52

When she was younger, Ainslie Adams had reached out to Matias Adams under the pretense of expressing her gratitude. Over time, her calculated charm worked its magic, and she became his mistress, keeping the affair secret for years.
Matias had no intention of leaving his wife, considering Ainslie nothing more than a clandestine indulgence. However, fate intervened when his wife fell seriously ill and passed away shortly after. Around the same time, Ainslie discovered she was pregnant. Upon learning she was carrying a boy, Matias decided to marry her, transforming their scandalous affair into a socially acceptable union.
The sequence of events sparked persistent rumors. Many speculated that Ainslie might have had a hand in the untimely demise of Matias’s first wife, though no evidence ever surfaced. Over time, the gossip faded, but the shadow of those rumors lingered.
Liam had shared all these details with Jessica.
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Confronting Ryan
Ryan’s discomfort was palpable as he processed Jessica’s sharp words. His forced smile strained against his unease as he asked, “What exactly are you implying, Ms. Thomas?”
Jessica’s smirk deepened, tinged with sarcasm and amusement. “Oh, nothing much. Just a gentle reminder, Mr. Adams: your mother’s rise to her current position began when she was merely your father’s mistress. While carrying you, she was still the ‘other woman.’ So, when you throw around the word ‘illegitimate’ with such disdain, you might want to remember how close you are to that label yourself.”
Ryan’s face darkened, but Jessica’s tone remained firm and impassive.
“No one chooses the circumstances of their birth,” she continued. “Do you think anyone aspires to be labeled illegitimate? As adults, we have the responsibility to rise above petty gossip and speak with respect and decency.”
She rose from her seat, exuding calm authority.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Adams, but I find it impossible to enjoy a meal with someone who so clearly lacks both manners and humanity,” she said coolly.
Ryan’s expression soured further as Jessica calmly collected her belongings and exited.
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A Change of Plans
Seated in her car, Jessica’s lips curved into a mocking smile. The irony of Ryan’s moral pretensions, given his mother’s history, was almost laughable. How easily he ignored the glaring hypocrisy of his disdainful remarks.
Feeling a sudden craving, Jessica decided to indulge herself and drove to The Harlequin Eats, famous for its crispy salt and pepper ribs.
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An Unexpected Invitation
As Jessica stepped out of her car in the parking lot, a gentle voice called out, “Jessica.”
She turned to see Carola gracefully stepping out of a sleek black Rolls-Royce.
“Carola,” Jessica greeted politely.
Carola approached with a warm smile. “Are you dining alone tonight?”
“Yes,” Jessica replied with a nod.
“Why not join us? Your father and sister are already inside,” Carola suggested, her tone inviting as she gestured toward the entrance.
Jessica hesitated briefly before agreeing. “Alright,” she said.
Following Carola, Jessica entered the restaurant and was led to a private dining room.
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At the Dinner Table
Inside the room, Baker and Kylee looked up in surprise as Carola entered with Jessica.
“Mom, Jessica—what brought you two together?” Kylee asked brightly, linking arms with Carola.
“We ran into each other in the parking lot,” Carola explained. “Jessica was dining alone, so I invited her to join us.”
Kylee nodded, smiling warmly. “I see. Jessica, please, have a seat with us.”
Jessica accepted, sitting quietly as the meal began. The atmosphere was cordial, with Baker and Carola lavishing attention on Kylee, ensuring her every need was met.
Jessica ate in silence, feeling slightly out of place amid the familial display. She focused on her plate until something unexpected broke her concentration—a vibrant blue lobster appeared on her plate.
Startled, she looked up to see Baker withdrawing his fork. “Go on, enjoy,” he said casually.
Jessica was about to respond, her amusement evident, when another fork swooped in and whisked the lobster back onto Baker’s plate.
Baker’s surprise was evident as he turned to Carola, who had taken the lobster with effortless grace.
Jessica couldn’t help but watch the exchange, her curiosity piqued by Carola’s action. The air between them shifted subtly, tension and amusement mingling in a way that felt oddly out of place for such a simple moment.