So when I first noticed Max Pruitt—the new intern—eyeing her with hungry intentions, I didn't hesitate. I staked my claim.

Jade had just chuckled, brushing it off. "You love being jealous, don't you, Andrew?"

But she didn't draw a line. Instead, she let him linger. Let herself tangle further in his orbit.

My jealousy festered into madness. I threw tantrums, eroding her patience until she finally snapped. One cold sentence before she walked out: "I'm taking Max to the Zhou Group to negotiate the deal. Think about your behavior while I'm gone."

This time, I didn't scream. Didn't beg. Didn't grab her arm and force her to say she loved me.

Instead, I went straight to Max Pruitt.

"The Henson Group doesn't welcome you." My voice came out flat. Dead. "Write your resignation letter. Now."

Max stood before me, face pale. He looked like a college student who hadn't yet shed his naive, bookish air. Yet he met my gaze with surprising stubbornness.

"Andrew, I'm not leaving." His fists clenched at his sides. "I know I'm not as capable as you yet, but I want to try. Please, give me a chance."

"A chance?" I signaled HR to send the termination notice immediately. "You think an intern is worthy of negotiating the Zhou deal? You?"

His jaw tightened. "Andrew, you can't fire me without cause."

I looked down at him, letting my contempt show. "Your performance is substandard. You failed your probation. That is cause enough."

I leaned in close. My voice dropped to a whisper. "Out of humanitarian pity, I'll give you ten thousand bucks in severance. But you—get out. Now."

Before he could respond, the office door slammed open.

The sharp staccato of high heels cut through the tension. Jade Henson marched in.

For years, she had rarely stepped foot in the company, entrusting everything to me. One hundred percent faith in my judgment.

But today, she didn't even glance in my direction. She walked straight to Max's side and, in front of the entire staff, ripped the termination notice in half.

Her hand settled on his shoulder. Her voice dripped with a gentleness I hadn't heard in years.

"Don't be afraid, Max. As long as I'm here, no one can fire you." Her gaze swept the room. "You will always be a part of the Henson Group."

Jade turned, ready to lead Max out of the office like a protective mother hen.