Chapter 4
Chapter 4
“Call… the police…” she struggled to get the words out. “Handle this… according to… the law…”
Maxwell suddenly laughed coldly, leaning down to brace himself on either side of her hospital bed. His handsome face was inches from hers, but it was cold enough to terrify her.
“Have you forgotten who I am? The CEO of Reed Enterprises. Do you think the police would even take your case? Even if you called the mayor’s office, it wouldn’t help.”
He straightened up, methodically adjusting his cuffs. “With me around, it’s useless no matter who you call.”
“Stop making trouble. I told you, I’ll play with Olivia for a few months before getting bored. Don’t keep targeting her.”
With that, he turned and left.
As the door closed, tears finally broke free.
Jessica bit her lip hard to keep from crying out, but her trembling shoulders betrayed her anguish.
For several days, Maxwell didn’t reappear.
Until the day she was discharged, when he suddenly showed up.
“Get in the car,” he stood at the hospital room door, his tone brooking no refusal.
Jessica silently got into the car, only to realize they weren’t heading home.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“The yacht,” Maxwell held the steering wheel with one hand, loosening his tie with the other. “Olivia’s birthday party is today. You’re going to apologize to her.”
Jessica sharply turned to look at him. “I’m supposed to apologize to HER?!”
“She’s been cold to me these past few days,” Maxwell glanced at her, his brow slightly furrowed. “She must be feeling guilty about
hitting you.”
“Maxwell!” Jessica’s voice shook. “I was the one who got hit! I was the one with broken ribs!”
Screech-
A sharp braking sound cut through the silence.
Maxwell slammed on the brakes and turned to face Jessica.
The neon lights from outside illuminated his angular profile, outlining a cold, hard silhouette.
“Jessica,” his voice was low, carrying an irresistible pressure. “Your grandma is still in the hospital, isn’t she?”
“If you don’t want her to know about our issues, then behave yourself.”
Jessica stared at him in disbelief.
He was using her grandma to threaten her?
Had he forgotten how, three years ago, he had knelt before her grandma, his eyes reddened as he begged her to entrust her
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His ‘Harmless‘ 10–Year Fling? My Secret Divorce Papers Say Goodbye Forever!
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granddaughter to him?
How beautifully he had spoken then-
“Grandma, I will protect Jessica with my life. I will never let her suffer even the slightest grievance in this lifetime.”
But now?
Jessica bit her lower lip hard, only releasing it when she tasted blood.
She turned away, looking at the rapidly receding streetscape outside the window, her voice barely audible: “…Fine.”
The yacht was brilliantly lit, the champagne tower glistening under the crystal chandelier.
Olivia was surrounded by a group of girlfriends, her white gown making her skin appear snow–white as she smiled radiantly.
“Mr. Reed is so good to you,” a girl in a pink dress said enviously. “This birthday party is just too lavish!”
Yeah,” another girl chimed in, “we’re all here riding on your coattails!”
Olivia lowered her head in pretended shyness, her fingers lightly tracing the priceless diamond necklace around her neck.. “Don’t say that. Mr. Reed is already married, and his wife is our professor.”
“Married, so what?” someone scoffed dismissively. “It’s obvious you’re the only one in his heart now.”
“Exactly,” another girl added with a laugh. “That marriage is practically dead in all but name!”
Just then, Maxwell approached, his tall figure casting a long shadow in the light.
He seemed not to have heard these comments, looking only at Jessica with a calm voice: “Go apologize.”
Under everyone’s gaze, Jessica walked step by step to Olivia, her high heels making a dull sound on the deck, each step feeling like
she was treading on her own heart.
“Professor?” Olivia widened her eyes in surprise, her red lips parting slightly. “Why are you here?”
Jessica dug her nails into her palm, her eyes reddened. “I’m sorry… I shouldn’t have gotten hit by you, making you feel guilty for
days.”
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