Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 701 A Token of Gratitude

If Mandy didn't get the hint now, she'd be downright foolish.

"Got it, thank you, sir. I'll find a chance to thank him later," she said, turning to leave.

The driver watched her walk away, muttering to himself, "Kids with a sense of gratitude like that are rare these days. Hey, wait, your cigarettes!" But it was too late-Mandy was already gone.

It was close to midnight.

Jasper, holding his jacket in one hand and a cigarette in the other, made his way downstairs.

Mandy glanced up and saw him approaching.

He didn't notice her, though.

She couldn't help but stare at him as he passed.

Jasper was tall, easily over six feet. His hair was slightly curled, styled back in a way that highlighted his sharp, clean-cut features.

On most men, this kind of hairstyle would have looked messy, but not on him. He carried an air of rebelliousness, the image of a carefree rogue.

It wasn't until he disappeared from her view that Mandy snapped out of it. She quickly followed him outside.

Just as Jasper was about to get into his car, a clear voice called out behind him, "Excuse me."

He paused, phone in hand, and turned around, blowing out a thin stream of smoke.

eyes landed

Mystique. You left too quickly before I could thank you properly, so I came to thank you now." Jasper raised an

Had I helped someone?

wasn't important

don't remember, but that's okay. I do,"

didn't seem to

and without giving her another glance, he turned and got into the

a quick look

feeling a bit disappointed at not getting a response, but she brushed

call and leaned back

soon arrived at the

out of the car, the driver

Jasper asked, glancing at

a token of gratitude from

"A token of gratitude?"

curled in amusement as he

recognized it was a carton of cigarettes, but the brand didn't ring a

aloud, chuckling. "I

hesitation, he handed it back

keep it," he

into the villa without looking

...

was observing her from

had happened since