As the tension filled the air, Abigail’s and Liam’s expressions darkened at once. The heavy atmosphere was palpable.
“Watch your words,” Kyrp Denen cautioned sharply, his tone edged with warning.
After a brief pause, Liam smirked and taunted, “So, Ryan, is Jessica really not the woman you remember? Do you think a birthmark magically vanishes with a wave of the hand? Honestly, Ryan, is this your only defense—to deny facts and resort to insults when the truth becomes inconvenient?”
A flush of embarrassment washed over Ryan, painting his cheeks a vivid red. He opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. His mind swirled in turmoil, unable to form a coherent reply.
For years, Ryan had looked down on Jessica, dismissing her as unattractive and unworthy of a second glance. Yet now, three years later, she had become the object of his deepest affections, stirring feelings he never thought possible. His heart raced uncontrollably at the mere sight of her, and he had vowed to win her over.
But to hear from Ethan that the woman who captivated him so completely was the same one he had ridiculed and despised? It was a truth too bitter to swallow.
Before Ryan could regain his composure, Liam cut in with biting sarcasm. “Why don’t you call your aunt’s husband, Mr. Adams? Confirm for yourself whether there’s a Dr. Jessica in the Cardiac Surgery Department at Grand Plains General Hospital.”
Ryan’s jaw tightened so hard that it began to ache. He had nothing left to say.
At that moment, Jessica stepped forward gracefully, her posture exuding confidence as she approached Emily. Their gazes locked, and an unspoken challenge hung between them.
Emily’s eyes swept over Jessica, taking in the woman’s striking transformation. Jealousy simmered beneath her composed exterior. Emily had always envied the social connections and influence surrounding Jessica, but now those feelings intensified tenfold. She could hardly believe that the once-overlooked, overweight Jessica was now a radiant, commanding figure.
Before, Jessica had seemed no more than a fleeting shadow, unworthy of consideration. Even after discovering Jessica was Ethan’s wife, Emily hadn’t viewed her as a true rival. But now…
The dramatic transformation had turned the tables. Jessica’s newfound grace and the prestigious connections she had formed as Serkrach’s goddaughter made her a formidable presence.
Jessica tilted her head slightly, her calm gaze fixed on Emily. Her voice was measured but firm. “Miss Reed, whatever history you once shared with Ethan, it is just that—history. I am his wife now, and I would appreciate it if you kept your distance from my husband.”
Without waiting for a reply, Jessica turned on her heel and walked away, her elegant strides carrying her toward Abigail.
Initially, Jessica had intended to ignore whatever past Emily shared with Ethan, especially considering her impending divorce. But with Ryan and Emily sowing chaos, she resolved to take a stand and confront them head-on.
Ethan’s lips curved into an amused smile as he watched Jessica walk away, admiration flickering in his eyes.
Jessica joined Abigail amidst a gathering of elite women, her presence commanding attention.
“Mrs. Thomas,” one of the women teased, “you’ve been hiding quite the secret! Your goddaughter is none other than the famous Mrs. Clark! Why didn’t you share such a fascinating detail sooner?”
Another woman chimed in, “Indeed, Mrs. Sugden, you should verify your facts before jumping to conclusions. Imagine assuming Mrs. Thomas’s goddaughter was some sort of homewrecker!”
“Yes, Mrs. Sugden,” another added. “Next time, get your facts straight. It’ll save you the embarrassment.”
Tessa Sugden’s face twisted with discomfort, but she forced a strained smile. “You’re absolutely right. I was mistaken. I’ll be more cautious in the future.”
Who could have imagined the situation would unfold like this?
Jessica turned to the ladies with a gracious smile. “I would appreciate it if we could keep this matter discreet. There’s no need for it to spread further.”
Given that her marriage to Ethan was nearing its conclusion, Jessica felt there was no need for additional speculation about their relationship.
“Of course, we’ll keep this to ourselves,” one of the women assured her.
“Yes, Jessica,” another added. “You can count on us.”
Jessica nodded her thanks. “Thank you, I truly appreciate your understanding.”
Meanwhile, in a private suite elsewhere, the tension was almost unbearable.
Ryan’s voice was strained as he turned to Ethan, struggling to accept the truth. “Ethan… is that woman truly Jessica?”