[FLASHBACK - One Day Earlier]
After Paige's apology in the morning, Jax had been preparing to leave, adjusting his academy uniform when something stopped him.
A realization struck.
He turned back.
Paige sat on the edge of her bed, her expression distant. There was sadness there—subtle, but unmistakable. The kind of sadness that came from watching someone walk away.
"You said something," Jax began, his voice cutting through the quiet. "At the signing table. To Jennifer. You told her you could give her assets to me."
Paige looked up, her eyes meeting his.
"Was that just mockery?" he asked. "Or were you serious?"
She didn't hesitate. "I was dead serious."
"Why?"
"Because those rewards were never mine." Her voice was steady, unwavering. "You earned them. You have the right to all of them. Every single one."
Jax's tone shifted—sharper, commanding. "Then give them to me."
Paige stood immediately. "Give me a few minutes. I'll prepare the papers."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course."
