Scanning the room, Jessica noted the surprised expressions of those present. But there were no clear answers in their faces—only the shadows of old deceit.
Kylee spoke up, her tone dripping with sympathy. “Jessica, you’ve really been through a lot. But it’s time to let the past go. I forgave you long ago. I even told you that you could have the necklace if you liked it so much.”
________________________________________
Baker, standing nearby, responded to Kylee with a mixture of affection and frustration. “You’re too forgiving, my dear. It only makes it easier for her to take advantage of your kindness.”
Kylee gave a sweet, gentle smile. “Dad, Jessica and I are sisters. Why shouldn’t I be kind to her?”
Baker sighed, his gaze shifting to Jessica. “See how Kylee treats you? And yet, look at how you’ve treated her. Out of consideration for Kylee, I’ll let the matter drop today.”
He then fixed Jessica with a pointed look. “Thank Kylee. Don’t be ungrateful.”
Jessica’s soft scoff broke the silence, her lips curving into a sarcastic smile. Kylee’s words felt hollow, the sweetness too practiced to be sincere.
“If there’s nothing else, I’ll be leaving now,” Jessica said coolly, turning to walk away.
________________________________________
Baker’s voice rose in anger behind her. “Look at that! That’s how your daughter behaves!”
Holley’s timid voice followed, trying to soothe him. “I’ll talk to her, Baker. She’ll thank Kylee later.”
Jessica could still hear their voices as she left, but she didn’t turn back. Her gaze hardened as she walked out, her resolve growing stronger.
Reaching her car, Jessica sank into the driver’s seat and closed her eyes. The confrontation had left her drained, even though she’d prepared herself for it.
The suffocating weight of the Wright family’s manipulation lingered in her chest.
After a moment, she took out her phone and typed a message. Shortly after, her phone buzzed with a reply.
A faint smile played on her lips as she read it. Setting the phone aside, she started the car.
________________________________________
That evening, Jessica entered Nostalgia Lounge, a popular upscale bar.
She wore a form-fitting black spaghetti-strap dress that highlighted her slender figure and elegant collarbones. Her burgundy hair was styled in a sleek high ponytail, complementing her smoky eye makeup and dark eyeliner, which made her captivating gaze even more alluring.
Her presence commanded attention the moment she walked in, turning heads effortlessly.
From the SVIP booth on the second floor, Ethan noticed her immediately.
Even among the crowd, Jessica’s striking appearance stood out. His eyes fell on the short, tight dress she wore, and a frown tugged at his lips.
Could this woman possibly dress any more provocatively?
Before he could dwell on the thought, Ryan’s voice interrupted him.
“Ethan, have you and Jessica finalized the divorce yet?”