It used to be Ines who saw Jessica''s potential and favored her, but now, after Mr. Smith had sought Jessica out, every word he said seemed filled with nothing but praise. He, too, regarded Jessica as a rare talent.


    Jessica''s mere presence had always been an emotional blow to She. Now, to She''s dismay, Jessica had be an obstacle in her career as well—not a major one, perhaps, but enough to leave She struggling for air, unable to w her way back.


    The elegantposure She had so carefully maintained nearly crumbled in an instant. The confident arch of her brows quivered as if a string had snapped, her rose-red lips faded into a dull rust, and the easy curve at the corners of her mouth turned into a mechanical, muscle-strained imitation of a smile.


    She had arrived for Mr. Smith''s interview in such high spirits, never imagining it would end like this.


    Timothy''s brow furrowed, his eyes darkening with a stormy intensity.


    Ines, as Jessica''s mentor, might have been biased, loving her protégé''s work with a touch of partiality. But Mr. Smith didn''t even know Jessica personally; his judgment was based solely on her work. And both of them, independently, believed Jessica had extraordinary talent in animation.


    Truth be told, ever since Timothy had seen Jessica''sic adaptation of *The Grand Canal, Venice*, he''d known she possessed a spark and creative energy She simplycked.


    He''d even approached Jessica about pursuing a job after seeing that piece, but she had refused him t-out.


    Jessica knew perfectly well he was making ns for She''s professional future, yet she had gone behind his back and started plotting her own. It was as if she were deliberately challenging him.


    But what did her animation talent matter? Even if she made a name for herself in that field, could she ever make as much as he did in a single day?


    She was his wife. His earnings were enough for both of them. Her focus should be on their family.


    He and their son needed her at home.


    Lately, too many men had been drawn to her. There was no way he''d let her parade herself out there, inviting even more attention.


    Especially now, when even Mr. Smith seemed taken with her. There was no way Timothy would trust Jessica to work under a man like that-Mr. Smith, whose reputation for romantic entanglements was infamous, whose sense of boundaries and propriety was practically nonexistent.


    Jessica was far too delicate for that world. He simply couldn''t allow it.


    As for animation, if she wanted to dabble as a hobby, he had no objection. But throwing herself into it wholeheartedly? Out of the question.


    Timothy''s voice was cold and steady. “Mr. Smith, I understand your eagerness to recruit talent. But Jessica''s been married to me for seven years and hasn''t worked a single day in that time. Are you sure she''s really up to the job?"


    Before Mr. Smith could answer, Ines interjected with augh. "She absolutely is. Picking up these skills is like learning to ride a bike—once you''ve got it, you''ve got it. She might be a little rusty at first, but she''ll get up to speed in no time. The real value is in her innate talent for design and conceptualizing. That''s something no amount of practice can give you; others could work for years and still not reach her level in such a short time."


    Ines was unabashedly proud of her own protégé.


    Timothy could admit Jessica had talent, but he just couldn''t believe her animation work was truly that remarkable.


    If she were really that exceptional, would she have been content to spend the past seven years quietly at home?


    "Tim, Ines is telling the truth. I think you must understand this yourself. It''s like your own sharp instincts and prowess in the business world—no matter how hard others try to learn, few can match your achievements. That kind of innate ability creates a gulf that''s almost impossible to cross."