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.

itin front of her. Alright! lll buy you for one night! Five hundred million! Knock back half this bottle and come with me to the villa! Five hundred million dollars for one night with her?! Jessie stared at him, her

turned icy. What? Youre not up for it? Didnt you just say you wanted to make a deal? Jessie scoffed.

handed her a glass of whisky

It burned her throat.

almost cried out. She felt so

show weakness in front of him. Because if she did, shed lose. Shed lose everything-her pride, her dignity. Everyone could mock her as the woman Albert toyed with,

to hold onto that last

three glasses, Jessie was quite

against the couch and drifted

tucking away the stray hairs on her forehead His fingers throbbed

out to her. Jessie! Jessie didnt stir. She didnt want to. She thought if she didnt wake, she wouldnt

didnt want him to see her

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

Albert cherished

he married her back then? James

was unaffected

revealing depths

faltered, leaving him feeling inferior to Albert.

authority as he spoke deliberately. Ive never been

gaze, pleaded. Please, spare Patrick, even just

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

wavered with

towards the woman nestled in Alberts arms. If youve grown attached to her during those three years, why

over Alberts face, his features clouding at the mention

James wild words, Albert descended the stairs, Jessie cradled in his arms, and settled her gently into the

securing her seatbelt, her hand suddenly clasped

woken up, Albert was surprised by her murmured words, spoken as if in a dream. Uncle Albert, she

froze, unable to look

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

pang of sadness at her

as he tenderly brushed

at

he was now married. It wasnt about being loyal

Albert withdrew his hand and closed

familiar villa, he carried her upstairs with

hands, and even her feet with a towel before tucking her in. Heading

sweet trill of

fingertips brushed against

she opened her

lay

the very

nights events slowly dawned on her, despite the haze of memory. There had been a heated exchange with

Good morning.

once been comforting and she could

only sent a shiver down her

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

in the air, neither confirming nor

a moment before Jessie spoke again, her voice softer this time. Why did you bring me here? In Alberts outstretched hand, a glass of

he said gently. ltl help

to knock over the glass

upon him.

the knot with another woman? If youre done

she tried. It didnt matter how many vows she made to forget him, the bitterness

her

water, he refilled the glass

Jessie swallowed the pill dry. With determination, she prepared to

escape, his grip

soft voice, Albert said, I

me for breakfast? Jessies mind went blank for a moment, recalling the events of the previous night. Five hundred million dollars exchanged hands, a transaction

their intertwined hands, she demanded,

the five hundred million if you share a

Jessies lips quivered slightly.

with determination, she began unbuttoning her shirt. Lets get this over with. Dining with you disgusts me more than sleeping with

her shirt, revealing

body exuded beauty

bed, shutting her eyes. Isnt this what you want, Albert?

and tears welled in

enveloped her,

offered a

the other securing her waist to still her movements. Once she was presentable, he enveloped her in his arms, his expression and voice

Jessie lay in silence.

remained still, tears silently streaming down her cheeks. She felt drained, knowing

me. Dont bring shame upon

Jessie averted her gaze, overwhelmed with

who first harbored feelings for Albert, and he had eventually reciprocated. She had waited for him

accept it. But why marry a stranger? Are you determined to keep me miserable for the rest of my

Jessie He couldnt bring himself to say the

Perhaps he never would.

Jessie wept once more.

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

breakfast, he extended an

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