Tonight, Stanley had been losing steadily, his luck simply not with him. His handsome face had taken on a cold, distant expression.


    Jessica was focused on her cards, and a bowl of fresh seasonal fruits was beside her. She delicately picked arge, dark purple grape, peeled it, and gently held it to Stanley''s lips.


    Stanley, still distracted by the game, opened his mouth and took the grape from her. His attention was split between the cards and Jessica''s affectionate gestures. Jessica leaned into him, a picture of a loving, attentive partner. She even held out her soft palm to catch the pit from the grape Stanley had just chewed.


    She was like a shy little wife, dutifully caring for Stanley.


    The two young men at the table chuckled. "Only Mr. Hawk could get Hovendale''s number one beauty to pamper


    him like this."


    "Seems like you can''t have it both ways. No wonder Mr. Hawk has been losing tonight."


    Jessica smiled, a yful pout on her lips. "Stop making fun of me, you guys."


    Outside, Wendy watched the scene through the door. This was the first time she''d seen Stanley out with Jessica, ying cards with his friends.


    A sharp sting of pain hit her chest.


    Stanley lost again. He tossed his cards onto the table, pushing his chips forward. "You guys can split it up."


    Benny and the othersughed and pped. Benny said, "Thanks, Stanley! Always so generous!"


    Another guyughed. "Mr. Hawk is burning through cash tonight."


    Stanley didn''t show much emotion. His back was rxed against the chair, his posturezy, as if he had lost all interest in the game.


    Jessica looked at him with adoration in her eyes. "Stanley, are you tired of ying?"


    "I think Stanley''s out of steam," one guy teased.


    Another grinned while chiming in, "Ms. Jessica, want to help Mr. Hawk get some energy back?"


    The group began to tease them.


    Jessica smiled and poured a ss of wine. "Want a drink, Stanley?"


    Stanley watched her, not saying a word.


    In front of everyone, Jessica climbed onto Stanley''sp. Her position was slightly elevated, and she leaned forward, resting her hand on the back of his chair. She yfully pinned him against the seat.


    Still lounging in his chair, Stanley seemed to finally show some interest. His once- bored expression now held a hint of amusement as he raised an eyebrow at her.


    Jessica bit the rim of her wine ss and tilted it, letting the red wine spill out. Stanley was amused. He chuckled and allowed the wine to trickle into his mouth.


    "WOW!"


    Benny was the first to burst intoughter, followed by the other rich heirs. “Ms. Jessica, that''s some trick!"


    "Look, Mr. Hawk''s smiling! Now I know why you''re his favorite, Ms. Jessica."


    The mood in the luxurious room was heating up, and Wendy watched as Jessica, flushed with embarrassment, got off Stanley''sp, returning to sit beside him.


    Stanley didn''t say a word, but his left arm draped casually over the back of Jessica''s chair, almost pulling her into an embrace.


    The others kept teasing, but Jessica yfully scolded them to stop. Stanley just smiled, watching her with a tender, indulgent gaze.


    Wendy couldn''t deny it-Jessica was smart. She knew that a man like Stanley was always the center of attention, always the one being catered to wherever he went. Such men wanted to be pampered, and Jessica yed her role well, creating the perfect atmosphere.


    Wendy didn''t want to watch any longer. It was self-torture.


    That was Stanley and Jessica''s world-a world she couldn''t belong to.


    "Halsey, let''s go."


    Halsey turned to her. "Wait, Wendy. Look, Sienna''s here too."


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