~At the Hospital~
Donald and Lady Matilda Santiago both sighed in relief when Jessica agreed to take on the case—though it would be on her own terms, they are grateful for the opportunity.
Hearing her speak so calmly and with such confidence even when their name was mentioned, they were quietly impressed. She wasn’t someone that could be easily intimidate, and that surprised them.
"She’s very serious," Lady Matilda whispered to her son as they walked out of the office.
Donald nodded, then turned back to the dean. "Can we get a copy of her schedule once she sets it up? We don’t want the appointments to be too close together, but not too far apart either."
The dean nodded quickly. He understood their concern—and more importantly, he understood who they were. The Santiagos were not people to argue with. If this request made things go more smoothly, he was more than willing to comply.
"I’ll inform you once she finalizes her schedule," the dean assured.
After a few more minutes of discussion, the Santiagos thanked him and left the hospital, their guards following behind.
The dean slumped back into his chair the moment they were gone, he rubbed his forehead. He was already exhausted by this arrangement—and it hadn’t even started yet.
~Back at Jessica’s Mansion~
The late afternoon sun gently made its way to the west, painting the sky in warm gold and soft orange casting a rare beauty over the estate, touching the walls and windows of Jessica’s mansion with soft light. The day was slowly coming to an end.
Inside the gates, extra security measures were put in place. Jessica had called for an urgent family dinner, and the guards had been alerted.
The entrance was strictly monitored. CCTV cameras were adjusted to cover a wider area, making sure everyone coming in was safe and no one was followed.
Jessica sat on the edge of the couch in her bedroom, her laptop resting on her thighs as she scanned through her work. Her brows were slightly drawn, yet her face remained calm.
Davis sat on his wheelchair, a book in hand while he watches her work seriously. It is said a man working seriously is handsome but for Davis watching Jessica work seriously is beautiful sight worth remembering.
"Why the sudden dinner?" Davis asked, breaking the silence. "With an urgent family gathering? Everyone’s been called home. Should I be worried?"
Jessica didn’t look up at once. Instead, she gave a small smile, one that didn’t quite reach her eyes. "Isn’t it nice to have everyone around the same table?" she said softly.
It makes the house feel warmer... lively. Sometimes I think it would be wonderful to expand this family. You know, have these young men find love and settle down." Her voice was light, almost teasing.
Davis nodded lightly but not convinced. Davis as perceptive as ever, knew there was more behind her words. Her eyes betrayed her. There was something deeper hidden there—worry, uncertainty... fear.
"You are right but you know that is not the reason?" He smirked.
Jessica smiled again, but this time her heart wasn’t in it. In truth, her hands trembled slightly where they rested on the laptop, and her chest felt tight.
She was praying—silently but desperately—that the decision she had made would be accepted. That everything would go smoothly. That she wouldn’t lose the people she cared about.
With two and a half hours until dinner, and Bella expected in less than one, Jessica knew she had to speak up now. She couldn’t delay any longer. There were two people who needed to hear the truth first—Davis, and her godfather, Elliot.
Taking a deep breath, she picked up her phone and typed out a short message:
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