Jade

Chapter 15

The black SUV rolled to a smooth stop in front of Jade's sleek high-rise building on the upper east side after an hour long drive from the airport due to traffic. Jade shifted her Louis Vuitton dog carrier under her arm, peeking inside to check on Paris as her driver stepped out to open the door. Paris let out a soft yawn, blinking up at her.

The driver retrieved Jade's Rimowa luggage from the trunk before wheeling the suitcases toward the building's entrance. Jade adjusted her oversized sunglasses as she strolled into the lobby, her blue Julian Hakes Mojito heels clicking against the marble floor.

The familiar face of the concierge, Marco, lit up as she approached. "Miss Brown, welcome back! How was Miami?"

"Exhausting but also relaxing. I bought you something from my mom." She reached into her Margaux bag and pulled out a small shopping bag from Neimans. Her mom was always sending concierge gifts since they prioritized Jade's safety and well being.

Marco smiled, then gestured toward the desk. "Thank you Miss Jade, I appreciate it. Before you head up, these came for you earlier today."

Jade turned to see a massive bouquet of pristine white roses arranged in a signature Venus et Fleur box in the shape of a "J."

"Wow," she smiled, stepping closer. "Who are they from?"

Marco handed her a small ivory-colored envelope sealed with elegant gold embossing. "No name on the delivery slip. Only the card inside."

Jade balanced Paris in one arm while reaching for the envelope, very much intrigued. "Thank you Marco. Can you have these sent up?"

"Of course, Miss Brown. I'll bring them up myself."

She made her way to the elevator, the envelope still clutched in her fingers, her mind racing with curiosity.

She stepped into her apartment once she got off the elevator, the familiar warmth of home washing over her. She set the Louis Vuitton dog bag on the floor, freeing Paris, who immediately trotted off to her favorite spot by the floor-to-ceiling window. Jade kicked off her heels and dropped onto the couch, envelope still in hand.

A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts just as she was about to get comfortable "Your flowers, Miss Brown."

She got up, opened the door, and watched as he carefully carried the box inside. "Thank you Marco."

"Anytime," he said with a smile before leaving.

Jade placed the roses on her kitchen counter, finally pulling the card from the envelope.

Congratulations again on the role of a lifetime, see you at the table read
—Asante

She smiled as she reread the note. She did not see that coming.

Setting the card down, she looked at the roses again, her mind swirling. She brushed her fingers over one of the petals her thoughts going a mile a minute. Asante had planted a seed of in her head, and once she got to thinking there was no stopping her.

————

The room buzzed with energy as the "Blood Bound" cast settled into their seats, the first official table read finally set to begin. Jade could feel the anticipation in the air, some of the industry's most promising talents were seated around her, and she was starting to feel like one of them.

The reading was supposed to happen a little before that, but Jade was experiencing something she and Erin already anticipated — scheduling conflicts.

Between her demanding schedule which consisted of classes, her other lead role, brand partnerships, and now this, she was feeling the pressure. But she masked it well, sitting poised between Miles, and Asante.