. The human light performance had the whole crowd hooked, showcasing just how cutting–edge OceanixCorp’s work really was.

When the models ended by forming our company logo, the applause was deafening.

“Such a creative and refreshing display,” Aaron said, the perfect polished client. “The human light show was a standout.”

“That was all Ms. Kay from marketing,” Ron said, giving credit where it was due.

Every eye turned to me as the clapping grew even louder. I nodded, keeping it cool.

And then Cole–because of course, Cole–jumped in with a smirk: “Brilliant concept, no doubt, but let’s not forget the real stars here–our male models.”

“Absolutely,” I replied smoothly. “Thanks for your support.”

Cole’s grin only widened. “My honor to serve you,” he said, before throwing a glance at Wayne and Jace. “Right, guys?”

His tone was pure mischief, and yeah, he knew exactly what he was doing–stirring the pot like it was his personal hobby.

I couldn’t help but wonder if Wayne regretted ever teaming up with someone like Cole. Loyalty clearly wasn’t Cole’s thing, and trouble? He lived for it, no matter who got burned.

But I wasn’t interested in their drama right now. My head was spinning with one question: Was Xander really Hayden?

The problem? Xander was tied to Cole, and there was no getting around that guy.

“Mr. Drago, can I keep Xander?” I asked, going straight for it.

Cole raised a brow, clearly amused. “Oh? You’ve got your eye on him?”

“Yes,” I answered without hesitation.

That single word was enough to turn Jace and Wayne’s expressions sour. NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

Cole, of course, caught it instantly, and you could tell he was 4oving every second of their discomfort.

Still, he shook his head. “Sorry, no can do. Our club’s male models are upright professionals. They provide top- tier service, but let me be clear–only within the boundaries of their jobs. Anything extra is not on the menu.”

Excuse me, what? Did I say I wanted that kind of service?

This guy. Twisting my words on purpose just to get under Jace and Wayne’s skin.

I didn’t even bother defending myself. Let them think what they wanted. “I want Xander,” I repeated coolly. ” Name your price.”

1/2

Cole burst out laughing. “Wow, look at you, going all big spender on me. But do I look like someone desperate for cash? And besides,” he added, throwing me a playful wink, “you think I’d sell out my principles just like that?”

I didn’t flinch. Just stared him down.

Finally, he relented. “Fine, fine. I’ll talk to Xander. If he’s cool with it, I won’t stop him. Happy now?”

Sure, he sounded cooperative, but he was still dragging this out for his own amusement.

“Wait here. I’ll go ask him,” Cole said, turning to leave. But before he could take a single step, Jace and Wayne both moved, blocking his path.

“Who’s Xander?” they demanded in unison.

Cole’s grin stretched even wider. “Oh, now you’re curious? Why don’t you both come along and find out?”

He glanced back at me. “Perfect timing. With both of them here as witnesses, you can’t say I meddled if Xander turns you down.”

And with that, he headed toward Xander, Wayne and Jace trailing close behind.

Xander wasn’t far–just a few steps away and fully visible from where I sat.

“If you’re just gonna rely on secondhand stories, why not hear it for yourself?” Lena said, pushing my wheelchair along behind the group.

Cole got to Xander first, calling his name. Like always, Xander came over immediately, calm and collected. But the second Wayne and Jace got a clear look at his face, they froze.

“Xander,” Cole said with a flourish. “Meet Jace Johnston, CEO of RiverwaveCorp, and his brother, Wayne Johnston, Executive Director. Fun fact–they’re brothers.”

Xander nodded, polite as ever. “Nice to meet you.”

Jace’s eyes narrowed, his voice sharp. “Say that again. What’s your name?”

“Xander Zane.”

Cole’s smirk deepened. “Don’t you think he looks… familiar?” His voice was thick with mockery.