<b>Chapter </b><b>57 </b>
Jessica shot him a look, silently calling him pathetic.
If Stanley hadn’t teamed up with Jeffrey to set Reba up at that hotelst time, Jessica might’ve been more polite to Stanley. But that incident crossed a line, and she’d never forgive him.
“How did you get back? Didn’t your dad confiscate your passport?”n asked. Their earlier conversation had been all
about Reba’s situation.
“Who knows why he suddenly gave my passport back?” Jessica replied, walking to the window and watching cars speed by below. “Maybe his conscience kicked in. Maybe he’s worried I’ll hold a grudge, or maybe something else.”
“Forget that. All my cards are frozen.” Jessica leaned back against the window. “Keep an eye out if anything urgentes up in the meantime.”
Jessica clenched her fist. “Are you asking for a beating?<b>” </b>
Man quickly changed his tone. “At yourmands.”
Jessica called him childish before checking on Reba and Samuel.
That night,n stayed talking with them untilte before leaving, and Jessica ended up sleeping beside Reba.
At dawn the next morning, Reba woke up early.
When Jessica saw Reba already buzzing in the kitchen just past six, she yawned and got up as well.
This was the first time she realized just how cruel Jeffrey could be. He had once given Reba his devotion, only to tear her down mercilessly when their love was at its peak. She knew Reba had never gotten up this early to make breakfast.
“There’s a breakfast shop downstairs. Why not just buy something from there?” Jessica said, helping her make breakfast.
Reba looked surprised. “Why are you up so early?”
Jessica raised an eyebrow. “The Sandman told me you needed help.”
Reba chuckled and exined, “The breakfast shop might use premade ingredients. Samuel grew up in the Hanson residence, where meals were nned by nutritionists. Sudden changes to his diet could upset his stomach.”
Jessica wanted to call that overindulgence, but she couldn’t argue with the logic.
<b>1/4 </b>
4
14:11 Fri, 19 <b>Sept </b>
￥<b>35</b>%言
Children couldn’t be neglected. While some kids thrived with a rough upbringing, Samuel had been pampered from the
start.
“Focus on work and visiting your mom over the next few weeks. I’ll handle Samuel’s school drop–offs and pickups,“” Jessica said, making her purpose clear.
Reba blinked. “Don’t you have a job?”
Jessica shrugged. “My parents froze all my ounts. Why work for theirpany without getting paid?”
“My bad,” Reba said, feeling guilty.
Jessica gave her a suspicious look. “Are you still hung up on that deadbeat jerk?”
“No way,” Reba replied quickly.
Jessica pressed, “Then why are you taking the me for his mess?”
Reba froze for a moment, caught off guard.
“You really wanna be his shield? Take the heat meant for him?” Jessica said, offering an unexpectedfort.
To Jessica, it was clearly Jeffrey’s mess, and Reba had no responsibility for it. At worst, they were both just unfortunate
victims of his vendetta.
Reba’s heart warmed as she pulled Jessica into a hug. “Thank you.”
Jessica flicked her forehead. Reba was her anchor, the loyal friend who had stood by her through the darkest times.
When Jessica returned, Reba’s tension eased a little. After taking Samuel to his martial arts ss, she headed to the Reed residence, never expecting <i>to </i>find Jeffrey there.
As soon as she arrived, she saw Jeffrey and Lucas sitting across from each other in the living room. One of them looked serious, while the other lounged casually, creating a tense atmosphere.
When Lucas noticed Reba, he nced toward the entrance. Recognizing her, he stood up to greet her. “Ms. Jensen, Emily’s in the dance studio. You can go straight there.”
“Got it.” Reba gave a quick nod and made her way to the studio, deliberately avoiding Jeffrey’s gaze.
“You didn’te this early just for coffee,/right?” Lucas said, watching Reba leave before turning back to Jeffrey with a calm expression.
“Coffee’s just a bonus,” Jeffrey replied/leaning back with his legs crossed. “I mainly came to check out Emily’s dance instructor’s qualifications.”
Lucas snorted. “Since when do you need to evaluate your own wife’s dancing skills?”
Without answering, Jeffrey stood up and walked toward the studio where Reba had gone.
14:11 Fri, 19 Sept
Distracted, Reba entered the studio and began discussing today’s lesson n with Emily.
35%
As she started demonstrating some moves, she noticed Jeffrey leaning against the doorway, his deep eyes following her every move with an unreadable intensity.
Reba frowned slightly and turned to Lucas, who had approached from behind. “Mr. Reed, I need to start Emily’s lesson now. Could you ask anyone who is unnecessary to leave?”
“Mr. Hanson, Ms. Jensen requests your departure,” Lucas said with a teasing glint in his eyes.
Jeffrey tilted his head. “Does this amuse you?”
Lucas replied coolly, “Did Iugh?”
“I’m guessing you wouldn’t want updates on Ms. Jordan,” Jeffrey said, his eyes lingering on Reba before he strolled off leisurely.
Lucas’s smile faltered as a sudden intensity shed across his face. “What are you implying?”
Jeffrey sank back onto the couch. “Exactly what I said.”
“Do you know where she is?” Lucas pressed.
“Whether I know depends on how badly you want the information,” Jeffrey said unhurriedly, ncing toward the dance
studio.
Lucas fell silent, weighing the risks. He was aligned with Stephen’s faction, and extracting information from Jeffrey could sabotage Stephen’s n, risking a rift between them. But when it came to Joanna’s whereabouts, that was a different
story.
“I’ll give you a week to think it over. I want an answer by next Saturday when Rebaes for her ss,” Jeffrey said, standing up with his hands in his pockets, showing his long legs.
Lucas frowned at him.
Jeffrey casually raised his eyebrows and said, “Rx. No one else can track her information except me, not even Stephen.”
“What do you want?” Lucas hesitated, considering his options.
Jeffrey got straight to the point. “Fire Reba.”
Stephen was already making moves. If Reba stayed involved, things would get messy over time.
Lucas had expected this request, but Stephen had insisted that Reba had to stay.
“Take your time,” Jeffrey said, not forcing him. “Choosing between heart and career is always tough. You messed up once before. You can’t afford to make the same mistake again,” he reminded.
14:11 Fri, 19 Sept 0.