The Silent Flame of Brilliance By Selena Virelle 78

Kylee’s scream pierced the air, sharp and raw with pain. “Jessica, have you lost your mind?” “Jessica, what are you doing?” The dining room fell into stunned silence, everyone frozen by the abruptness of her actions. Even Ethan, usually composed, widened his eyes in genuine surprise. But within moments, his expression shifted, the initial shock replaced by a composed curiosity. One brow arched slightly as he watched the scene unfold. Jessica set the bowl down on the table with deliberate slowness, her cold gaze sweeping to Kylee, who was cradling her scalded hand in agony. Her lips curled into a faint, dismissive smirk. “Since everyone’s so convinced that I burned Kylee’s hand on purpose earlier,” Jessica said icily, “I thought I’d give you something real to accuse me of. Now, I did it intentionally. Happy to own up to it.” Kylee gaped at her, her expression a mixture of fury, pain, and disbelief. She couldn’t process what had just happened. How could Jessica dare to do such a thing? And in front of Ethan, no less? Had Jessica lost her mind entirely? Was she not worried that Ethan might see her as cruel, arrogant, or vindictive? “You lunatic!” Baker roared, his face contorted with rage as he lunged toward Jessica. “I’m going to teach you a lesson right now!” His voice thundered through the room as he raised his hand, his intent unmistakable. Jessica’s expression turned cold, her posture stiffening. She braced herself, ready to block his strike. But before Baker’s hand could fall, Ethan’ voice cut through the tension like a blade. “Mr. Wright.” The calm, low timbre of his voice carried a chilling weight, a quiet threat embedded within his words. Baker froze mid-motion, his head snapping toward Ethan. Ethan leaned back slightly in his chair, his gaze sharp and unyielding. His lips curled into a faint, cold smile as he continued, “Have you considered the consequences of what you’re about to do?” The question hit Baker like a punch, halting him in his tracks. His arm hovered in the air for a moment before he slowly lowered it, his entire body tensing as Ethan’ words sank in. The dining room descended into an oppressive silence. Baker’s face twisted into a scowl, his fury simmering beneath the surface, but he made no further move. Kylee, still clutching her hand, stared at Ethan, her eyes brimming with tears of disbelief and betrayal. She couldn’t believe what she had just witnessed. Ethan, the man she had always considered an ally, had stepped in to protect Jessica. How could he side with her under such circumstances? Could it be that Ethan had fallen under Jessica’s influence? Even Jessica was taken aback. Ethan’ defense was the last thing she had expected. Regaining her composure quickly, she straightened and spoke with calm authority. “It seems there’s no point in continuing this dinner.” Turning to Ethan, she added, “Let’s leave.” Without a word, Ethan rose from his seat and followed Jessica out of the Wright family home. ________________________________________ In the Car The car ride was tense, the silence thick with unspoken words. Jessica sat rigidly in her seat, her emotions still swirling from the confrontation. After a few moments, she turned to Ethan, hesitating before speaking. “Just now…” she began, her voice softer than usual. Ethan interrupted, his tone sharp and detached. “I didn’t do it for you.” His words landed heavily in the space between them. Starting the engine, he continued in a low, rasping voice, “You’re still my wife. Any harm coming to you reflects poorly on the Clark family.” Jessica blinked, her intended gratitude caught in her throat. Her lips twisted into a faint, ironic smile as she turned to face the window. “I was about to say,” she replied coolly, “that even if you hadn’t intervened, I could have handled the situation on my own.” Ethan glanced at her briefly, her unexpected response catching him off guard. Letting out a scornful laugh, he replied, “Apparently, my assistance wasn’t needed.” Jessica didn’t answer. ________________________________________ The Phone Calls The tense silence was broken by the buzz of Jessica’s phone. She glanced at the caller ID and immediately declined the call. Moments later, it rang again. This time, Holley’s name appeared on the screen. Jessica stared at it for a moment before rejecting the call once more. Then came a barrage of notifications—calls, messages, one after another—until the phone finally fell silent. Ethan couldn’t help but glance at her out of the corner of his eye. Jessica exhaled deeply, gripping the phone tightly as she unlocked the screen. Her lips pressed into a firm line as she read the messages, her expression unreadable. Though Ethan said nothing, he couldn’t help but wonder about the storm brewing behind Jessica’s calm facade.