"Don't tell me... you're here for Micheal ?"

Jayden froze mid-step. For a split second, genuine alarm flashed across his face-his eyes widening slightly, his jaw tightening. His lips parted as if he was about to speak, but no words came out immediately. Then, just as quickly, he composed himself-his expression smoothing into something thoughtful, almost casual.

"...Yes," he said finally, nodding slowly as he turned to face her. "He called this morning-said it was urgent, so I took leave to come see him. "

Jane's expression darkened instantly, her hands balling into fists at her sides. Anger flared in her eyes-hot, protective.

"You know how he treated you before," she snapped, taking a step closer. "... why would you even come see him? No-absolutely not. I won't let him use you again."

Without waiting for a response, she grabbed his hand and began pulling him along toward the parking lot, her grip firm but not painful.

"You're coming back with me."

"Hey-" Jayden stopped her gently but firmly, his fingers wrapping around her wrist just enough to halt her movement without hurting her. His touch was warm, steady-grounding.

"It's not what you think," he said, his tone softening as he looked down at her, his eyes warm and reassuring. "He explained everything. Last time... something fell on the floor. He asked me to check it out. That's all...you just misunderstood "

Jane narrowed her eyes, studying him carefully-taking in the way he held her gaze, the slight furrow of his brow that looked genuine. She'd learned to read his expressions over the past few months, and this didn't look like a lie.

"...Really?" she asked, her anger beginning to fade into concern.

Jayden smiled, reaching up to brush a strand of hair from her face that the wind had blown loose. "We grew up together-he was like a brother to me once. What kind of thoughts could he possibly have about me? You just misunderstood the situation last time."

Jane hesitated, her shoulders relaxing slightly. She knew how much Jayden valued loyalty, even to people who didn't always deserve it.

Then she sighed, releasing his hand with a small shake of her head.

"Fine," she said reluctantly. "But still... better safe than sorry. Be careful with him, okay? He's not the same person you knew."

Her voice softened at the end, genuine concern slipping through despite herself. She reached up to adjust his collar, her fingers lingering for a moment against his neck.

Jayden nodded, covering her hand with his own. "I will. Promise."

She turned away, heading toward her car with one last worried glance over her shoulder.

And the moment her eyes left him-

Jayden exhaled deeply, his shoulders slumping slightly as relief washed over his face. He ran a hand through his hair, his expression shifting from calm reassurance to something heavier, more burdened.

Back in his office-located on the top floor of the executive wing, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the entire airport-Jayden's expression had completely changed. Cold. Sharp. Every trace of the gentle man Jane knew was gone, replaced by the focused intensity of someone who held real power.

"Send Michael in," he ordered into his intercom, his voice crisp and authoritative.

Moments later, Michael stepped in, barely closing the door before Jayden spoke again, not even looking up from the stack of documents on his desk.

"Instructor Norman Badwell," Jayden began, his voice edged with barely contained anger. "Repeated harassment of female staff. Abuse of authority. Coercion and attempted assault. I've just received a full report." He slammed a thick file onto the polished wood desk, the sound echoing in the quiet room. "There are multiple anonymous reports dating back six months. Why wasn't he fired?"

Michael didn't look surprised. He'd already heard about the incident in the corridor.

He shrugged lightly as he took a seat across from the desk, leaning back casually despite the tension in the air.

"His aunt's cousin's sister-in-law... is married to your second cousin on your mother's side," he said matter-of-factly. "The family pulled strings to keep him on, said he was 'going through a tough time' and deserved another chance."

Jayden's eyes widened, disbelief flashing across his face before being replaced by pure irritation.

"Absurd," he said sharply, pushing the file across the desk toward Michael. "Blood ties don't excuse predatory behavior. Not in this company."

"File formal charges for workplace harassment and assault," Jayden continued immediately, his fingers steepled as he looked out the window at the tarmac below. "Track down the whistleblowers-offer them protection, legal support, whatever they need. Hire top lawyers to represent them. I don't want a single one of them intimidated into silence by his family or anyone else."

He pushed another thinner file across the desk-this one marked with Jane's name.

Michael caught it easily, flipping through the pages with practiced ease. "Got it."

Then, glancing up with a teasing smirk, he added, "Heroic move... protecting your lover like this, huh?"

Jayden didn't respond. He simply looked away, his jaw tightening slightly as he focused on the aircraft moving across the runway.

Michael chuckled under his breath, standing up and stretching. "Though honestly... that scumbag should've been axed a long time ago. I've had complaints about him from flight attendants and new pilots for months."

"Then get moving," Jayden said, shooting him a pointed look that made Michael raise his hands in surrender.

Michael paused at the door, his playful demeanor fading slightly as he looked back at his friend.

