---- Chapter 150 Tara didn't realize it until she was already inside the car. She had gotten into Jonah's car, and he was sitting right next to her. There was no divider between the front and back seats. The air was filled with the subtle scent that lingered on Jonah. Back when she worked at the villa, she could smell it as soon as she stepped into his room. It was light and pleasant. Tara sat stiffly with her hands in her lap.

Other than the low hum of traffic outside, the car was completely silent. "Skipped out on karaoke?" Jonah's deep voice reached her ears. It was low and smooth with a hint of seduction. It was the kind of voice that could easily charm anyone with a weakness for sound. Tara hadn't expected him to actually speak to her. "T wasn't really in the mood, so I didn't go," she answered softly. "Getting used to things at the company?" he asked. ---- Tara nodded.

"The managers and coworkers were all very kind. I've adjusted to the work pretty quickly." Jonah gave a quiet hum in response, and the car fell silent again. Streetlights outside the window slid past, casting flickering shadows over his sharp profile. The shifting lights and shadows only added to the sense of mystery that seemed to surround him. His overwhelming presence and potent masculinity were so intense that even just sitting beside him made Tara unconsciously tense up.

When the car pulled up to the hotel entrance, she thanked him before quickly stepping out of the car. She waved a polite goodbye, then turned and headed for the hotel's front doors. Asomewhat familiar figure walked toward her from the opposite direction. Tara recognized him. He was the man who had approached her after she first transmigrated. He had asked for her number. His name was Jasper something , though she couldn't quite remember.

Jasper was talking something over with his secretary, Travis Blair, when he noticed Tara coming straight ---- toward him. He slowed his pace, and his eyes were fixed on her. Tara glanced at him once but didn't pay any further attention. She continued toward the hotel entrance. Jasper stopped in his tracks, watching Tara's figure retreat into the distance. He told Travis, "Have her background check on my desk by tomorrow afternoon." "Understood, Mr. Walker," Travis replied.

Meanwhile, in a luxury car parked at the curb, Jonah remained hidden in the shadows. He slowly withdrew his gaze and spoke in a low voice. "Noah." Noah adjusted his glasses. "Yes, Mr. Pearson," he replied. Back in her hotel room, Tara took a hot shower and opened the two envelopes. Each one held a thick stack of crisp bills. She hadn't expected the annual gala to be this rewarding. It was a good thing that she came. Otherwise, she would've missed out big time.

She grinned as she tucked the money into her bag, planning to deposit it as soon as she got back to Naoundbury tomorrow. The next day, inside the CEO's office at Walker Group headquarters , Travis informed Jasper , "Mr. Walker , we ---- weren't able to get any information on that woman. Someone's interfering behind the scenes." Jasper's brows lifted slightly. "Did you find out who?" "It's coming from Pearson Group," Travis replied.

A flicker of surprise crossed Jasper's face before his expression turned cold. He realized she was involved with Jonah. The image of Tara's face returned to him- breathtaking and unforgettable . He had no intention of letting this go. "Keep looking into it, but stay low. Make sure no one notices," he said. A week later, in his office , Jasper slammed his palm on the desk in a fury.

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He braced himself on the tabletop and ground his teeth, shouting, "Jonah Pearson..." The composed look Jasper usually wore turned dark and twisted. Travis stood by silently. He was too intimidated to speak. Jasper had always been a step behind Jonah, and the humiliation burned. He was so furious it felt like his blood might boil over. The investigation on Tara had made no progress, and in just a few days, Jonah had already taken action against Walker Group because of her.

---- All Jasper felt now was anger, but he had no way to counter Jonah's tactics. When it came to ruthlessness, Jonah's methods were not only harsher, but his strategies were also far beyond what Jasper could match. This was Jasper's deepest frustration. He dreamed of beating Jonah even once, but in reality , Jonah crushed him with ease every single time.

After a long moment, Jasper regained his composure and instructed Travis, "Pull back the investigation on that woman for now." Travis replied cautiously, "Understood, Mr. Walker." It was New Year's Eve in Naoundbury , and a cold front had settled in over the past few days. Tara was bundled up in a black puffer coat and scarf. She was carrying a bag of groceries she had just picked up. She stepped into her apartment, ready to make dinner for the holiday night.

By 8:00 pm, she was enjoying a warm meal while watching the New Year's countdown show. After dinner and a hot shower, she curled up in her hanging egg chair, looking out at the traffic -filled city beyond the balcony. Another year had passed. Tara found herself deep in ---- thought. Memories of people and moments rose to the surface. Everything felt distant now, like scenes fading in arearview mirror. What remained was a quiet sense of peace.

On the second day of the new year, Tara headed out to buy flowers. She returned to the same well-known flower shop she always loved. She found herself drawn to the shop's thoughtful arrangements. As she stepped inside, her pace slowed. She took her time, letting her eyes drift over the fresh blooms around her. She turned her head just in time to see the shop assistant handing a bouquet of lilies to a tall, broad -shouldered man. The assistant couldn't stop staring at him.

She was clearly swept away by his presence. As the man turned and strode away with the flowers, Tara unexpectedly bumped into him. "Mr... Mr. Pearson, Happy New Year," she said. Jonah's refined face remained calm despite the unexpected encounter . He paused and greeted her with his low, velvety voice. "Happy New Year." He then reached into the inner pocket of his suit and pulled out a gift card. Tara glanced at his flawless fingers as he handed it over. She looked up at him in surprise .

At first, she hesitated , ---- but remembering he was her boss, she accepted the gift without guilt. She smiled brightly. "Thank you, Mr. Pearson." Her eyes drifted to the bouquet in his hand. If she remembered correctly , Noah had picked lilies last time too. Jonah's calm voice followed. "My grandmother lives in this city. She loves lilies." Tara smiled. "No wonder. I remember seeing Mr. Coleman carrying a bunch of them too." She looked up with a smile, only to suddenly meet Jonah's gaze.

His eyes were fixed on her, making her heart skip a beat. She quickly snapped out of it. "Mr. Pearson, I won't keep you. I know you're busy," she said. Jonah lowered his gaze and gave a soft hum in response. Tara watched his tall, confident figure stride out of the flower shop. No wonder the original host was so captivated by him. He was undeniably handsome.