Chapter 38 Jnr Jaxon
By the time Elena returned to her office, the world felt tilted, as if one wrong step could shatter everything. Maya’s words echoed relentlessly in her mind, making it nearly impossible to focus.
Mia, her assistant, entered quietly, bringing her back to the present. “Ms. Montclair, the board members are waiting for you in the boardroom. They’re expecting the presentation.”
Elena nodded, forcing a smile. “I’ll be there shortly,” she assured her, though inside, her thoughts remained tangled.
As she followed Mia to the boardroom, she tried to maintain her composure, but every step felt heavy. Brielle walked beside her, offering a comforting presence. As they entered the boardroom, Brielle placed a reassuring hand on Elena’s, giving her a small, encouraging smile.
The board members stood as Elena entered, and she could feel their eyes on her, sensing the subtle tension. Brielle remained close, silently supporting her as the meeting progressed.
However, as Elena began her presentation, her mind kept wandering back to Maya’s words.
Her voice wavered, and the board members exchanged glances, noticing the disturbance.
Feeling the pressure, Elena decided to adjourn the meeting to another day, her voice steady yet forced. She quickly left the boardroom, her mind a whirlpool of emotions.
That evening, back at the penthouse, Elena changed into something more comfortable, trying to shake off the lingering tension.
She moved to the study, hoping that immersing herself in work would quiet her mind.
When dinner time came, she and Jaxon sat together, but the atmosphere was thick with unspoken words.
Jaxon immediately sensed that something was off.
He tried to break the silence with casual conversation, asking about her day, and then gently probing if anything was troubling her.
Elena, trying to keep her composure, finally blurted out the core of her fear. “I just found out that your ex… is pregnant. How should I feel about this?”
Jaxon’s surprise was genuine, and his confusion mirrored her own.
He tried to explain, but the tension only grew.
Feeling overwhelmed, Elena excused herself, leaving the table and retreating to her room. Inside, she struggled with the mix of jealousy and uncertainty, questioning her own feelings.
As she gazed out the window, she whispered to herself, “Why am I feeling this way? This is just a contract…”
After Elena’s words sank in—Maya is pregnant—Jaxon stood frozen in the middle of his room, the air suddenly too thick to breathe.
Anger surged first. Hot, violent, unforgiving.
Then guilt followed, quieter but heavier.
He turned away from the door and dragged a hand through his hair, pacing like a caged animal. His reflection in the mirror looked unfamiliar—jaw tight, eyes dark with something dangerously close to regret.
Maya.
The name alone tasted like a mistake.
He remembered that night with brutal clarity—the recklessness, the distraction, the moment he had chosen escape instead of control. He had told himself it meant nothing. Told himself it was over.
Now this.
With a sharp exhale, he locked his door and pulled out his phone, dialing her number before he could talk himself out of it.
The phone rang twice.
Then her voice slid into his ear, smooth and pleased.
“I was wondering how long it would take you to call.”
Jaxon’s jaw clenched. “Have you lost your mind?”
She laughed softly, the sound deliberate.
“That’s no way to speak to someone carrying such important news.”
“Why won’t you leave me alone?” he snapped.
“Why do you keep inserting yourself into my life?”
“Hush,” Maya replied calmly. “You don’t get to pretend I don’t exist now. Not after everything.”
Jaxon’s voice dropped, dangerous and cold. “You’re lying. This is another game. Another attempt to pull my attention back to you.”
“If I wanted your attention, Jaxon,” she said, unbothered, “I wouldn’t need lies. You gave it freely once. You always did.”
His fingers curled around the phone. “Enough. We’re meeting. Tomorrow. Five p.m. I’ll send the location.”
A pause. Then her satisfied hum.
“And until then?”
“No one hears about this,” he said firmly. “No one. Do you understand me?”
Maya chuckled. “You’re running out of time, darling. And patience.”
The call ended.
Jaxon lowered the phone slowly, his chest tight as he muttered to himself,
“What have I done?”
Meanwhile ,the Wentworth estate glowed softly under the night sky.
Vivienne sat before her vanity, gently wiping the last traces of makeup from her face, her damp hair falling over her shoulders.
Alexander, already changed into comfortable clothes, adjusted his cufflinks as he watched her through the mirror.
“I think they should proceed with the wedding as soon as possible,” he said calmly. “There’s no reason to delay.”
Vivienne paused and turned toward him. “Don’t you think that’s too sudden? They’re still adjusting. Let them decide.”
