<h4>Chapter 242: A proposition...</h4>


    By the time Davis recovered from his inquisitiveness, Jessica had already left the hall. It was as though she had vanished into the thin night. His heart raced with fear and trepidation.


    "She is pregnant... and where exactly does she think she can go?" he muttered silently.


    He wanted to curse his curiosity, yet recalling he had just stumbled upon a secret that could tear his marriage apart, he decided to let it be and chose to step outside to find her.


    ---


    The Hotel’s Garden


    Jessica stood in the garden, the cold air of the evening wrapping her body in a close embrace. The moonlight scattered across the manicured garden like silver dust, casting soft shadows over the cobblestone paths and flowerbeds. Gentle instrumental music drifted from the ballroom, fading into the quiet corners of the garden.


    She stood by the fountain, her gaze fixed on the rhythmic flow of water, her eyes closed as she continuously felt the peace streaming around her in a quiet meditation — her heart calm, her senses heightened.


    It seemed like she was having a moment of solitude, but in reality, she was expecting a guest — or probably waiting for someone.


    Arriving at the scene of theunch had helped her understand the actual situation of things. She knew Davis and Ethan, in their attempt to remedy the chaos, wouldn’t bother digging into the facts and mess within the venue. But for her, it had always been a principle to fish when the water was troubled — after all, the safest harbour of a person usually turns out to be the most dangerous fort of his existence.


    She was certain her post and arrival had stirred some persons with curiosity. And like every other investor, she expected the culprit to approach her so she could uncover the face behind the mask.


    At this moment, she couldn’t help but feel grateful that her husband had concealed her identity on the day she met his circle of friends here in Noveira.


    After a few minutes of waiting, a slow, calm step came from behind. Jessica took a deep breath. Though she knew someone was there, she didn’t nce back. Instead, she kept her micro recorder ready to capture every word the opponent had to say.


    "Lady Bright?" a cold female voice smirked.


    Jessica didn’t bother looking back — it was one of the voices she had hoped to hear.


    Tricia Watts.


    She was grateful — and pleased — that Tricia hade herself. It made the work easier. Jessica had always preferred hearing from the horse’s mouth rather than relying on hearsay.


    "You picked the perfect escape," Tricia said, her voice silky as she approached. "The ballroom’s too loud for real conversation."


    Jessica didn’t bother to look at her and responded simply, with a remark that would neither encourage nor deter the purpose of her visit.


    "Yet some conversations are best left unspoken."


    "I believe this one deserves to be heard," Tricia replied, positioning herself beside the fountain, her posture rxed but calcting.


    Seeing Jessica unbothered by her presence, a twinge of anger bubbled in her chest — but she schooled herself to calmness and refocused on her goal.


    She couldn’t afford to let the situation slip from her hands. If a single post from thisdy could shift the public perception of J&D Globals, then she was undoubtedly a force to reckon with in the uingunch.


    "I came to make a proposition," she said, her tone brimming with heartfelt confidence.


    Jessica’s hand twitched lightly. Her eyes flew open. She hadn’t expected Tricia to be so direct in her approach.


    "Mypany is preparing for an aggressive expansion," Tricia began, "into wellness, beauty, and pharmaceutical lifestyle products." She paused briefly to let the words sink in.


    "I want you to head the department. I’m a very busy woman. I need someone at the helm — not just any figure, but the director — with full rights to make decisions."


    Lady Bright arched an elegant brow.


    "A surprising offer... especially after you pulled out from the J&D runch just hours ago."


    Tricia smiled faintly. "Surprises are underrated in business. I saw a shift and responded ordingly."


    "Or perhaps you caused the shift yourself," Jessica answered, her voice calm yet usatory.


    A moment of silence followed. Cool air drifted between them as they locked in a silentbat of wills.


    Though Tricia had hoped to poach this international designer, she hadn’t expected her to be so difficult.


    "Why try to sabotage J&D Globals?" Jessica asked, finally turning to face her. "Theirunch is bold, ambitious, and — until your withdrawal — I discovered they were perfectly aligned with your business goals."


    Tricia’s face darkened slightly. Her voice, once smooth, tightened with emotion.


    "Because they harmed me."She shrieked.


    Jessica studied her. "Harmed you? Is that supposed to be an usation or an actual fact?"


    Tricia’s voice rose a few decibels. "What do you think? It’s a fact. I waited patiently for him... yet he came bringing a woman and called her — his wife," she shrieked.


    "Who? What wife are you talking about?" Jessica asked knowingly.


    "Jessica," she retorted loudly, shunning every word of advice Jessica had opened her mouth to offer. .


    She took a step forward, her eyes zing with ambition.


    "Now, I’m building something better — smarter. And I want you on my side."


    Jessica’s spil’s expression remained unreadable. For a moment, only the sound of the fountain filled the air.


    "So this is revenge dressed as strategy," she said softly. "You want to lure me in with promises just to weaken a rival."


    "No," Tricia corrected. "I want to create something different. Something peculiar. With you, I’ll build a brand that outpaces everypetitor in the tri-sector space. Beauty, wellness, pharma — all under one dynamic identity. You won’t just influence health — you’ll redefine it."


    Jessica gazed at her, thoughtful. She couldn’t help but wonder what sort of reasoning paddled the mind before her.


    "But trust is the foundation of legacy. You broke yours tonight. What happens when your next partner crosses you?"


    Tricia’s eyes narrowed slightly. "They won’t. I’ve learned where to ce my loyalty."


    Jessica turned slowly, facing the pathway back to the hotel. She was done here. And the one thing she hade to confirm — had been confirmed.