The Master Programmer-Chapter 176: Tanner Family Troubles 2

Jason Cross stepped into Veronica Hall’s lavish home, his tailored suit impeccable even after a long day. The subtle scent of lavender and polished wood welcomed him as he scanned the warm, softly lit living room. His smirk played on his lips as his sharp eyes caught a familiar figure bustling in the kitchen.

"Nina," he greeted, his voice smooth and commanding, a subtle edge of curiosity curling through his words. The young woman turned, her petite frame outlined by the glow of the stovetop light. Her jet-black hair was pulled into a loose bun, with rebellious strands framing her delicate face. Her athletic figure moved with purpose, yet her usual spark seemed dimmed.

She normally did this kind of thing in the mornings while Jason and Veronica were at work... Something was wrong, it seemed…

"Jason," Nina replied, offering a polite smile that didn’t reach her almond-shaped eyes. "Ms. Veronica is upstairs in her office. I’m just finishing the week’s meals tonight, I’ll be busy tomorrow morning. Sorry for disturibing you, if I did."

Jason leaned casually against the counter, his piercing gaze locked on her. "It’s okay you’re not disturbing me or her. But I am curious… Busy?" he asked, tilting his head slightly, feigning nonchalance while his tone carried a subtle pull, compelling her to open up. "What’s pulling you away from us?"

The Us was subtle but effectively placing Jason in the same level of trust and authority as Veronica. Nian was aware of their relationship by now though, and with the trust Jason had been building up all this time, it was only a matter of pushing through any resistance she might have.

Nina hesitated, her hands briefly stilling over the chopping board. She glanced at him, a flicker of vulnerability breaking through her composed exterior. "My parents… their apartment building had structural issues. It collapsed," she admitted, her voice soft but steady. "They’re in the hospital now. I need to take care of them."

Ah… so it was circumstances that were outside her control. Well it made total sense there was nothing he could do. He just had to ensure that she was okay and that she could get through this in the shortest time possible.

Jason nodded, the faintest frown creasing his brow. He exhaled slowly, then straightened, his presence radiating reassurance. "You’re indispensable to this household, Nina. We’re a family here, and families support each other." His words were laced with warmth, a deliberate choice to invoke trust and belonging. He stepped toward the counter, opening a cabinet to retrieve a pot. "Let me do something for you."

Nina watched, her brows knitting in confusion as Jason moved with practised precision. Herbs, spices, and a small vial of a mysterious red glowing liquid emerged from the shelves. Jason set to work, creating a simple yet aromatic soup. As he stirred, he glanced at Nina.

"This will help," he said, pouring the mixture into a sleek, insulated flask. The subtle glint in his eye suggested more than he let on. He handed it to her, his hand brushing hers briefly. "Give this to them. Trust me."

Nina’s gaze lingered on the flask, then on Jason. Despite her initial scepticism, she felt a strange sense of calm, a budding trust she couldn’t quite explain. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice quieter now, tinged with gratitude and warmth.

Jason’s smirk deepened, his eyes flicking over her. "Go. And remember, we’re all here for you."

As Nina left, Jason climbed the staircase to Veronica’s office, his mind already pivoting to the next phase of his plans. The door to the office was slightly ajar, and he paused, watching Veronica through the gap.

Damn… it was really unfair to be this beautiful.

She sat at her desk, black hair cascading over her shoulders, her striking blue eyes locked onto a thick book. She was speed-reading, her fingers flipping pages with a determination that matched her every movement.

Jason watched her movements and her focus and felt incredibly lighthearted. The reason he had so much drive, in the beginning, was because she was the one who had pushed him forward, giving him something to chase.

He had wanted to prove himself to her, and he had done so recently but still there was something about this scene that made Jason’s heart almost melt.

Jason entered without knocking, his steps light but deliberate. Veronica glanced up, her face brightening at the sight of him. "Jason," she breathed, her tone carrying a mix of relief and excitement.

