Thaddeus furrowed his brow. "Did she say such outrageous things to you?""If you don't believe me, just forget I said anything. She's your mother, and you choose to believe her over me. I can understand that."Jessamine had already gotten used to him not siding with her. Now that they were divorced, there was nothing to blame him for any more. In her heart, nothing was worth it anymore.Thaddeus' lips twitched. "Jessie, I believe you. How could I not believe you? Whether the doors of the Holts are open or closed is up to me to decide. Whoever I want to let in doesn't need anyone else's say. "If you don't like Mom and Sasha, you don't have to interact with them. I won't force you to do anything. You're the one I want to spend my life with, not them."Jessamine's gaze sharpened as she asked, "Who wants to spend their life with you?"This shameless guy. What beautiful dreams was he having!Jessamine refused him outright, leaving Thaddeus looking defeated. "Jessie, besides you, a

Thaddeus took a deep breath, feeling a bit unsettled. He was not a man of many words, nor did he like to explain himself, but he didn't want to create misunderstandings between them that couldn't be resolved.He had never looked down on Jessamine. On the contrary, he thought she was too beautiful. Even in gatherings filled with celebrities and socialites, she stood out. He just wanted to keep her hidden away.In the past, he hadn't understood his own feelings. Looking back now, he realized that it was his possessiveness toward her. If any man glanced at her, he would feel uneasy. That was probably what love felt like."Jessie, I didn't look down on you. Don't you think your makeup at that time was too heavy and glamorous? And your dress had a slit up to your thigh. Was that appropriate for others to see?"This time, Jessamine laughed in exasperation. "Mr. Holt, it's the modern era. Can't I show my legs? Look around. How many women are completely covered by their dresses? According

Jessamine rubbed at her ankle. High heels were like torture specifically designed for women. Despite wearing them often, her feet still blistered, and if she kept dancing, they would surely break open soon.Thaddeus followed her movements and noticed the redness behind her feet. His brows furrowed, and he immediately took out his phone and dialed Jordan's number."Bring a pair of flat shoes for Mrs. Holt. Also, go to the pharmacy to buy some iodine, topical medicine, and band-aids. Come over right away."Jessamine looked up at him."No need. It's not that serious. I'll just sit here for a while without moving, and then I'll go home."Jessamine guessed that Jordan also had a family. They got engaged four years ago, but he still hadn't brought his wife home. It was probably because of Thaddeus, who had him on call 24/7 without any breaks. Jordan might resent her in the future for troubling him to bring shoes for her late at night.Thaddeus didn't understand what Jessamine meant.

"Other than the incident at the golf course, has he ever bothered you?" Thaddeus asked, his nostrils flaring with anger.Jessamine swallowed the food in her mouth before replying, "There was also the time when you were sick with a fever. He came to your house after daybreak, but I ran away quickly, so he didn't catch up with me."Thaddeus was furious to learn that Noah had chased after his wife all the way to his house, right under his nose. It was simply outrageous!"Jessie, do you want to move back to Jardin Estate? Come back and see all the things you left behind—your favorite cup, kitchenware, the handicrafts you made, and all your clothes are well-preserved. Lana has been taking care of the flowers you planted, and they bloom every year."Jessamine raised an eyebrow. She wasn't falling for his trap. How could he think a few words would lure her back? She wasn't the naive girl who married him right after graduating from college anymore.Ending things meant moving forward. Why

A cough confirmed Jessamine's suspicions. She calmed down. There was no escape route since she wasn't familiar with the place, and she didn't even know where the stairs were. So, she decided to stay put."Noah, so the patient number nine was you?" Jessamine placed the water bottle on the table."Here, this water is for you. My task is complete, and I need to go downstairs for new clues," she said.Noah had turned around, his back facing away from Jessamine, She couldn't see his face clearly. "Jessie, I need to discuss something with you. Please don't rush to leave," he said.Jessamine held her phone, ready to dial a number anytime. As Noah approached, her heartbeat intensified."Noah, can we talk about it tomorrow? I just remembered that my bag is downstairs, and it contains some valuable items. I need to go down and get it," she said.In the end, Noah didn't come closer. He sat on the couch instead."Jessie, I just have a few things to say. Please listen to me," he continued.