The phone rang, and Abigail’s name lit up the screen.
“Belinie, I have an update,” Abigail began, her tone measured. “The Adams family reached out to Nathaniel. They’re looking to offer you a personal apology. What’s your take on this?”
Jessica leaned back in her chair, unsurprised. Nathaniel’s involvement had practically guaranteed some form of response from the Adams family. After a moment of contemplation, her lips curved slightly.
“Let them come. If they’re so eager to apologize, I’ll hear them out.”
Abigail’s voice carried a hint of approval as she replied, “Understood. I’ll schedule their visit for noon, during your lunch break.”
“That works,” Jessica said before ending the call.
True to her word, during her break, Jessica headed to the Thomas family estate. Upon arriving, she found the Adams family already there, waiting in the grand living room. Matias, Ryan, and even Emily were present.
As Jessica stepped in, Matias immediately rose to greet her, his demeanor respectful. “Mrs. Clark,” he said, inclining his head slightly.
Jessica offered him a cool nod but remained silent, her calm presence filling the room. She made her way to a sofa and sat down, her poised and composed demeanor unshaken.
Without wasting time, Matias began. “Mrs. Clark, I want to sincerely apologize on behalf of my son. His actions were entirely inappropriate, and I humbly ask for your forgiveness.”
He glanced at Ryan, silently urging him to speak up.
Ryan, however, seemed frozen in place, his gaze locked on Jessica with disbelief. Even now, he couldn’t quite process that the woman standing before him—Nathaniel’s goddaughter—was the very same Jessica he had once underestimated.
Matias’ voice sharpened. “Ryan.”
That single word snapped Ryan out of his daze. Clearing his throat, he stood up, his expression strained but earnest. “Mrs. Clark,” he began, “I want to apologize. My words that day were reckless and deeply inappropriate. Please accept my sincere regret for the disrespect I showed you.”
The words came out reluctantly, but Ryan knew he had no choice. Jessica was no longer the easy target he once thought her to be. She now had the Thomas family’s support and the loyalty of influential figures like Nathaniel and Abigail.
Jessica listened in silence, her expression unreadable. Internally, though, she felt a smirk threatening to break through. How quickly the tides had shifted in her favor.
Matias, growing uneasy at her lack of response, ventured cautiously, “Mrs. Clark, may I ask what it would take for you to forgive my son?”
Jessica’s lips curved into a faint, enigmatic smile. “Forgive him? There’s no need. I never took Mr. Adams’ words to heart,” she said smoothly.
Relief flickered across Matias’ face, but it was short-lived.
Jessica’s tone grew sharper as she continued, “Because, frankly, he doesn’t matter enough to me to harbor resentment. Wasting my energy on trivial remarks from insignificant people would be exhausting, wouldn’t you agree?”
Ryan’s face darkened at the pointed jab. Being labeled insignificant stung more than he cared to admit.
Matias’ expression tightened, but he managed to maintain a diplomatic facade. He turned to Abigail, attempting to pivot the conversation. “Mrs. Thomas, since Mrs. Clark has graciously chosen not to hold a grudge, perhaps we can revisit the possibility of continuing our business collaboration.”
Abigail’s gaze remained steady and unyielding. “Mr. Adams,” she said firmly, “Belinie’s decision not to dwell on this doesn’t mean the issue can be dismissed so easily. Your son accused her of seducing a married man—a baseless and cruel attack on her character. Overlooking this would send a dangerous message to others, wouldn’t it?”
Her sharp words struck like a blade.
“As for any potential partnership,” Abigail added, her tone cool but resolute, “consider it off the table.”
The reaction was immediate. Matias’ composure faltered as the weight of her words sank in, and Ryan’s expression grew even more sullen.
Before Matias could attempt another plea, Emily, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke up…