He moved behind her, his hands settling on her shoulders, his lips brushing her neck. "Hard at work, I see," he murmured, his deep voice wrapping around her like silk.

She leaned into his touch, her resolve momentarily wavering. "I have to be," she admitted. "You’ve inspired me, Jason. I can’t fall behind."

Jason chuckled, his breath warm against her skin. "The Neural Flux Pill is remarkable, but don’t overdo it," he warned gently. "Even brilliance has its limits."

Veronica turned to face him, her expression a mix of admiration and longing. "Okay, I’ll listen to you."

Jason cupped her face, his thumb brushing her cheek. "You’re already extraordinary," he said, his tone firm yet tender. "Don’t push yourself for me. Push yourself for you. That way we’ll both get to the place we’re destined to go. Together."

Veronica nodded, her resolve strengthening under his gaze. Jason kissed her softly, then pulled away. "Get some rest when it starts wearing off," he advised. "The books will still be here tomorrow. Not that you will be able to move to do anything with them with the lag you would be feeling, haha."

She watched him leave, her heart swelling with affection and determination. Once the door closed, she turned back to her desk, her fingers tightening on the book. Jason’s words echoed in her mind, fueling her drive.

If he believed in her, she couldn’t let him down.

— In another penthouse apartment in the city —

Samantha Ellis sat in her minimalist apartment, a glass of wine in one hand and a leather-bound notebook in the other. She’d been poring over Jason’s every move, analyzing him like a chess player studying an opponent. Yet, the more she uncovered, the more intrigued she became.

She wasn’t used to being outmanoeuvred, and Jason had done just that. But… she was learning and the things she had learned had both terrified and excited her. His money, his connections, his ability… everything was pointing to Jason having some kind of secret life that he never ever admitted to.

It also pointed to her building up the connection she had with him.

Her phone buzzed. It was a notification from her sister, Celine. The message was short but heavy with emotion:

[I need your help.]

[Jack and father are pushing for the wedding.]

[But I’ve decided... I really can’t do this.]

[Can you help me?]

Samantha’s grip tightened on the phone. Celine was more than family; she was a piece of her own heart. And now, Jason Cross—the man who’d somehow ensnared Samantha’s attention—was also tangled in Celine’s life. That was if Samantha let him be.

This chapt𝙚r is updated by freeωebnovēl.c૦m.

Jason could probably manage something... But that was the reason why Samantha thought it to be problematic for them to know each other and be together. That need to be freed from a marriage had been one of the main reasons why she and Jason had come together in the first place, and now it was the same with her sister too this time.

If her sister ended up getting charmed...

Wat, when did she, Samantha get charmed by that snake Jason Cross?!

Samantha shook her head. She was thinking too much...

Should she use him? But if she did that, she would be pushing another woman to Jason’s doorstep, and Jason might just eat her up. Samantha sighed, leaning back, and staring at the books that were on the other end of the room.

She had read them all, and she was about to continue reading up some more... The Neural Flux Pill was way too incredible. And if Jason had access to the pills then she needed to hold on to him tightly, and never let go of him.

But still. This was her sister. What should she do?

Shaking her head, Samantha yawned. Damn it, she was getting tired now. She needed to go to bed.

— Meanwhile, back at Veronica’s place —

As Jason drifted into sleep that night after taking a shower and then journalling, his mind danced with plans for the future. The foundation of his investment company was forming in his thoughts, a structure to consolidate his growing power. But his rest was interrupted by the soft creak of his bedroom door.

A familiar scent, warm and floral, wafted into the room. Jason’s lips curved into a smirk even before he opened his eyes. "Couldn’t stay away, could you?"

The figure slipped under the covers, her presence unmistakable. But as Jason reached out, his fingers met something unexpected: she was naked?

"Let me put us both to sleep," she said to him turning his body around, and Jason smirked. Well, then how could he say no to something like that?