Accommodating him.

(ARIELLE'S POV)

I stood, frozen, my mind still reeling from Jared's revelation.

The hell? Jared Smith, the ever-composed billionaire, suddenly broke and homeless? It didn't add up. Especially not with his influential family in the wings. What kind of game was he playing this time?

The toothbrush still dangled from my mouth. And then I managed to regain composure and turned to Maverick, he was too young to overhear whatever nonsense Jared was about to spew next. "Hey, baby, why don't you go introduce your new puppy to Milo? I'm sure he'd be happy to have a puppy sibling," I said sweetly.

Maverick's face lit up. Without a word, he clutched the squirming dog and bolted inside, leaving me alone with Jared.

The moment the door clicked shut, I turned to face Jared again, with my arms folded.

"Cut the act, Jared. What's really going on?"

"I told you the truth," he insisted, his tone maddeningly calm. "I sold my shares in J&S. I'm homeless, Arielle."

I studied his expression, said in a sure tone, "Jared, even selling all your companies won't make you homeless overnight," I stated matter of factly. "You're a billionaire. You have properties and resources, and turning homeless overnight just doesn't make any sense." Jared shifted uncomfortably, like someone who has been caught in a wrong act. His eyes darted everywhere, avoiding mine.

"Fine, I'll explain everything," he sighed in resignation.

I stood at attention, my arms crossed tighter, and my eyes never leaving his. "I'm listening."

He sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair. "I'm really not lying, Arielle. Well, not lying about everything... I sold my shares. But it wasn't just for Maverick-it was to flush out a spy in my company."

The toothbrush slipped from my hand.

"A spy?"

"Yes." He met my gaze, his tone now deadly serious. "Think about it. How did Denzel find out Maverick was my son so quickly? Someone leaked that information. I needed to appear weak, vulnerable. It's the only way to flush them out."

mind. His explanation sounded plausible, but I wasn't about to let my guard down. "So you decided to come here? My house? Why? Let me guess,

to worry and fuss over me. They'd drive me crazy with questions and concerns. And my penthouse? That's

Your colleagues? Or, I don't know, any of the other

to take real responsibility for Maverick, for us. I know I should've told you sooner, but if you hate me

weighed all I had heard. No matter how hard I tried, a part of me still didn't buy it. The Almighty and meticulous Jared Smith I know can never let himself be reduced to this point. But the mention of Maverick's safety and the memory of his

life into a circus. And my mom? She'd probably stake him like a vampire before he made it through the

finally, shaking

hurt crossing it. "So, you're just gonna let me sleep on the

I stood my ground. "That's

"Arielle, please -"

about to escalate,

just having an adult conversation. Are you done having breakfast?" I asked, trying to distract him,

eyes were now fixed on Jared's suitcases. He didn't take notice of them earlier

traveling? Are you leaving me?" He asked, fears jumping into his eyes

Dad is having

begging Mommy to let him stay for a few days until he had things

"Don't -" I hissed.

in his eyes. "Mom, are you

pleaded, surprising me as he went on his knees

at the same time. Where did

stand to your feet!" I ordered, trying to be strict, but

Please,

it took

I hated to see my baby cry and I hated it even more that he was now so attached to Jared that

to think about it," I

please say

looked at Jared, but his face was neutral. He has been

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