Emily bit her lip, her silence betraying her frustration.
Ryan, unable to hold back his confusion, turned to Matias. “Dad, you’ve always supported Emily being with Ethan! You even said their marriage would be good for our family!”
Matias met his son’s gaze calmly. “Are Emily and Ethan married right now?” he asked pointedly.
Ryan hesitated, caught off guard by the question.
Matias continued, his tone steady. “Back then, I supported their relationship because it would have benefited our family. But things have changed. Ethan is married now, and his wife has the full support of the Thomas family.”
He paused, his expression growing graver. “If Emily interferes with Ethan’ marriage while it’s still intact, it could create a scandal that would drag the Adams family into chaos. Worse, it would make us the target of the Thomas family’s anger. That’s not a risk I’m willing to take.”
Ryan faltered, momentarily at a loss for words. Finally, he said, “But Ethan told Emily he’ll divorce Jessica in a month and marry her.”
Matias didn’t waver. “Then we’ll talk about it after the divorce. Until then, the matter is closed.”
Not wanting to hear any more arguments, he turned to the driver and commanded, “Drive.”
Ryan clenched his jaw in frustration but said nothing more.
________________________________________
At the Thomas Family Estate
Abigail was pacing furiously, her hands clenched into fists. “Emily has no shame!” she fumed.
Jessica, sitting calmly nearby, reached out to gently pat her friend’s back. “Don’t let it get to you, Abigail. She didn’t win, and she won’t.”
To ease Abigail’s agitation, Jessica recounted the events of the previous night, detailing her handling of Emily’s antics.
Abigail’s expression softened as she listened. By the end, her frustration had given way to a proud smile. “You handled that perfectly, Jessica! Keep putting her in her place. Even though you plan to divorce Ethan in a month, you’re still his wife now, and you have every right to stand your ground. Why let people like her walk all over you?”
Jessica smiled back, her voice firm. “That’s exactly how I see it.”
Abigail nodded, her approval evident. “Good. Keep that attitude, Belinie. You have the moral high ground now, and you’ve got nothing to fear.”
After chatting for a little while longer, Jessica left the estate to return to her shift at the hospital.
________________________________________
Later at the Hospital
As Jessica was finishing her rounds, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She answered it to hear a familiar voice.
“Jessica, can you come by the Wright family home after work? I’d love to see you,” Holley said warmly.
Jessica hesitated, pressing her lips into a thin line. “I’d rather not return to the Wright family home,” she said curtly. “Let’s meet at Vera Villas instead.”
There was a pause on the other end, and Jessica could almost hear Holley’s discomfort.
Then it clicked. With a low, bitter chuckle, Jessica said, “You’re not the one asking for this meeting, are you? Dad told you to call me, didn’t he?”
Holley stammered, “Well, yes, he asked me to call you. But I really do miss you, Jessica.”
Jessica’s laugh turned cold. “Fine. Tell him I’ll be there tonight.”
Before Holley could respond, Jessica ended the call, her expression hardening. She knew exactly why her father wanted to see her.
Her thoughts drifted back to her confrontation with Kylee at the hospital. No doubt Kylee had gone straight to Baker to complain, painting herself as the victim. Jessica smirked. If they thought they could intimidate her, they were sorely mistaken.
________________________________________
Later That Evening
As Jessica changed into her regular clothes in the locker room, her phone rang again. The caller ID caught her attention, and her brows lifted in mild surprise.
She answered with a casual, “Hello?”
A hoarse, cold voice greeted her from the other end. “I’m waiting for you in the parking lot at Grand Plains General Hospital. Come here now.”
The call ended abruptly, leaving no room for questions or refusal.
Jessica stared at the phone in silence for a moment, her lips curving into a wry smile. Ethan.