?Chapter 1357:


    “Melvin, this was your room, wasn’t it?”


    “It’s yours now,” he said, settling into the smaller bedroom down the hall. The apartment had three bedrooms, two living areas, and two bathrooms. It was conveniently close to his office.


    “How much is the rent? I’ll send you my share,” Jessica said, pulling out her phone, eager to ease into his world.


    “No need. I own this ce,” Melvin replied, his tone growing serious as he recalled the car that had tailed them earlier. “Let’s talk about those people following us.”


    Jessica froze, unsure how to respond.


    Melvin pressed gently, “Who are they to you?”


    Jessica bit her lip, struggling to find the right words. Telling the truth would unravel the fibs she’d told about her job, sparking a flood of questions. But dodging the truth left her stuck.


    “Did you upset someone?” Melvin asked, noticing how tense she’d been earlier.


    “No,” Jessica said, grasping for an excuse. “It’s a long, messy story.”


    “I’ve got time,” he said kindly.


    “Do I have to exin?” she asked, testing the waters.


    One lie always led to more, and she couldn’t keep them straight forever. If he brought it up again, she knew she’d likely slip and reveal the truth.<fn958d> Checktest chapters at FιndＮovel</fn958d>


    “It’s your business. You decide if you want to share,” Melvin said, his voice gentle yet firm. “But if those people are trouble, let me know so I can help.”


    “Got it,” Jessica said, nodding.


    Melvin didn’t push. He carried her suitcases into the master bedroom. “There’s a walk-in closet in there. I’ll start on dinner.”


    “Sounds good,” Jessica said with a smile.


    He gave a quick nod and headed to the kitchen.


    Watching him move about, her gaze softened, a gentle smile tugging at her lips. She didn’t stay long in the living room. Instead, she slipped into the master bedroom to unpack, hanging her clothes neatly in the closet and lining up her skincare and makeup on the dresser.


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    Just as she was about to join Melvin in the kitchen to lend a hand, her phone rang. It was Rnd.


    She sighed, shut the door, and answered, “Dad, what’s up?”


    “Are you living with that guy?” Rnd’s voice was sharp.


    “No way,” she said.


    “You’re not being straight with me,” he pressed.


    “I’m just splitting the rent with him,” she rified.


    “Isn’t that the same as living together?” Rnd’s tone grew stern. “You’re a young woman sharing a home with a man. Don’t you know the world’s full of shady people?”


    “I’ve only met kind ones,” Jessica said, keeping her voice steady.


    “You can’t always tell who’s good,” Rnd replied. He had always doted on her, raising her with care. Even when he scolded her, his worry was evident.


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