53

Carola carefully set the serving fork down, her expression a mixture of disbelief and resignation, as she turned to Baker. “Jessica’s allergic to seafood. How could you not know that?”
Her words left both Baker and Jessica momentarily stunned.
Jessica hadn’t expected Carola to know about her seafood allergy—a detail even her own father seemed oblivious to. When the blue lobster had been placed on her plate earlier, she had felt a quiet absurdity about the situation.
Kylee, observing the interaction, felt a flicker of irritation. Carola’s demeanor toward Jessica had always been distant, yet here she was, showing an unexpected awareness of something so personal about her stepsister.
A sudden thought seemed to amuse Kylee, and she teased, “Isn’t it funny? Both of you are allergic to seafood—it’s almost like you two were the real mother and daughter!”
Carola shot Kylee a playful scowl. “Don’t be ridiculous,” she said, brushing off the comment.
Baker chuckled, shaking his head. “So, by that logic, are we saying all people with seafood allergies are related?”
Kylee giggled, waving her hand dismissively. “I was only joking!”
However, Baker’s smile faded briefly, and an unreadable emotion flickered across his face before disappearing.
Carola, ignoring the banter, gently placed a serving of crispy salt and pepper ribs onto Jessica’s plate.
Jessica offered Carola a warm smile. “Thank you,” she said sincerely.
Carola simply nodded and returned to her meal.
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A Father’s Disapproval
Turning his attention to Jessica, Baker’s tone shifted as he said, “Kylee mentioned you turned down her offer to join her at Grand Plains General Hospital. Why is that?”
His expression darkened into one of stern disapproval. “Do you think the position is beneath you? Have you even compared your qualifications to your sister’s? Kylee was exceptional in her studies, while you struggled. Now, she’s in the Cardiac Surgery Department, and she was generous enough to offer you a chance as her assistant. With your skills, tell me, which hospital would hire you?”
Jessica’s lips curved into a wry, almost mocking smile at Baker’s remarks.
She knew well enough that in Baker’s eyes, only Kylee’s achievements ever mattered. He had never truly acknowledged her efforts. Even when she’d presented him with an excellent report card as a child, he’d barely glanced at it before dismissing her, too engrossed in his work to care.
Yes, her university grades hadn’t matched Kylee’s, but that was a deliberate choice. She remembered how Kylee’s smiles would tighten when her grades surpassed hers.
Holley, a family confidant, had once advised her to let Kylee shine. “Kylee is always so kind to you,” Holley had said. “You should step back and let her have the spotlight.”
Jessica had taken that advice to heart, moderating her grades intentionally, ensuring she passed without overshadowing Kylee. The strategy had seemed to work. Kylee’s spirits had lifted, and she had even begun helping Jessica study.
Now, looking back, Jessica realized just how naive she had been.
Calmly, she replied to Baker, “I already have a job.”
Baker snorted, his disdain evident. “What kind of job? At some small hospital? A tiny clinic with no future? Quit and take Kylee’s offer. Don’t waste an opportunity.”
His tone grew sterner, his words demanding compliance.
Jessica frowned slightly, ready to counter his remarks, but Carola intervened.
“Stop it!” Carola said sharply, her voice cutting through the tension. “Jessica already has a job. Let her be. She doesn’t need to follow Kylee everywhere. She’s entitled to her own life.”
Jessica blinked in surprise, pressing her lips together as a sudden warmth filled her chest.
Kylee chimed in smoothly, “Dad, if Jessica doesn’t want to join Grand Plains General, we shouldn’t force her.”
Baker scowled, his frustration clear. After a moment of brooding silence, he said curtly, “Fine! Do whatever you want, Jessica. But I’d love to know which hospital was foolish enough to hire you.”
With that, he fell silent and ignored Jessica entirely for the rest of the meal.
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After Dinner
Unbothered by Baker’s behavior, Jessica excused herself after dinner and headed straight back to the Clark family estate.
As she entered the bedroom, she stopped abruptly, her breath catching as she took in the unexpected sight before her.