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.

cabinet, fetched a bottle, and placed itin front of her. Alright! lll buy you for one night!

up for it? Didnt you just say you wanted to

chance to serve him! Albert handed her

It burned her throat.

moment, Jessie almost cried out.

of him. Because if she did, shed lose. Shed lose everything-her pride, her dignity. Everyone could mock her as the woman

always wanted to hold onto

Jessie

the couch and

sleeping face, gently tucking away the stray hairs on

She didnt want to. She

want him to

waiting at the door, offering his respects. Mr. Waston, Patricks just a punk;

cherished her

hadnt he married her back then? James couldnt

unaffected

flickered open, revealing depths impossible to

business faltered, leaving him feeling inferior to

authority as

feeling the weight of Alberts gaze, pleaded.

a special

eyes wavered

a boldness fueled by desperation, he gestured towards the woman nestled in Alberts arms. If youve grown attached to her during

Alberts face, his features

James wild words, Albert descended the stairs, Jessie cradled

securing her seatbelt, her

if in a dream. Uncle Albert, she whispered, her

froze, unable

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

of sadness at her

as he tenderly brushed her

at

married. It wasnt about being

Albert withdrew his hand and closed

the familiar villa, he carried her

tucking her in. Heading to the living room, he resigned himself to spending the night there, wrestling with

dawn, the sweet trill of birdsong

stirred, her fingertips brushed

opened

her lay the familiar

the very villa she

haze of memory. There had been a heated exchange with Patrick, and Albert had

Good morning.

had once been comforting and she could listen

sent a shiver down

Did you purchase this place? And did you orchestrate Marcus funding

the air,

voice softer this time. Why did you bring me here?

he said gently. ltl help ease your discomfort from

glass of water, darkening the sheets in

upon him.

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 concern! Her words hung heavy in the air as she glared at

made to forget him, the bitterness surged anew whenever she

met her

he refilled the glass and urged her to

dry. With determination, she prepared to leave,

before she could escape, his

a soft voice, Albert said, I

Jessies mind went blank for a moment, recalling the events of the previous night. Five hundred million dollars

at their intertwined hands, she demanded, Let go of

tone nonchalant. Ill hand over the five hundred million

Jessies lips quivered slightly.

a swift slap across his cheek. Then, with determination, she began unbuttoning her shirt. Lets get this over with. Dining

shirt,

youthful body exuded beauty and

her eyes. Isnt

and tears

presence enveloped her, devoid of

a

fastened her shirt, the other securing her waist to still her movements. Once she was presentable, he enveloped her in

Jessie lay in silence.

felt drained,

Dont bring shame upon

head, Jessie averted her gaze,

feelings for Albert, and he had eventually reciprocated. She had waited for him for three long years, only to see him marry someone else. Jessie resented him and refused to accept

questioned, Albert, if I lose to Melissa, Ill accept it. But why marry

want you to be unhappy, Jessie He couldnt

Perhaps he never would.

Jessie wept once more.

a frightened child. He whispered soothing words, coaxing her until she stirred. She had no urge to

extended an invitation, and she accepted without

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