"...What's with you today?" he asked, leaning against the doorframe. "All soft and gentle with Jane-but snapping at me like I owe you money."

Jayden rolled his eyes, then forced a stiff smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"Satisfied?" he added, trying to make his voice light.

Michael leaned in, squinting at him dramatically. "Stop that," he said immediately, backing away toward the door. "That smile is disturbing. It looks like you're in pain."

He stood up straight, giving Jayden an exaggerated wave. "I'm leaving. Immediately. For my own safety-and to spare myself from whatever weird mood you're in."

With that, he turned and hurried out, closing the door softly behind him.

Jayden didn't stop him. He sat in silence for a long moment, his gaze fixed on the window as he ran through every possible way to tell Jane the truth about who he really was.

Later that day, Jane walked across the tarmac after her flight to Denver, her cap tucked under her arm as she loosened her tie. The wind tugged lightly at her hair, carrying the familiar smell of jet fuel and hot asphalt as she moved with her usual composed stride toward the crew building.

"Jane!"

She turned, her hand automatically going to adjust her uniform as she saw Norman running toward her-his shirt wrinkled, his tie askew, his face pale and frantic. Tears clung to his eyelashes, tracks of dirt and what looked like dried blood staining his cheeks.

"Jane, please-" he said, skidding to a stop in front of her and pressing his palms together in a desperate gesture. "Please talk to Captain Blackwood for me. I was wrong-I was completely wrong. I was blinded by lust, by my own stupidity. If I had known you were under his protection... I would've never touched you, never even looked at you the wrong way."

Jane's expression hardened instantly, her body tensing as she took a step back.

"What are you talking about?" she said coldly, her voice carrying clearly across the quiet tarmac. "You were fired because you deserved it-because you assaulted me and have a history of harassing women. I won't lift a finger for you, and I certainly won't ask anyone else to either."

But Norman wasn't listening. He fumbled with his phone, scrolling rapidly through what looked like text messages and emails. His hands trembled too much to steady it, and he dropped it once before catching it against his chest.

"My sources-" he stammered, wiping sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand, "they said I was fired personally by Captain Blackwood. That I crossed his wife, and he made sure I'd never work in aviation again."

He failed to find whatever he was looking for and shoved the phone back into his pocket, turning to her again with desperate eyes that darted across her face.

"And the only person I've crossed recently... is you."

Jane stilled, her breath catching in her throat as his words sank in. She stood perfectly still, her hands hanging at her sides as confusion flickered across her face.

"...Captain Blackwood's wife?" she repeated slowly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Something... wasn't adding up.

From the far end of the tarmac, Jayden and Michael walked side by side, their pace unhurried-but their attention sharp as they scanned the surrounding activity. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the concrete, and the distant roar of engines filled the air as planes taxied toward runways.

Michael's gaze shifted first, his steps slowing slightly as he spotted movement near the crew building.

"...Look," he muttered, tilting his head slightly toward the scene ahead. "That's Norman-he's talking to Jane."

Jayden followed his line of sight, his jaw tightening the moment he saw them. Ahead, Norman was bowing repeatedly, his shoulders hunched, his posture desperate and almost pitiful. Jane stood before him, her back straight, her arms crossed over her chest-composed but clearly engaged in the conversation, her expression serious and focused.

Jayden's eyes narrowed as he took in the scene, his fingers flexing at his sides. He watched closely-every movement, every shift in posture, every flicker of emotion across Jane's face. She held her ground, her feet planted firmly apart, her gaze steady as she listened to whatever Norman was saying.

Jane wasn't in danger.

She wasn't being cornered.

She was in control.

Only then did Jayden exhale quietly, the tension in his shoulders easing just slightly.

"Go handle that," he said under his breath, his voice low and urgent. "I can't risk exposure right now-"

Michael turned to him, incredulous. "Then why don't you do it yourself? She deserves to know the truth-"

Jayden shook his head, his gaze never leaving Jane. "She can't see me here again. She was already uneasy about me visiting you earlier-"

Michael stared at him, biting back a sharp complaint as he looked from Jayden's tense face to where Jane stood. He knew his friend well enough to understand that this wasn't about cowardice-it was about protecting Jane from more drama, more lies, at least until he could find the right way to tell her everything.

"...You-" he began, then sighed heavily. "Fine. But you owe me big time for this."

Before he could finish, Jayden shoved his shoulder lightly, pushing him forward with a small, grateful nod. "I know. Now go-before he says something he shouldn't."

"Damn you," Michael muttered under his breath, straightening his jacket and adjusting his tie as he walked toward them, making sure his movements looked casual-as if he had just happened to be passing by.

"What do you mean-Captain Blackwood's wife?" Jane asked, her brows drawn together in confusion as she looked down at Norman. "Explain it clearly. I don't know what you're talking about."

"Hey-what's going on here?"

