Patrick sneered.

He retorted, James, why stick up for her? Whats she got going for her now? Nothing. Failed with Marcus, couldnt even lock down an old player like Albert. Ask around in town about her, besides me, whod want her? Even if she turned to the oldest profession in the world, shed still be looked down on. Just mark my words.

James clenched his fists and shut his eyes.

Damnit! Patrick was really asking for trouble.

His familys fortune wasnt even in the same league as the Waston Groups. If Albert wanted, he could wipe Patrick out with a snap.

James didnt want to get dragged into this mess.

Just then, a chilling voice cut through from the doorway. Why havent I heard about this? Albert strode in.

The dim light in the room cast a shadow over his face, making him look even more ominous. It was rare to see Albert with such a dark expression; he was usually smooth and charming.

But now, he was ready to defend Jessie at all costs.

Theyd even called it quits! Patrick slumped on the sofa, mouth hanging open, like he couldnt quite believe it.

Albert approached slowly.

He rolled up his sleeves, his face set with determination. It had been years since hed been in a fight But now he was as fired up as a teenager. He grabbed Patricks collar and landed a solid punch.

Albert had a rough past.

Patrick didnt stand a chance. It soon turned into a one-sided brawl, blood staining th

& sofa in no time. The guy who usually preyed on women was now whimpering and begging for mercy, too scared to fight back.

Albert tossed him onto the couch like he was tossing aside a napkin.

Meanwhile, Jessie watched, her expression blank.

It was like he meant nothing to her, like his actions didnt even register.

Albert glanced at her and said, Lets go! She resisted.

But he grabbed her hand and dragged her off. Before leaving, he tossed a card

James grumbled. Thanks, Mr. Waston.

Jessie was pulled away by Albert. She cursed under her breath, You jerk, where are you dragging me? Im not going anywhere And forget about getting in my pants! I wont! Did you not hear what people just said about me? Youve already treated me like trash-a cheap thing you played and tossed aside. What more do you want? Dont talk like that! Pressed against the corridor wall, her back ached from the impact.

Across the way, Melissa watched, feeling concerned.

But Marcus just rubbed his chin and remarked, Your boss, Mr.

Waston, sure knows how to make a scene, huh? What do you think, Melissa?

Yawn! I prefer Mr. Wastons work ethic, Melissa replied softly.

Marcus peeked into the private room, blocking Melissa from going in.

He nodded towards Alberts direction and whispered, It looks Like theyre not letting go of each other. Lets give them some space.

Melissa chewed her lip. But Mr. Wastons married! Marcus smirked. Hes got a better grip on his situation than you think! Being married, he knows whats off-limits. If he really cared for Jessie, he wouldnt even lay a finger on her.

Melissa eyed him for a moment. You seem to know Mr. Waston pretty well? Marcus countered slowly, Feeling a bit jealous, are we? Meanwhile, Albert was holding Jessies face, still feeling the heat from their scuffle.

He caressed her cheek, his voice gravelly.

Dont say that about yourself!

Jessie chuckled against the wall, and then cocked her head.

Albert. Everyone in Duefron knows that. You dont want me! He stared at her, and then blurted out, Do you want me to get a divorce? Jessie was taken aback.

Disbelief flashed across her face, as if shed just heard the unthinkable.

After a moment, she chuckled. Come on, Albert, quit joking! Shed attended his wedding and he didnt bat an eye. He just handed her some tissues and carried on with the festivities. The night she cried her heart out, he was off enjoying his honeymoon.

But now, after just six months, he was asking if she wanted him to divorce.

What was he getting at? Had he gotten bored of his new missus, used her up, and now figured his old flame was more fun in bed? Jessie laughed, tears rolling down her cheeks. She shoved him away hard, stumbling forward, not caring which empty private room she found herself in.

In the room, she spotted some booze and poured herself a hefty glass.

Jessie! Alberts voice rang out, pained.

Jessie lifted her head, downing half the glass in one go. As she lowered it, she stared at the rest of the golden liquid and murmured, Whats the big deal? Its just sx, right? Selling myself to anyone, its

all the same, isnt it? Some guy just waved tens of millionsand wanted a rollin the hay. How much are you offering, Mr. Waston? Lets haggle a price. ll down a few more, or else I might not be able to stomach looking at your face, especially since were both fed up with each other.

