Carola drifted into her thoughts momentarily before giving her head a slight shake and saying, “You know, your fiery determination reminds me a little of myself when I was younger.”
Jessica faced her directly, pressing her lips together before speaking with unwavering clarity. “Carola, I’ll be honest with you. I’m not going to apologize to Kylee.”
She paused, her resolve growing more evident as her voice gained a steady confidence. “I won’t apologize for something I didn’t do, and I certainly won’t apologize for standing by what I believe was right.”
Carola’s expression shifted, a trace of resignation crossing her face. After a short silence, she sighed and said, “Let’s focus on eating, shall we?”
With that, the tension dissipated—for the moment. The subject was dropped and didn’t resurface during the meal.
Midway through, Jessica excused herself to use the restroom. Once inside, she finished quickly and flushed the toilet, preparing to leave the stall. However, muffled voices caught her attention.
“Kylee, it’s just outrageous that your sister would treat you like this, splashing soup on you not once, but twice! Are you going to let her get away with that?”
“Exactly, Kylee! Your father really ought to step in and teach her a lesson she won’t forget!”
Jessica froze in place, her head tilting slightly as she leaned back against the wall, arms crossed, a smirk curling her lips. The faint voices outside grew more distinct as the conversation continued.
Kylee’s voice was calm but firm. “Please don’t say that. She didn’t mean it. She’s just—”
“She didn’t mean it? Oh, come on! Who would believe that excuse? She’s clearly jealous of you and is trying to wreck your happiness!”
“That’s right! Look at you, Kylee. You’re successful, admired, and deeply loved by your family. And her? A hidden-away illegitimate daughter, unloved and unwanted. Of course, her heart’s filled with bitterness!”
“Stop it. It’s been three years, and Jessica isn’t who she used to be,” Kylee countered, though there was a hint of hesitation in her voice.
“Oh, please. How much could she have possibly changed? Just seeing her is enough to irritate anyone.”
“Yes, no amount of transformation can erase who she really is. She’s nothing but trouble!”
One of the women giggled, her tone laced with mockery. “Kylee, you’ve piqued my curiosity. Why not introduce her to us properly? I’d love to see this so-called transformation with my own eyes.”
“Yes, let’s see if she’s still the same unlikable mess she’s always been!”
The group erupted into laughter, their taunts echoing through the restroom.
Jessica’s eyes glinted with a sharp, unyielding light. Without hesitation, she pushed open the stall door with deliberate force and stepped into view.
The laughter came to an abrupt halt as the women turned and noticed her approach. Their expressions shifted rapidly—shock and discomfort flickering across their faces.
Kylee’s face turned pale, her unease evident as her gaze met Jessica’s. Meanwhile, the others exchanged awkward glances, clearly startled but also intrigued.
One of them, gathering her composure, stepped forward with a forced smile. “Ms. Thomas,” she greeted politely.
Jessica immediately recognized the speaker—Jada Sampson, a member of a minor noble family in Soling closely connected to the Kylee’s circle.
Arching an eyebrow, Jessica acknowledged her with a small, deliberate nod. “Oh, so you know who I am?”
Jada’s smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered. “I had the honor of attending your welcome party, hosted by the Thomas family, some time ago.”
Jessica’s lips curved into a subtle smile. “Ah, I see.”
Her tone turned light but laced with an edge of mischief as she added, “Though, you may not be aware that I carry another title. Care to guess what it might be?”
Jada blinked, her confusion evident as her gaze darted between Jessica and Kylee.
Jessica turned her attention fully to Kylee, her expression now brimming with playful yet cutting intent. “Kylee, don’t you think it’s time to properly introduce me to your friends?”