?Chapter 1442:


    Ellis responded, “I’ll get Frederick on it.” Then he reached out to Frederick.


    At that hour, Frederick was probably out painting the town red.


    Melvin waited, antsy as ever, for about twenty minutes before Ellis texted back. Ellis didn’t share an exact location, only reassured Melvin that Jessica was safe and sound.


    That was it. That was all Melvin got from Ellis.


    It was simple for Ellis. He knew Jessica had asked Freya to keep her location under wraps if Melvin came asking.


    Melvin wanted to push for more, but Ellis had already texted, suggesting he hit the hay.


    Left with no choice, Melvin spent the night tossing and turning, lost in worry.<fn7834> Th?s chapter is updated by FindN0vel</fn7834>


    By seven in the morning, he tried calling Jessica again. No answer.


    He kept dialing every hour, but still, nothing. Finally, he sent a message: “Jessica, are you up? It’s been almost a full day. If you don’t reply soon, I’ll report you missing.”


    Jessica was floored when she saw the text. His message tugged at her heart, though his stubborn streak was oddly charming.


    By noon, she decided to call him back.


    The second Melvin heard her voice, relief washed over him. “Why didn’t you pick up or text backst night?” he asked, concerncing his words.


    “I was tied up,” Jessica lied.


    Melvin bought it. “With what?”


    “It’s personal. I’d rather keep it to myself,” Jessica said, her tone light as she watched a lively show on TV. “What’s up? I’ve got ns this afternoon.”


    “ns with whom?” Melvin pressed.


    “Aren’t you being a bit nosy?” Jessica teased.


    Melvin went quiet, unsure how to respond.


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    Jessica leaned into the moment, yfully shaking things up. “What, you jealous? Hoping I’d ask you out instead?”


    “Who’s your date? What are you going to do?” Melvin asked, his voice tight as he gripped the phone harder.


    “What do a man and a woman do when they hang out?” Jessica said with augh, popping a piece of fruit in her mouth. “Oh, and don’t bother telling Jack. We agreed to live our own lives after tying the knot. No meddling.”


    “So, you’re saying you were out messing aroundst night?” Melvin asked, struggling to wrap his head around it.


    The Jessica he knew was strong, sharp, a smart woman with big dreams and a clear head. But now… this?


    Jessica grinned, thinking back to ying cards with her uncle and Lawrence after dinner. “Yup, I hung out with two guys.”


    Jacob, who had juste downstairs, froze, puzzled.


    Lawrence, right beside him, looked equally stunned. Both men paused.


    “Gotta go, they’re here,” Jessica said quickly, hanging up and flipping her phone to airne mode.


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