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."

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

want Nana and Mom to worry and fuss over me. They'd drive me crazy with questions and concerns. And my penthouse?

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

real responsibility for Maverick, for us. I know I should've told you sooner, but if you hate me for this-if you think I'm crossing a line," His voice faltered before he steadied it."-please don't let it affect Maverick. This

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

into a circus. And my mom? She'd probably stake him like

I said finally, shaking

"So, you're just gonna let me sleep on the

a chord, but I stood my ground. "That's not what

"Arielle, please -"

to escalate, Maverick appeared by my

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

on Jared's suitcases. He didn't take notice of them earlier because he was still basking in the happiness

asked, fears jumping into his eyes as he

my boy. Dad is having

his house and was just begging Mommy to let him stay for a few days until he had things sorted,"

"Don't -" I hissed.

me sharply, a questioning look in his eyes. "Mom, are you going to let Daddy stay with

me as he

and perplexed at the same time. Where did he learn begging in

ordered, trying to

we have a big house. Please, Mommy," Maverick pleaded. At this point, tears had welled in

was at it took to

baby cry and I hated it even more that he was

have to think about it,"

please

was helpless at this point as I looked at Jared, but

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