Chapter 23 As the party was winding down, Jasper adjusted his glasses and set his wine glass on a tray offered by a housekeeper. He lowered his gaze thoughtfully, focusing intently on the housekeeper standing before him. The housekeeper holding the tray was Hailey. She blushed under his gaze, thinking he was interested in her. "Can I have your number?" Jasper's voice was warm and magnetic. Few women could resist it. Hailey felt a sense of triumph inside. She knew she was attractive!

Although she didn't know the man before her, she knew that anyone attending this kind of gathering was either rich or influential. Just as she was about to agree, she suddenly remembered Terence's announcement half an hour ago, informing them not to share their contact information with the guests. Even if someone asked for it, they weren't allowed to give it, no matter who it was. Hailey paused, carefully considering her options. She couldn't be sure if Jasper was actually interested in her.

If she gave him her number, she might be risking her job. "Sir, there's a rule here against sharing our contact information with guests." Hailey's refusal mirrored Tara's earlier words verbatim - only the look in her eyes was vastly different. Hailey gazed at him with reluctance and admiration, whereas Tara's eyes had been clear, devoid of any ulterior motives or desires. Jasper maintained his gentle facade. "Oh, okay then." Without waiting for Hailey's response, he departed first.

Hailey watched Jasper's retreating figure with longing, feeling a thousand regrets. Why did the rule have to appear now? It had completely ruined her chances at a good match. Half an hour earlier, Tara had been busy at the fruit bar when Terence's voice came through her earpiece. He announced the new rule forbidding all housekeepers from sharing contacts with guests, even if asked. Tara was stunned. This new rule was identical to the excuse she had used to reject Jasper earlier that night.

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Even as the party ended, she still couldn't make sense of it. Could there really be such a coincidence? Before leaving the villa, Jasper spotted Tara working busily in the distance. Amidst the crowd of wealthy, attractive guests, she stood out most strikingly. He glanced at Terence. Just as Jasper was about to ask him something, he noticed a tall, exceptionally handsome man approaching Tara from behind. It was none other than Jonah.

"Tara, prepare a glass of honey lemon water and bring it to my room," Jonah instructed. Tara, absorbed in cleaning up, looked up in confusion at Jonah's sudden instructions. "Now, Mr. Pearson?" Jonah massaged the bridge of his nose, the Adam's apple on his elegant neckline bobbing slightly. "Yes, now." Having spoken, he didn't linger. Instead, he headed straight for the elevator to the second floor. "Right away, Mr. Pearson," Tara said to his retreating figure.

For a fleeting moment, she sensed something amiss but couldn't quite put her finger on it. After placing the last glass on her cart, she pushed it toward the kitchen, still puzzling over the strangely timed new rule. With no time to dwell on Jonah's unusual behavior, she focused on making the honey lemon water for him. Nearby, Hailey continued gazing wistfully at Jasper. The handsome, wealthy man had almost been within her grasp, but now he was walking away.

She questioned why that ridiculous rule had to be announced just then. It had ruined her chance at a good match. "Did you call for me just now, Mr. Walker?" Terence stepped forward, blocking Jasper's view of Tara. Jasper locked eyes with the calm and composed Terence. He hadn't expected a mere butler to have such a clear and piercing gaze as if he could see right through. "It's nothing. I'll take my leave now," Jasper said politely. Terence nodded respectfully.

"You're welcome to visit again." He watched as Jasper entered the back seat of his car. Only when the vehicle had driven away did his smile fade. As Terence turned to leave, he cast a few more glances at Hailey, who was still looking out. His expression grew even more serious.