bChapter /bb81 /b

Jessica rolled her eyes upon hearing Brian’s words, saying with a pointed re, “No drinking tonight” She took the wine and instructed Maylerebanit

to the cor.

Dereck’s lips pressed in disappointment, but he didn’t insist. “Well, no alcohol. Brian, try these dishes. The cook is antu He pointed out several dishes Jessica had loved since childhood.

Beside them, Jacob, who was trying to win Ste’s Javor, spoke sweetly, “I like whatever my mom likes? He shed Jessica ba /bsweet smile, only to meet Jessica’s indifference.

Jacob’s face foll just a little. Ste swooped in with a consoling portion. “Try this, sweetheart.”

“Thank you, Grandma, Jacob smiled.

“What a polite boy!”

“Mom taught me.”

“Oh, she taught you ball /bthat? Good b

I boy. You’re so sweet and well–mannered.”

Ste smiled warmly, ncing meaningfully at Jessica, and thought, ‘How could you distance yourself from such a well–mannered son? Could there be some kind of misunderstanding between you two?”

Dereck and Brian appeared to have endless topics to discuss. They talked about the domestic business environment, then moved on to overseas markets. Every time Dereck brought something up, Brian had something insightful to say.

Brian had impressed Dereck, while Jacob had won Ste’s favor.

Jessica observed her parents‘ genuine bfondness /bfor them both, especially Jacob. Yet the realization settled coldly. She and Brian were beyond repair, and Jacob no longer held any emotional weight in her heart.

Throughout the meal, Jessica sat quietly, picking at her food with little interest.

Afterwards, the group gathered in the sitting room where Jacobs pestered Ste with endless questions about Jessica’s childhood, desperate to find simrities between them.

Meanwhile, Brian and Dereck disappeared into the study for over ban /bhour, deep in conversation.

Jessica retreated to her room to wash up and change into loungewear. With tomorrow being a day offb, /bshe messaged her team to email any urgent documents.

By the time she finished reviewing files, the clock showed 10:30 pm. As she was preparing for bed, a burst of childish giggles from downstairs caught her attention. She frowned, thinking. They’re still bhere/bb?/bb” /b

She headed downstairs and addressed Brian. “It’s gettingte. Aren’t you two leaving?”

Dereck hesitated, clearly wanting to offer them lodging but unwilling to cross Jessica for Brian. As for bJacob/b. Dereck nced bat /bbSte/b, who always took

the child’s side.

“Mom, bGrandma /bsaid I could sleep overs

Jacob clung to Ste’s sleeve with hopeful eyes.

“I’ll just take a bguest /broom, Brian added smoothly.

“Our guest rooms aren’t worthy of your standards, Mr. Atkinson,” Jessica snorted. She then turned to Jacob.

bJacob /bimmediately yawned dramatically, Grandma, I’m bso /bsleepy”

Ste’s grandmotherly Instincts warred with love for Jessica. Just bas /bstie reached for Jacob’s hand, Jessica intervened, steering Jacob toward  yourselves out, Mr. Atkinson.”

Brian pressed his lips as he met Jacob’s wobbling lip. Jacob looked bclose /bto btears/b.

Ste watched with a heavy heart but ultimately respected Jessica’s decision. This was à matter between mother and sort. No one could interfere

Ste believed no mother could truly stop loving a child she had raised for six years.

Jacob didn’t receive the support he hoped for from his grandparents and knew better than throwing a tantrum. He sniffled and wiped bhis /bnose. “Goodnightb, /bbGrandma/b, Grandpa”

With perfect poise, Brian politely said goodbye to Ste and Dereck, then led his reluctant exit.

Dereck and Ste saw them at the gate. Jessica paused, then followed them out to the car. She wanted to warn Brian not toe to her home uninvited againb, /bespecially not under the illusion that things between them could change.

Before she could speak, Brian anticipated her intent. “I only brought Jake to meet his grandparents. The deflection disarmed her prepared warning

“Momb, /bcan

1, can I visit again? I love them…” Jacob’s voice quivered. He was upset, not only was Jessica noting home, but she wouldn’t even let him stay

with her.

Fortunately, his grandparents adored him.

Jessica looked down. “You’re wee to see them. But

Jacob brightened for a second, but Jessica’s next words bcut /bthrough his joy.

Her voice held bcial /bfinality. “Whatever bond you build with them is separate from me. Jacob, byou /bcan’t expect me to treat you the same. I’m bjust /b‘Mother‘ now. Not what we were.b” /b

She would fulfill her bduty /bas a mother, supporting Jacob financially until he grew up, but nothing more.

Jacob dropped his head. Tears rolled down and sshed onto the ground. He thought, ‘Why won’t Mom forgive me?”

Brian’s jaw tightened at Jessica’s harshness, yet remembering Jacob’s past behavior, he stayed silent. He understood exactly what Jessica hadn’t said aloud.

Without another word, Jessica turned and walked back into the house. Behind her, she could bhear /bthe car start and pull baway /b

Inside, Ste withheldment about the bmissed /bovernight opportunity, though Dereck fidgeted buntil /bher re silenced him. Jessica’s marital issues were none of their business.

“Tomorrow’s Sunday. Jessi, stay home and rest,” Ste said to Jessica before dragging Dereck upstairs. She then instructed May, “May, don’t let her sneak bout /btomorrow morning”

bJessica /bchuckled. Truthfully, she had been working nonstoptely. A day off might actually be nice.

The next morning, Jessica felt oddly restless. She spent most of her time eating or lying. Every time she took herptop, Ste would appear band /bsnatch

After a few failed attempts, Jessica gave up entrely on work

At Atkinson Vi, Brian’s polished attire signaled no ordinary workday.

Jacob, waking early, nned to visit this grandparents again. Seeing Brian, he immediately ran to intercept him. “Dad, where are you going? Take me to

Grandma’s home.”

MUN 3

Yesterday’s visit already risked Jessica’s displeasure. Repeating so soon would backfire. Instead of winning her affection, they might end up bpushing /bher further away.

to stay home and y while he went to check if Jessica needed anything. Then he could

Brian didn’t n to take Jacob to Grant Manor. He told him to st easily drop offter.

Jacob only then realized Brian had been visiting Jessica almost every day this week. Under the guise of delivering things, Brian had even managed to catch a glimpse of her.

Jacob’s eyes widened in shock. “You’ve been seeing Mom without me? It’s not fair, I want to see her tool