As soon as Shalma Hughes finished speaking, Jasper Hawthorne burst into laughter. Shalma had never seen him laugh like this before. "Shalma, your perspective is truly unique. Have you forgotten that she was the one constantly standing between us? Ever since I met her, she haunted me like a ghost. And after what happened later, you're telling me now that I actually liked her? Don't you think that's ridiculous?"
Shalma smiled, a sense of relief washing over her. "Alright! I guess people in the thick of it are often blind to the truth."
She glanced at the time and turned back to Jasper. "It's almost noon. Let me treat you to lunch. This is all I can really do for now, but if you ever run into trouble in the future, I will definitely help you. That is a promise."
"There's no need. You have your hands full," Jasper said, standing up. "You've just taken over The Hughes Group, so things are bound to be strenuous for you right now. Don't waste your energy entertaining me."