Michael's voice cut in smoothly as he approached, his tone friendly but carrying an undercurrent of authority. He slid easily between Jane and Norman, putting himself between them as if by accident.

Norman turned instantly, his expression shifting from desperation to fear the moment he recognized Michael. His face paled even further, and he took a small step back.

"Norman Badwell," Michael called out, his tone turning sharp as he pulled out his phone and scrolled through something on the screen. "Who would've thought you've harassed over twenty female colleagues over the years? Flight attendants, ground crew, even new pilot trainees-all too scared to speak up because you threatened their careers."

Jane's eyes widened, her mouth slightly open in shock.

"...Twenty?" she repeated, her voice quiet but filled with anger. She looked from Michael's serious face to Norman's crumpled posture, disbelief warring with fury.

"Did you think Aurelia was your personal harem?" Michael continued coldly, his gaze fixed on Norman. "That you could touch and threaten whoever you wanted because you had family connections in the company?"

Jane shook her head in disbelief, anger flashing across her face as " i should've hit you harder"

Michael flicked her a brief side glance, his expression softening just for a moment before he returned to his composed, authoritative demeanor. "I've already contacted HR and legal," he said to her. "They're compiling all the reports now-he'll never work in aviation again, anywhere in the country."

Jane hesitated for a moment, her thoughts still tangled as she looked at Norman-

Twenty victims...

Captain Blackwood's wife...

...Must be a mistake, she murmured inwardly, pushing the thought away. Jayden was unemployed-he'd told her so himself.

"...Alright," she said finally, nodding to Michael. "Thank you for handling this. I'll leave it in your hands."

She cast one last sharp look at Norman-her eyes cold and unforgiving-before turning and walking away, her steps steady despite the whirlwind of thoughts in her head.

Norman remained kneeling on the rough tarmac, trembling as he watched Jane disappear toward the crew building. Slowly, he looked up at Michael, his face streaked with tears and dirt.

But Michael said nothing. He simply looked down at him, his expression unreadable-neither angry nor sympathetic, simply observing.

Then-

A presence moved behind him. Quiet, deliberate steps that barely made a sound on the concrete.

By the time Norman sensed it, it was too late.

Jayden stepped forward and grabbed Norman by the collar, yanking him up with sudden force. The fabric of his shirt strained under Jayden's grip, and Norman gasped, his eyes widening in terror as he met Jayden's gaze.

There was no warmth there. No mercy. Only cold, focused fury that made Norman's blood run cold.

"If I ever see you near Aurelia again," Jayden said, his voice low and deadly, each word enunciated clearly, "or anywhere near her-at the airport, in the city, even on the same street-"

His grip tightened, making Norman choke slightly.

"Losing your job will be the least of your worries. I'll make sure you never work in any industry again. I'll make sure your name is blacklisted everywhere. Do you understand me?"

Norman's lips trembled, his eyes wide with pure fear as recognition finally dawned on his face. "Y-you're-Captain Blackwood...?"

Jayden didn't answer. He just stared at him for a long moment, letting the weight of his words sink in.

Then he shoved him back hard.

"Get lost."

Norman stumbled backward, barely catching himself against a nearby equipment cart.

Norman scrambled away in panic, his shoes slipping on the smooth concrete as he nearly tripped over his own feet. He didn't look back once as he fled around the corner of the maintenance hangar, disappearing from sight in seconds.

Michael watched him go, then folded his arms across his chest with a satisfied grin. "Now that's the Jayden I know," he said, nodding approvingly. "Strict. Fair. Cold as an iceberg." He demonstrated with his fingers, sketching an imaginary block of ice in the air with exaggerated movements.

Jayden rolled his eyes, exhaling slowly as the last of the anger he'd been holding in dissipated. He ran a hand through his hair, pushing it back from his forehead as he glanced toward the crew building-hoping Jane hadn't noticed him.

"The one in front of Jane..." Michael continued, shaking his head dramatically as he mimicked a soft, gentle expression. "That version of you? Embarrassing. Like watching a lion pretend to be a house cat."

Jayden glanced at his wristwatch-gold and sleek, a stark contrast to the "unemployed" persona he'd been maintaining. "Five minutes left until your meeting with the operations team," he said calmly, though his eyes glinted with mischief. "You're going to be late. I'll report it honestly-and dock your performance score. Maybe even recommend you for retraining."

He shot Michael a look that balanced perfectly between serious and teasing, making Michael's eyes widen in mock horror.

"Oh no, Jayden... you're really burning bridges now?" Michael protested, clutching his chest dramatically. "After I've covered for you so many times?"

"Let me help you, Mr. Torres-"

A voice cut in sharply, making both men freeze.

