Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 711 His Admirer

If Jasper hadn't stepped in to help Mandy back then, she probably wouldn't have made it through college so easily.

She wouldn't have had the strength to handle all the exams.

Her life had been exhausting, but Jasper's assistance gave her a chance to move forward smoothly. Without his help, she might have been lost long ago, never reaching where she was today. Jasper was curious. "Really? What did I do for you? I honestly don't remember."

Mandy smiled. "Well, people who do good often forget about it. But I remember it."

Jasper looked at her thoughtfully and smiled. "Looks like life's been treating you well these past few years."

"I wouldn't say I've done extraordinarily well, but I'm happy with where I am now."

"That's good to hear."

After all, for most people, money solved the majority of life's problems.

"What about you?" Mandy asked. "How have you been these past few years?"

"Do I look like I'm struggling?"

Mandy paused, then said seriously, "You might be wealthy, but you don't seem truly happy."

Leaning back in his chair, Jasper seemed intrigued. "Why do you think that?"

of all the reasons, but a

Her words hit home.

visited bars when he was

he surrounded himself with people to avoid appearing lonely. But as he got older, he found himself enjoying solitude

an hour just sipping a single drink, savoring

didn't deny it,

glanced at him, her eyes softening with a

him, seemingly on top of

pushing past Mandy. She called out, "Jasper! There you are! Why didn't you tell me you were here? I'll join you!" Mandy could

flashing a faint smile. "Ivory, what are you doing

with a friend. I didn't expect to see you

who had been pursuing Jasper for

met him through her brother in Wiltonshire, but he had never been interested

her feelings, he always turned her

at Mandy, noting how Ivory had rudely shoved her aside. He didn't appreciate how she treated

the moment," he

turned to Mandy, giving her a once-over as if sizing up the competition. "What's so special about her? She's nothing compared to me." Her disrespectful comment crossed Jasper's

you get that kind of confidence? It's sad when you can't

said so, Ivory

was

you being so harsh?" Ivory said, her voice breaking.

J.ne