?Chapter 1401:


    Jack nearly choked on his own frustration. His face turned red with fury, and his breath caught in his throat.


    “If you dare show up near them again, I swear I’ll ruin things between you and Melvin,” he threatened. “I’ll start spreading rumors about how amazing you are and how I’m madly in love with you. Sooner orter, he’ll believe we’re together.”


    Jessica’s fists clenched at her sides. She took a long breath. Then another. Eventually, she forced herself to nod. “Fine. I won’t seek them out. But if theye to me, that’s on them—not me.”


    “You won’t have to worry about that,” Jack replied confidently. He was sure his parents wouldn’t approach Jessica unless something truly serious came up.


    With everything now agreed upon, the two of them stepped out of Jack’s office. But luck had other ns. Right as they exited, they ran into none other than Hector Bowman, Jack’s father, apanied by his secretary.


    The instant Jack saw him, he froze in ce like a deer in headlights. Every muscle in his body went rigid. “Dad? What are you doing here?”<fn0296> This update is avable on FindN0vel</fn0296>


    His voice wavered slightly, a tinge of panic leaking through. His mind raced—had Melvin told Hector something?


    “Just came to see how yourpany’s holding up,” Hector said coolly, standing squarely in the entrance.


    “It’s doing fine,” Jack replied quickly, sweat beading across his brow. He was clearly rattled. “Didn’t you say you’d only check in after three years? There’s still a year left!”


    Hector didn’t answer immediately. But that silence only made Jack squirm harder.


    “I’ve heard you’ve been partying non-stop and ignoring your responsibilities,” Hector finally said, his tone sharp with disapproval. “Some people are even saying you’ve run thepany into the ground.”


    “That’s ridiculous!” Jack cried, his voice rising in desperation. “Don’t believe everything you hear!”


    Hector’s eyes narrowed. “You sure they’re just rumors?”


    “Of course!” Jack insisted, trying to hold hisposure.


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    “Then I’ll go inside and see for myself,” Hector said, clearly unconvinced.


    Jack was momentarily paralyzed. Letting his father step inside would spell disaster. With Hector’s eye for detail, he’d see right through everything. Jack had no idea what move to make nextpletely stuck, with his mind racing and no clear way out.


    Panic bubbled inside him, but before he could think of a way out, Jessica stepped in. She approached with grace and greeted him warmly. “Mr. Bowman. What a surprise.”


    “Jessica?” Hector’s eyes lit up. “What are you doing here?”


    “I needed his help with something,” Jessica answered smoothly, then added with a polite smile, “And you? What brings you here?”


    “Just came to check on him,” Hector said bluntly. “Word is he’s been out every night, drinking and making a mess of things. I came to see if thepany still exists.”


    Jessica nced over at Jack. He stood stiff as a statue, clearly terrified. He knew how much influence her words carried with Hector. One wrong sentence from her, and no excuse could save him.


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