Mr. Jasper Sr. was not only a senior figure in the family but also a powerful and highly respected <b>leader</b>. Yet here he was, speaking to Desmond with such humility and courtesy, without a trace of arrogance.
Desmond was caught off guard by the gesture and quickly sat up in bed, leaning against the headboard. His expression showed a hint of mease.
“Mc. Jasper St.,” he said, a little flustered, “you’re too kind. I’m really fine. You didn’t have toe all this way.”
James stepped forward.
<b>“</b>Desmond, this is just a small gesture from our family. We hope you’ll ept it.”
As he spoke, he handed Desmond a bank card.
With Mr. Jasper St. setting the tone, Desmond had no choice but to go along. Even if he had been displeased with the Jasper family, now was not the time to show it. He forced a smile and took the card.
“Alright, I’ll ept it. Thank you.
James replied politely, “No need to thank us.”
Mr. Jasper St.’s expression tumed serious again.
“Desmond, there’s another reason I retumed to Jersey i
Dily
vthis time.”
Desmond had already guessed what wasing. His expression shitted slightly, but he stayed quiet and listened.
“This injury of yours wasn’t an ident. I’m sure by now you’ve heard from Sean about James’s other son.”
Mr. <b>Jasper </b>St. paused. He had nearly said “illegitimate son,” <b>but </b>stopped himself in time. That phrasing felt too harsh
After <b>a </b>short pause, he continued.
? I’m sure he mentioned Joseph to you.
Desmond’s expression darkened <b>slightly</b>. He <b>gave </b><b>a </b>silent <b>nod</b><b>. </b>
“Joseph’s real target is our family,” Mr. Jasper Sc. said “You were dragged into this because of Charlotte’s engagement to Sean. After careful consideration, we’ve decided it’s best to call off the engagement.”
Xena, who had been standing quietly nearby, looked over in surprise. Desmond had brought up ending the engagement with her the night before, but they both knew better than to initiate it themselves, given Mr. Jasper Sr.’s Influence.
Now, with the Jasper family taking the initiative <b>and </b>showing up in full to end the engagement, <b>it </b>was the best possible oue for <b>them</b>.
Desmond had <b>mentally </b>prepared himself the moment the Jaspers walked in. So when Mr. <b>Jasper </b>Sr. said the words, he wasn’t surprised.
He no
<b>nodded </b>slightly.
____“Since you brought it up, I’ll be honest. I’ve been thinking about this too. No offense<b>, </b>but our <b>family </b>has already paid a high price because of this engagementTM
Mr. <b>Jasper </b><b>5’s </b>voice was heavy with guilt,
*1 understand.”
James echoed the sentiment
“We’re truly sorry, Desmood. This is entirely on us. We’ll let your family announce the breakup publicly. Our team will handle the PH statement, and we’ll take full responsibility.”
Lilian stepped forward with <b>a </b>document and handed it to Desmond.
“Here’s a draft of the official announcement. <b>Please </b>take <b>a </b><b>look</b>. If you want to make any changes, feel free to let us know.”
Desmond flipped <b>though </b>the pages<b>, </b>theenclosed the folder.
“No need. This will <b>do</b><b>.</b>”
Lin nodded
“Great. The sooner it goes out, the better. The longer this drags us, the more danger your family is in.”
Desmond agreed and then looked meaningfully at Sean
have you told Charlotte yet?”
“There,“Seanreplied, his throat tightening. “Mr. Riley, I told her fell out of love so she’d give up on me. Please, don’t tell her the truth. I <b>don’t </b><b>want </b>her getting
..
Desmond gave a solemn nod
“Alright then,” Mr. Jasper Br. said. “We’ll leave you to rest.
“Take care,” Desmond replied, then turned to Xena. “<b>Xena</b>, walk them out.”
“Of course,” she said.
Charlotte <b>hadn’t </b>slept <b>well </b>the night before<b>, </b>and she had dozed off again in the after
She hadn’t been asleep long when her phone started ringing repeatedly.
She opened her eyes wearily and picked it up.
“Hello?”
Mia’s wore exploded through the speaker.
“Lottie, have you seen Twitter? Sean is trending–he’s <b>in </b><b>a </b><b>scandal </b>with an actress!”