?Chapter 1464:


    Before he could speak, she added quickly, “It wasn’t creepy, I swear! He only shared what he already knew.”


    Melvin’s voice was calm. “If you wanted to know about me, you could’ve just asked. I’d have told you everything.”


    Jessica pouted, her tone tinged with frustration. “You were always so busy. I tried, but you’d brush me off, saying you didn’t have time.”


    Melvin paused, the memory hitting him.


    “I just wanted to talk, see how you were,” she went on, her voice softer now. “You were always so distant.”


    Melvin nodded, understanding. “From now on, ask me anything. I’ll make time.”


    He let the topic drop, recalling those hectic days at Anita International when he and Freya were buried in work. Back then, his replies to Jessica’s messages had been short and clipped.


    Jessica tucked her phone away, a smile tugging at her lips. “Alright, since you’re being sweet, I’ll let it slide. But Gerard still needs to get paid.”


    Melvin raised an eyebrow. “How much?”


    Jessica scrolled through her phone. “Ten bucks per update. He said there were about 14,000 good ones. And he gave me a discount. One hundred twenty thousand.”


    Melvin’s jaw dropped.


    Without a word, he grabbed his phone and fired off a message to Gerard. “Taking Jessica’s money? Have you no shame?”<fn1c73> The rightful source is fin?novel</fn1c73>


    Gerard shot back, “We had a deal—I’d only charge if you two got together. Otherwise, it was free. So, technically, this is on you.”


    Melvin groaned. “Kristian’s not paying you enough?”


    Gerard replied, “Who says no to extra cash?”


    Stunned again, Melvin sent a snarky sticker. Then he opened his banking app and sent the money.


    Jessica nced over. “Got Gerard’s bank details? Or should I ask if he takes mobile payments?”


    Updates loaded now at gα?ησνe?s


    Melvin showed her the transfer receipt. “Already done.”


    Jessica blinked, surprised. “Wait, what?”


    Melvin handed her his phone, showing the proof.


    Jessica scratched her head, a bit uneasy. “Feels weird that you paid for…”


    Melvin shrugged. “He’s been gunning for my wallet all along. We go way back—he’s sneaky like that.” He gave her a gentle look. “If he ever mentions money to you again, don’t.”


    Jessica frowned. “Why not? He’s no con artist.”


    Melvin’s tone turned serious. “Before, you were just his friend. He wouldn’t have tried anything. But now that you’re my girlfriend, he’ll mess with you to get to me.”


    Jessica’s mouth opened, then closed.


    She clicked her tongue and went back to her food, taking a few bites before clearing her throat. “I’ve got something to tell you, but don’t get upset.”


    .


    .


    .