“It’s none of your business,” Ethan replied with calm detachment, though his voice carried a trace of hoarseness.
“You’re going to see Emily, aren’t you?” Jessica asked sharply, her tone leaving no room for evasion.
“Yes,” Ethan admitted after a brief pause. “Emily’s feeling unwell. I’m just going to check on her.”
As the words left his mouth, Ethan felt a flicker of irritation. Why was he explaining himself to Jessica?
Jessica let out a quiet, mocking laugh. “If she’s unwell, shouldn’t she see a doctor or call an ambulance? What exactly can you do? Are you a doctor now?”
Ethan’ brow creased slightly. “It’s none of your business. Go back to sleep,” he said curtly, heading toward the closet.
When he returned, however, he found Jessica fully dressed and waiting.
He fixed her with a steady, questioning gaze. “What do you think you’re doing?”
Jessica’s smile widened, a spark of defiance lighting her eyes. “I’m coming with you,” she announced confidently.
“Why would you do that?” Ethan asked, his irritation evident.
Jessica met his gaze unwaveringly. “Why shouldn’t I? If Miss Reed is unwell, I’d like to see for myself what’s so pressing that she needs someone else’s husband at this hour.”
A flicker of amusement crossed Ethan’ face. He raised an eyebrow and chuckled softly. “You’re jealous, aren’t you?”
Jessica’s expression remained unflinching.
Jealous? Hardly.
Her motive wasn’t envy but strategy. She was determined to thwart Emily’s schemes. Earlier that day, she had explicitly warned Emily to stay away from Ethan, yet here she was, summoning him in the dead of night. If this wasn’t an intentional provocation, what was?
Jessica’s smile grew colder. “Think what you want. Either way, I’m coming along tonight,” she declared firmly. She paused, her eyes narrowing slightly. “And if you refuse, I’ll be sure to let your father know about this in the morning.”
Ethan’ expression darkened. He let out a dry laugh. “Well played, Jessica. Now you’ve resorted to threats.”
Without another word, Jessica turned and strode toward the door, calling over her shoulder, “Let’s not keep Miss Reed waiting, Mr. Clark.”
Ethan watched her retreating figure, suppressing a scoff.
________________________________________
An hour later, Ethan’ sleek blue Bentley Continental rolled to a stop outside Emily’s residence.
Together, Ethan and Jessica stepped out of the car and made their way up the steps. Ethan knocked on the door.
The moment the door opened, Emily’s face lit up with excitement at the sight of Ethan. “Ethan!” she exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with delight.
But her smile faltered the instant she spotted Jessica emerging behind him. Her body stiffened, and a brief flash of shock crossed her features.
After a moment of awkward silence, Emily composed herself, forcing a polite smile. “Mrs. Clark,” she said, addressing Jessica with practiced civility. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”
Jessica blinked slowly, her long lashes fluttering as she returned Emily’s smile with an even sweeter one. “Miss Reed, I heard you were feeling under the weather, so I thought I’d come along to check on you. Besides, wouldn’t it be improper if word got out that a married man visited your home alone so late at night?”
She paused deliberately, her tone turning saccharine. “As Ethan’ wife, it’s only natural for me to make sure there’s no room for misunderstandings. Don’t you agree?”
Emily’s face tightened, and her voice wavered slightly as she struggled to respond. She hadn’t anticipated this turn of events.
In truth, Emily had intended to provoke Jessica by summoning Ethan at such a late hour. It was her way of asserting her significance in his life. But for Ethan to bring Jessica along? That felt like a direct slap in the face.
A flush of humiliation crept over Emily, stinging like a physical blow.
Sensing Emily’s hesitation, Jessica pressed further, her tone feigning concern. “What’s wrong, Miss Reed? Aren’t you happy to see me?