The Phantom Heiress Rising From The Shadows

Chapter 254 Seeing Jade Again The Financial Building housed a variety of companies, with a workforce numbered in the thousands. The ground floor was hto an assortment of dining options, while the nearby street, lined with over a dozen office towers, boasted even more eateries. Restaurateurs clamored for space here, drawn by the people working here's generous salaries and robust spending power.

Brenna and her team were regulars at one particular buffet, and today was no different.

Ethan and Brenna filled their trays, choosing dishes side by side. Positioning herself next to Ethan, Greta picked her food while discreetly observing Ethan's selections.

She couldn't help but notice that his choices lacked any clear pattern. There was no obvious preference in his varied assortment.

Besides, beneath his seemingly indifferent exterior, there was a thoughtful streak. He even gently asked about Brenna's preferences.

This unexpected tenderness caused a flutter in Greta's chest.

"Ethan, I have been looking everywhere for you." Jade appeared out of nowhere and smoothly slid into the seat beside Ethan.

Ethan's frosty gaze flickered with surprise. Jade's tray looked like a carefully arranged painting, each dish placed precisely for visual appeal.

She sank into the chair with effortless grace, her quiet takeover executed without a hint of haste.

Brenna simply took the empty seat across from Ethan. She settled comfortably, showing no sign of annoyance. Jade's smile turned sharp enough to cut glass. "Apologies, Miss Harper. I trust you don't mind my choice of seat?" "You can sit wherever you want," Brenna replied, her voice as cold as the winter wind.

Greta's nails dug into her palms. Who was this presumptuous intruder? This woman didn't look like a good person at all. She wasn't worthy of sharing the sair as Ethan, let alone a table.

"That seat belongs to Brenna." Greta's composure cracked. "You should move." Ethan looked at Greta, his silence heavy with unspoken agreement. Greta had voiced what he couldn't say. Jade chuckled mockingly. "The grown-ups are talking. You shouldn't interfere." Her glance dismissed Greta like she was nothing.

"Brenna got here first!" Greta snapped, slamming her tray down and reaching out to yank Jade from the chair.

12.03 Chapter 254 Seeing Jade Again Brenna caught her wrist to stop her and said, "It's just a seat. I'm perfectly fine sitting here." Jade's laughter rang out like a victory bell. She deliberately moved her chair closer to Ethan until their arms almost touched Ethan's initial surprise froze into indifference. "Last I checked, you were supposed to be behind bars," he said coolly, slicing into his steak.

Greta sank into her seat, simmering with frustration. But she recognized that anyone who knew Ethan like this must be someone with power.

Jade twirled her fork casually. "My father had leverage-a spy inside the military. They worked out an exchange, and I got out of jail," she said, as casually as if she were talking about the weather.

Even Ethan hadn't expected the Ward family's influence to stretch so wide.

Brenna looked indifferent as she said, "How fortunate. Though if I were you, I would tread carefully from now on. Your father's leverage might not last forever." Ethan added, "Next time, they might directly give you a death sentence." Jade's smile sharpened like the edge of a blade. "You still owea favor, Ethan. I can't die so soon." The air sizzled with tension as the texchanged verbal daggers.

Greta shrank quietly into herself. Military spies, prison escapes-this wasn't spetty workplace spat but dangerous power plays.

After a while, Jade said with a smile, "Oh! There's good news I almost forgot to tell to tell you I have purchased office space in the Financial Building, Brenna. We will be working in the sbuilding from now on." Brenna was displeased by the news. She said sarcastically, "How lovely. Has the Ward family shifted from trafficking narcotics to legitimate trade?"

Greta stiffened, stunned. She felt she had heard something she shouldn't hear. She stared hard at her plate, silently wishing she had picked the far end of the table instead of sitting near Ethan. Jade didn't seem upset by Brenna's words. Her laughter rang out. "The Wards only handle legitimate business. It seems you have been misinformed." Leaning closer to Ethan, Jade said in a low voice, "Those robotics and drone projects you have your sights on, I think?" want them. You can lethave them to repay me. What do you

Ethan smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "No offense, but your company is unable to compete with them Mitchell Group on that. Besides, your company doesn't have the power to complete these projects even if you get them. Feel free to provewrong." Jade's eyes flashed with anger. "Then tell me," she said, "how exactly do you plan on repaying me? Are you considering an alternative form of payment?" A sudden laugh escaped her lips as she thought of something. "That might not be such a bad idea." Jade put one hand on Ethan's arm as she leaned in and said, "Do you think your mother would welcme into the Mitchell family as your wife?" 16:22 Chapter 254 Seeing Jade Again "Enough!" Ethan exclaimed, pushing her away.

Greta sat frozen, stunned by Jade's audacity, She glanced at Brenna and noticed her cold expression.