The Traps of the Black Swan

65

In the study room, Manoban mansion

Ruby Jane had already taken a peek at this room when she was with Lisa. Unlike the vintage-styled study room with a library that had an entrance from upstairs, this was more like an office room in the home. It was modern with a touch of royal luxuriousness.

The chair behind the off-white wooden desk looked like a throne chair against a black semi-matte finish wall. One side of the wall had a bookshelf and opposite to it had a window for the daylight and fresh air lighting the room. The two armchairs at the window were separated by a coffee table. The room gave off cold and officious air.

Jordan sat on the chair behind the desk and instructed her in a neutral tone, "Close the door."

Ruby Jane pushed the door shut without making a single noise. She didn't go to the couch but stood opposite Jordan on the other end of the desk. Since he was the one who invited her for a talk, she didn't initiate it but stood gazing back at his eyes.

Jordan's mind unintendedly compared the girl in front of him with other girls he met, Ruby Jane's behavior was too odd compared to any of them. She wouldn't try to get unnecessarily friendly, nor she tried to give him a good impression, nor she was afraid of him. One thing he commended was, she wasn't forcing their relationship on him.

His hand moved, pointing at the armchair that was at the side as he turned his chair towards the window to face her. Ruby Jane didn't turn down, she quietly went and sat with back straight and mildly said, "Thank you."

Ruby Jane wasn't expecting any special questions and Jordan was right on her estimation. "Ms. Evans... That is not your real name."

'Was he trying to bring up her past? Doesn't he know?' Ruby Jane didn't know but her voice was clear as crystal, "It's my identity." Real or not, how does it matter when she already accepted she is Ruby Jane.

Jordan didn't see even a faint change in expression on her serene face. His husky voice sounded again without carrying any emotions, "Do you think you can match my grandson?"

'Match?' She wasn't sure what Jordan was trying to know by that question but she didn't answer the question, "We respect each other and are harmonious." And those are really important for any relationship.

Jordan wanted to hear an overconfident response of saying she suits his grandson who stood above everyone in his view. Yes or no to his question would have really weighed heavy but she slipped away.

"State your price." He commanded and his voice was cold showing dominance.

He was a grandparent after all so she knew he was trying to know where she would fall behind. Ruby Jane lips slightly arced up which brought a victory smile on Jordan's face, "Let me hear what you quote."

Jordan pulled his bank checkbook out of the drawer to show he was serious and he would send her out. She was just a simple girl who used to walk to her home from school, a girl whose parents hadn't filed a complaint when she was missing. So he tried to know if she could be bought with money. 'She is a poor girl trying to climb the ladder.' became his view.

He scribbled his sign writing long digits. Tearing the cheque off he placed it at the end of the table and ordered, "Disappear from the country."

Ruby Jane nodded as she stood up. Tilting her head, she counted the zero and smirked, 'Five Billion, that's pretty big.' She thought.

"Elder Manoban, let's talk business then." She strode back to the armchair to sit.

Jordan thought she wanted shares so he gritted his teeth and said, "I will transfer 2 percent shares to you."