Page 117 of Discretion

“Yeah. Of course.”

“I’m sure the past four months without Graham and me haven’t been easy on you, but I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks.” I rubbed the back of my neck. Sloan’s praise was a relief, and I knew she wouldn’t have said it unless she’d meant it.

“And I hope that having Halle by your side helped.”

“I, uh—” I swallowed hard, eager to change topics. “It did.”

We joined Jackson at the table, plating the food. He served my sister first before checking the video monitor resting on the table. I tried not to laugh because I understood what it was like to love a child. To worry about a child. To worry about Kai.

I accepted one of the dishes from Jackson. “This looks amazing. Thank you.”

“Absolutely,” Sloan said. “So…how was your date?”

My knife grated against the plate, and I cringed. “Date?”

“From the charity auction?” she asked.

“Oh, right.” I laughed, though there was an edge to it. So much had happened in the past twenty-four hours, I’d almost forgotten all about my date with the woman from the charity auction. “It was fine.”

“Any potential for something…more?”

I shoved a bite of food into my mouth and shook my head.

“Why not?” Sloan asked.

“Hayati,”Jackson chided. “Let the man enjoy his dinner in peace.”

“Yes. Thank you, Jackson.” I took a sip of my wine and gave my sister a pointed look.

“For all we know,” Jackson said, “Jasper might have his eye on someone else.” When he met my gaze, I tried not to squirm in my chair.

I cleared my throat, trying not to sweat.Jesus.The man was a damn Navy SEAL.FormerNavy SEAL, but still. I certainly felt like I was being interrogated. I needed to change the subject—and fast.

“Think you’ll make it to the Leatherbacks game?” I asked.

“We’re hoping to,” Sloan said.

We talked about the Leatherbacks’ season, and I updated them on what had been going on at the company. After we’d cleared the dishes, I’d offered to help clean up, but Jackson insisted on doing it.

“I thought I was coming over to help,” I teased Sloan. “You’re the new parents, and you’re feeding me. Taking care of everything.”

“We’re just happy to spend time with you. And we’re fortunate enough that we can hire help when we need it. Having a night nurse has been a godsend.”

My sister had a supportive partner and a night nurse. Who had been there for Halle when Kai woke up in the night? Who had she been able to rely on the past few years since her divorce?Herself.

She’d rebuilt her life. She’d supported herself and Kai. Raised Kai practically on her own. And was now financially responsible for her dad’s care. There was no one else.

I knew what that was like—to have people relying on you. I had my family, the company, all our employees. But it wasn’t all on me. I had support, resources, options.

Even if I was removed from my position as CEO by theboard, I’d still have more than enough money to live on. When my family or I needed something, there was no question that we could afford it. But Halle was juggling…so much. All on her own. And she had been for a while now. I could imagine the pressure she felt from all of it.

And while I wished she’d let me help her, I respected her desire to do it on her own. Her independence and self-reliance. I’d never had to worry that I wouldn’t have the money or the care I’d need for myself or my loved ones. And it was something she had to consider every day.

“Jasper?” Sloan asked, and I realized she’d been speaking.

“Sorry.” I shook my head as if to clear it. “What was that?”