The screen of Jessica’s phone lit up, a series of angry messages from Baker filling the notifications.
“Jessica! How dare you defy me? Return home within five minutes—do you understand?”
“Come back immediately and apologize to your sister! Don’t think Mr. Clark’s support will protect you!”
“Do you even consider yourself part of this family anymore? Do you acknowledge me as your father? How dare you act this way?”
“What kind of disgraceful life have you led abroad to become so vicious?”
Jessica’s lips curled into a cold smile as she scoffed at his tirade. Without hesitation, she exited the chat, silencing the string of notifications.
It was then she noticed the messages from Holley.
“Jessica, please don’t be stubborn. Come back and apologize to Kylee. She won’t hold a grudge, and once she forgives you, your father will calm down.”
“Just this once, listen to me. Return home and apologize.”
Jessica stared at the screen, her grip on the phone tightening until her knuckles turned white. Holley’s pleas felt like daggers, sharp and unrelenting.
After a long moment, she slipped the phone into her pocket and turned her gaze to the car window, her expression blank as she watched the passing scenery. The turmoil inside her, however, churned like a violent storm.
Ethan glanced at her from the driver’s seat, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly as he took in her tense demeanor.
The rest of the ride passed in silence, neither of them saying a word.
________________________________________
At the Clark Family Home
When they arrived, Ethan and Jessica retreated into their usual routines. To an outside observer, Jessica seemed composed, as though the events of the day had left her unaffected.
But that night, as she lay in bed, sleep eluded her. Her mind replayed the accusations, the betrayals, and the words of those she once called family.
By morning, the dark circles under her eyes betrayed her restless night as she prepared for work.
________________________________________
The Clark Family Estate
Meanwhile, at the Clark family estate, Jonathan sat on the sofa, his posture composed but commanding. In front of him stood two unexpected visitors: Baker and Kylee.
“If you have something to say,” Jonathan said, his tone even, “then please, get to the point.”
Baker wasted no time.
“Mr. Clark, I usually believe family matters should remain private, but this time, I have no choice but to involve you,” Baker began, his voice tense. “My younger daughter, Jessica, has gone too far. She’s vicious, out of control!”
He gently lifted Kylee’s hand, showing the bandaged burn. “Look at this. This is what Jessica did to Kylee.”
Jonathan’s brows furrowed slightly, though his expression remained measured.
“What happened?” Grace, seated beside him, leaned forward, her face a mixture of concern and curiosity.
Baker’s voice grew intense as he recounted the story. “It started innocently enough. Jessica and Ethan joined us for dinner. Everything was Gracel until Kylee, in a gesture of kindness, served Jessica some soup. As Kylee handed her the bowl, Jessica let it slip on purpose, scalding her. Despite being in pain, Kylee didn’t complain. She even asked me not to blame Jessica!”
Kylee nodded softly, casting a pained, yet forgiving look toward Baker.
“But that wasn’t enough for Jessica,” Baker continued, his tone rising with indignation. “She filled another bowl with soup and deliberately threw it on Kylee, worsening the burn!”
Grace gasped, her hand flying to her chest. “Are you certain? Did Jessica really do such a thing?”
Baker’s voice shook with anger. “I saw it myself! I wanted to discipline her on the spot, but Ethan intervened and defended her, stopping me.”
The mention of Ethan caught Jonathan’s attention. His gaze sharpened as he latched onto the detail.
Baker continued, “I couldn’t act in the moment, but this matter cannot be ignored. That’s why I’m here—to ask for your intervention. Without discipline, I fear Jessica’s behavior will only get worse.”
Grace turned to Jonathan, her face filled with concern. “Ethan defended her?”
Jonathan didn’t immediately respond. His expression was unreadable, though his silence carried a weight that made Baker shift uncomfortably.
After a moment, Jonathan spoke, his voice measured. “So, you came here today to inform us of this incident and to request that we discipline Jessica. Is that right?”
Baker nodded firmly. “Yes, Mr. Clark. I trust that you and Mrs. Clark will address this matter appropriately.”
Jonathan studied Baker for a moment, his gaze steady and unyielding. Then, his tone shifted ever so slightly, carrying a hint of skepticism. “There’s no other reason for your visit? Nothing else you wish to discuss?”
Baker hesitated briefly, his confidence faltering under Jonathan’s scrutiny.