Jane appeared from behind Michael, gripping a thick wooden stick she'd grabbed from a nearby equipment rack-clearly ready to strike, assuming he was still dealing with Norman. Her hair was slightly windswept, her uniform jacket unbuttoned, her expression fierce and protective.

She raised the stick high-

-and froze mid-motion.

Her eyes landed on Jayden, standing just a few feet away. The stick slowly lowered, her grip loosening as confusion washed over her face.

"...Jayden?" she said, her voice quiet and confused. Her gaze moved between the two men-from Jayden's calm but slightly tense face to Michael's wide-eyed expression. "What are you doing here?"

Jayden stiffened. For once in his life, he had no immediate answer ready. His mind raced through a dozen possible lies, but none of them felt convincing enough. His eyes darted briefly, avoiding hers-

Then suddenly, he turned and smacked Michael's arm hard enough to make him yelp.

"Ow! What the-"

"He asked me to come find him," Jayden said quickly, his voice carrying just enough to sound concerned.

Michael stared at him in disbelief, rubbing his arm as he looked from Jayden's urgent face to Jane's questioning eyes. He could see the silent plea in Jayden's gaze-and knew he had no choice but to play along.

"...Fine," Michael said through clenched teeth, forcing a smile as he turned to Jane. "I... uh... was too scared to go to work alone."

"So I asked him to come get me," Michael continued weakly, scrambling for a better excuse. "Walk with me to my office-you know, for moral support"

Jane blinked, her confusion deepening as she looked between them. "Huh? You're scared?"

Jayden squeezed his shoulder subtly-a silent warning to make it more convincing.

"Actually-" Michael corrected himself quickly, wincing as Jayden's grip tightened. "He came here to apply for a security job. Asked me to help him with the application process."

This time, Jayden turned to him in genuine shock-he'd never mentioned anything about a security job. But he quickly masked it, nodding along as if this had been the plan all along.

Jane crossed her arms, giving Jayden a long, knowing look that made his stomach twist with guilt.

"Oh... really?" she said, her voice light but her eyes sharp as she studied him.

Jayden swallowed hard, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace. "...That's right. But opportunities are scarce right now. Thought I'd keep busy-maybe learn some new skills."

A few minutes later-

Michael stood with his phone held up like a professional camera, taking "professional" photos of Jayden for his supposed job application. He'd positioned him in front of a plain wall near the security office, adjusting his posture with exaggerated care.

"Stand up straight-no, straighter," Michael instructed, squinting at the screen. "Look serious. Like you mean business."

Jayden stood stiffly, his shoulders squared, his expression flat and unamused. He looked like a statue of a security guard-polite but completely lifeless.

Jane lingered nearby, watching with a small smile playing at her lips. She could tell Jayden was uncomfortable, but she appreciated that he was trying to find work-.

She stepped closer, her hands clasped in front of her. "Mr. Torres," she began, a bit hesitant as she addressed Michael. "About what happened last time...I'm sorry. I misunderstood you. I thought you were part of the problem, but it seems like you've been trying to help all along."

Michael didn't look up, still focused on editing the photos to make them look more "professional." "It's fine," he said casually, though his tone was warmer now. "Think of it as clearing the air. Misunderstandings happen-"

He glanced at Jayden out of the corner of his eye, making Jayden shift uncomfortably.

"And," he added, glancing at her with exaggerated seriousness, "I should be thanking you. If not for this whole job stuff, I'd never get to see Jayden like this."

Jayden shot him a warning look, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Ah-" Jane reacted, slightly confused as she looked from Michael to Jayden.

Michael quickly waved it off, tapping his phone screen. "What I mean is... you know how stubborn he is. He'd rather suffer in silence than let his best friend help. You've given him a reason to reach out-"

Jane turned to Jayden, her expression softening with understanding. She reached out and squeezed his arm lightly.

Michael sniffed dramatically, dabbing at his eyes with his sleeve. "I really feel for him."

Then he turned back to Jane, his expression brightening. "So thank you-for convincing him to take the job. it'll be good for him to stay busy."

"It's nothing," Jane said sincerely, her eyes warm as she looked at Jayden. "Next time you need anything-just come to me directly. I'll do what I can."

"Deal," Michael replied, patting her shoulder lightly. "I won't be polite about it either-you'll be hearing from me often."

He then turned to Jayden, tossing him a set of car keys"Hey, Jayden-remember to park the car properly later. No double-parking near the terminals, okay? Security has been cracking down."

Jayden caught the keys, stunned... But he quickly masked his surprise, nodding respectfully.

"...Got it, Mr. Torres," he said, bowing slightly-playing the part of a humble security perfectly.

Michael bit his lip, barely holding in his laughter as he turned and walked off, calling over his shoulder,

Jayden watched him leave, his eyes narrowing slightly as he muttered under his breath.

Just you wait... I'll make you pay for this.