They stepped into the cramped, scattered house. Riguel showed no sign of discomfort—no rich man's complex about modest places. He dropped onto the worn couch with effortless ease, sprawling like he owned the place.
Madame Lee headed straight for the kitchen, already busy preparing something for him.
Jade sat across from him, arms crossed, studying him. What was he even doing here—in her neighborhood, of all places?
"I thought you weren't staying here," she said, suspicious.
"I'm not," he replied calmly. "But I will."
She frowned. "What do you mean you will? Are you planning to teleport yourself or something?"
He chuckled. "No. I'm leaving soon. I have a business deal that requires me to stay… briefly."
"I see," she muttered. "And what exactly were you doing in this neighborhood? Rich people don't usually wander around here." Her tone was thick with sarcasm.
Riguel stretched his arm along the back of the old couch, completely at ease. "Well, I guess I don't like luxury that much."
Jade shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips despite herself.
"Lucky for you," he added casually, "I happened to pass by and saw a crowd that looked very motivated to beat you up."
She scoffed. "You shouldn't have bothered. I would've eaten them for dinner."
Riguel burst out laughing. "I like that spirit," he said, eyes gleaming. "You're bold."
Madame Lee reappeared a few minutes later, placing a steaming bowl in front of Riguel.
"You didn't have to," Jade said, glancing between them.
Madame Lee waved her off. "Nonsense. A guest is a guest."
Riguel smiled politely. "See? Even your house agrees with me."
Jade rolled her eyes. "Don't get comfortable."
"Too late," he replied, already tasting the food. "Wow. This is good. I might reconsider leaving."
She leaned back in her chair. "You stay too long and the neighborhood might actually finish what they started."
He looked at her calmly, then smirked. "You really think they could handle you?"
"Please," she scoffed. "They were all bark. No bite."
Riguel studied her for a moment—really studied her this time. Not just her sharp tongue or her bold posture, but the way her eyes stayed alert, calculating. Like someone who'd learned early not to rely on anyone.
"You're not afraid of much, are you?" he said lightly.
Jade shrugged. "Fear is a luxury. I can't afford it."
That caught his attention.
He set the bowl aside, leaning forward now, elbows on his knees. "Interesting choice of words."
She met his gaze without flinching. "You don't look like someone who understands that."
"Maybe not," he admitted. "But I recognize it."
A brief silence settled between them—not awkward, just… charged.
"So," Jade broke it, "what kind of business deal forces someone like you to hide out in my quarter?"
Riguel smiled, slow and unreadable. "The kind that's better kept quiet."
She laughed dryly. "Figures. Rich men and their secrets."
"Careful," he said. "Curiosity can be dangerous."
She leaned closer, voice low and teasing. "So can arrogance."
For a split second, something darker flashed in his eyes. Then it vanished, replaced by that lazy grin again.
"I think," he said, standing up, "you and I are going to get along just fine."
Jade watched him, heart strangely unsettled.
"That," she murmured, "sounds like a problem."
"No" he grinned then sat back.
Madame Lee came back once again, this time carrying another bowl of food.
"Mum," Jade sighed, "are you trying to kill him with food?"
Madame Lee chuckled. "Young, handsome, strong men like him need to eat plenty to stay that way."
Jade rolled her eyes. "Of course."
"You are absolutely right, Madame…" Riguel paused, waiting.
"Lee," Madame Lee supplied.
Riguel smiled warmly. "Madame Lee is absolutely right. And may I say—I was wondering if she's truly your mother. She looks so young. I honestly thought she was your sister."
Madame Lee blushed, clearly pleased.
Jade muttered under her breath, "Flatterer."
Madame Lee laughed softly. "And what is the name of our savior?"
"Riguel. Riguel Ooman."
"Ooman?" Madame Lee repeated, surprised.
"Yes," she asked carefully, "are you related to Daniel Ooman?"
"Yes," Riguel replied calmly. "He's my cousin."
Madame Lee nodded, still a little stunned.
Riguel smiled at her politely and said,
"Encantado de conocerla."
"Wow, you speak Spanish?" Madame lee wondered.
"Yeah, Im half Spanish"
"That's great!" Madame lee replied.
They spent almost the entire afternoon together. Before leaving, Riguel offered to come back the next day to help Madame Lee rearrange the house, since he had nothing planned. Madame Lee accepted happily.
Jade immediately added that she would be there too—it was her house, after all, and her mother.
Riguel stepped outside first. Just as Jade was about to follow, her mother grabbed her hand, smiling.
"I like him already."
"I noticed," Jade replied, already walking away with a smile.
Outside.
"Should I give you a ride?" Riguel asked.
"No," Jade replied lightly. "My wonderful husband already sent a chauffeur to take me home."
She tilted her head toward a black luxury car parked nearby.
Riguel raised an eyebrow. "My cousin… so caring," he said sarcastically.
Madame Lee nodded in agreement, amused by his tone.
As Jade passed him on her way to the car, she paused. "Thank you, Riguel."
"It's nothing," he replied with a grin. "Heroes don't need thanks."
Madame Lee nodded again, clearly approving.
Jade rolled her eyes, smiling, and got into the car.