Jessie! You think Im here just for sx? Who do you think you are? Who do you think I am?

The glass slipped from Jessies grip, shattering on the floor.

Her face was a mask of cold beauty.

She shot back, Mr. Waston, you spent three years in my bed, didnt you? If it wasnt just for the sx, are you trying to say it was love? Im not giving myself away for free. Whats wrong with wanting some perks? Back then, I wanted a real commitment, a lasting bond.

Now that youre hitched, whats so wrong for me to go for some cash? Albert fell into silence.

quietly After a long pause, he strolled over to the liquor cabinet, fetched a bottle, and placed itin front of her. Alright! lll buy you for one night! Five hundred million! Knock back half this bottle and

not up for it? Didnt you just say you wanted to make a deal? Jessie

chance to serve him! Albert handed her a

It burned her throat.

Jessie almost cried out. She felt so

lose. Shed lose everything-her pride, her dignity. Everyone could mock her as the

she always wanted to hold onto that last shred

three glasses, Jessie was

against the couch and drifted

face, gently tucking away the stray hairs on

to. She thought if she didnt wake, she wouldnt

to see

her like this! Albert reached out and lifted her gently, carrying her out. James was waiting at the door, offering his respects. Mr. Waston, Patricks just a punk; dont Let him get to you! Then he glanced at Jessie in Alberts arms, feeling a mix of emotions.

cherished

married her back then? James couldnt figure

was unaffected by James

eyes flickered open, revealing depths impossible to

him feeling inferior to Albert. Meeting Alberts gaze became

demeanor exuded authority as he spoke deliberately. Ive never been

feeling the weight of Alberts gaze, pleaded. Please, spare Patrick, even

special place in Renas heart now? Even if he does, it

eyes wavered with

gestured towards the woman nestled in Alberts arms. If youve grown attached to her during those three years, why not make her your partner? Jessie is a wonderful

shadow passed over Alberts face, his features clouding

cradled in his arms, and settled her

her seatbelt, her hand suddenly

spoken as if in a

unable

shut again as she murmured It must be a dream. How could

a pang of

fingers trembled as he

looked at her

married. It wasnt about being loyal

withdrew his hand and closed

to the familiar villa,

her shoes, wiped her face, hands, and even her feet with a towel before tucking her in. Heading to the living room, he resigned himself to spending the night there,

crack of dawn, the sweet trill

Jessie stirred, her fingertips brushed against the soft pillow.

she opened

her lay the

was the very

her, despite the haze of memory. There had been a heated exchange with Patrick, and Albert had brought

Good morning.

been comforting and she could listen toit

it only sent a

faced the other direction, her tone sharp. Did you purchase this place? And did you orchestrate Marcus funding my

in the air, neither

softer this time. Why did you bring me here? In Alberts

gently. ltl help ease your discomfort from the

to knock over the glass of water, darkening

her fury upon him. Why bring me here?

Count how many nights weve shared on this bed. Whats this? Is this your twisted form of mercy now that you tied the knot with another woman? If youre done with me, why linger around me? My well-being is none of your concern. Do you understand? Its none of your

many vows she made to forget him, the bitterness surged anew whenever she

her gaze

he refilled the

Jessie swallowed the pill dry. With

escape, his

voice, Albert said, I havent

moment, recalling the events of the previous night. Five hundred million dollars exchanged hands,

hands,

over the

Jessies lips quivered slightly.

began unbuttoning her shirt. Lets get this over with. Dining with you

she unbuttoned her shirt,

body exuded beauty and

Isnt this what you want, Albert?

being stubborn, and tears

presence enveloped

a

waist to still her movements. Once she was presentable, he enveloped her in his arms, his expression and voice filled with pain.

Jessie lay in silence.

drained, knowing it

Dont bring shame upon me or

a turn of her head, Jessie averted her gaze, overwhelmed with

had eventually reciprocated. She had waited for him for three long years, only to see him

Jessie questioned, Albert, if I lose to Melissa, Ill accept it. But why marry a stranger? Are you determined

Albert murmured. I dont want you to be unhappy, Jessie He couldnt

Perhaps he never would.

Jessie wept once more.

whispered soothing words, coaxing her until she stirred. She had no urge to scold

breakfast, he extended an invitation,

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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