?Chapter 1419:


    Unable to stand the chill any longer, Haley shot Jessica a pointed look, searching for answers.


    Jessica caught the look and replied, “Just pretend he isn’t here.”<fn9df8> Latest content published on f?ndnovel</fn9df8>


    Haley shook her head and muttered, “How can anyone ignore someone with that kind of presence?”


    The three men nodded in unison, backing Haley up.


    Jessica could only sigh, lost for words.


    After taking a steady breath, she finally turned to Melvin. “Could you quit hovering? We’d appreciate it if you left.”


    “No need to concern yourself with me,” said Melvin, standing his ground.


    His thoughts raced—if the group ended up drunk, who would look after them? And what if the men tried to take advantage?


    “I’m not interested in dealing with you tonight. You’re ruining the mood.” Jessica’s patience was wearing thin. She spoke each word slowly, making sure he understood. “If you won’t go, I’ll have to call security.”


    Melvin’s expression softened in a way that almost made him look endearing. “I haven’t said a thing.”


    Jessica challenged him, her tone unyielding. “If the person you liked was right in front of you, could you really act like you didn’t care?” That left Melvin momentarily speechless.


    Jessica pushed even harder, making her words sting. “You refuse to marry me, but you’re always around. Do you want me to keep thinking about you forever?”


    “That’s not it.” Melvin shook his head.


    “Then leave,” Jessica snapped. “I don’t want to see you standing here.”


    Melvin fell quiet. The room thickened with unease.


    After several long seconds, his gaze settled on the three men. His tone was icy and t. “You three. Come with me.”


    The men looked as if they wanted to protest, but the urge to argue vanished as soon as they caught the steel in his eyes.


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    ncing nervously at one another, they managed a quick, “Jessica, we’ll step out for now.”


    Jessica and Haley stared at them in disbelief.


    The three men wasted no time, slipping out the door before anyone could say anything else.


    Melvin paused at the doorway and added quietly, hoping to put her mind at ease, “I’ll be right outside. If you need anything, just call.”


    Jessica tipped her ss back and finished her drink in a single motion. A mess of feelings sat heavy in her chest.


    Once the doortched shut, Haley spoke up in a low voice. “Judging by the way he acts, that guy really does care about you.”


    “That’s not enough for me,” said Jessica, pouring more fruit wine into her ss. She turned the cup in her hands, her tone weighed down. “I’ve put myself out there so many times, but he still refuses. I can’t figure out what’s holding him back.”


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