Alexander shook his head. “Timing is everything. The sooner the union is sealed, the safer the future—for both families.”
She studied him for a moment. “Are we being too hard on them?”
“We’re being practical,” he replied. “We’re protecting what matters.”
Vivienne sighed softly. “And Elena? What do you think of her?”
Alexander didn’t hesitate. “She’s composed. Intelligent. Strong in her own quiet way. She balances Jaxon.”
A small smile curved Vivienne’s lips. “I agree. They look… right together. Maybe this alliance wasn’t such a terrible idea after all.”
“That’s exactly my point,” Alexander said. “They should marry soon. I’ll speak to Mr. Montclair tomorrow.”
Vivienne nodded slowly, unaware that beneath the calm surface of their carefully planned future, cracks were already forming.
Elena woke before her alarm, her eyes snapping open as though her mind had never truly slept.
The events of the previous day replayed relentlessly—Maya’s smug smile, the venom laced in her words, the way that single sentence had lodged itself into Elena’s chest and refused to leave.
I’m carrying Jaxon’s child.
Elena sat up slowly, pressing her palm to her forehead. The penthouse was quiet, too quiet, the kind of silence that magnified thoughts instead of soothing them. She swung her legs off the bed and headed into the bathroom, letting the hot water cascade over her skin, hoping it would wash away the heaviness clinging to her. It didn’t.
By the time she stepped out, wrapped in a towel, her resolve had hardened.
She dressed carefully, deliberately. The black palazzo trousers hugged her waist before falling loosely, the dramatic slits opening from her thighs down to the hem, revealing just enough movement to command attention. She paired them with a white-and-black blouse—clean lines, elegant, powerful. The final touch was a pair of black, long, slender heels that clicked softly against the floor as she walked.
Elena stood before the mirror, studying her reflection. She didn’t look like a woman drowning in uncertainty. She looked composed. In control. And she needed to be—because if Maya’s claim turned into a public scandal, it wouldn’t just destroy Jaxon. It would take her family with it. Her father’s already fragile legacy would crumble.
She reached for her black Louis Vuitton bag, slung it over her shoulder, and walked out of the room.
Downstairs, the dining area was bathed in morning light. The table was already set, pristine as always. Jaxon sat at one end, dressed in a tailored suit, sleeves rolled up slightly, his posture relaxed but his expression distant. A cup of coffee sat untouched beside him.
Ms. Julie noticed Elena immediately.
“Oh, Elena,” she said warmly, her face lighting up. “Should I get you a plate?”
“Yes, please,” Elena replied, forcing a polite smile as she took a seat across from Jaxon.
Ms. Julie moved swiftly, already piling waffles and fruits onto a plate.
“I thought you left early,” Jaxon said, glancing up.
“I overslept,” Elena replied evenly. “Besides, I couldn’t sleep last night.”
Something shifted in his expression—guilt, perhaps, or recognition.
He leaned back slightly and exhaled. “I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but I think I owe you an apology. At least… since your family is involved.”
Elena lifted her fork, paused, then set it down gently.
“There’s no need for your apology,” she said calmly. “It’s your life. And according to the rules you drafted so thoughtfully, I’m not supposed to be involved in your personal affairs.” She emphasized rules, her tone sharp but controlled.
Jaxon leaned back further in his chair, his jaw tightening as he sighed. He glanced at her properly this time, really looking at her.
“So,” Elena continued, meeting his gaze, “what do you plan to do?”
“I’m going to meet her,” he said. “We’ll talk. Sort things out.”
Elena let out a soft, incredulous laugh. “Seriously? And you think that will do?”
He frowned. “It’s a start.”
“I’d like to tag along.”
Jaxon blinked. “Why?”
Elena stood abruptly, the chair legs scraping softly against the floor as she reached for her bag.
“Because,” she said coolly, “it’s obvious you know everything about business and boardrooms—but absolutely nothing about life.”
She turned to leave.
“Elena,” Jaxon said, standing now.
She paused but didn’t look back.
Ms. Julie stepped forward, concern evident in her voice. “You’re leaving already? You haven’t even finished your waffles.”
Elena softened instantly, turning back with a small, apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, Ms. Julie. I’m running late.”
She walked out, heels clicking decisively against the marble, leaving behind a room thick with unspoken tension.
Jaxon remained standing long after she was gone, staring at the empty doorway.
For the first time since this alliance began, he realized something unsettling.