The truth hits me hard.
My chest tightened as emotions rushed in.
I'm not sure if the secret I overheard will ever make me happy knowing my biological father is alive…
Now I understand why Stefan keeps asking personal questions. He must already know the truth about my birth, just like he found out about my affair with Chad.
But how does he know? I still can't figure it out.
My head pounds. I can't think straight.
At least now I get why Mrs. Yolanda hates us.
My mother nearly destroyed her family.
No wonder Monica glares at me whenever she sees me.
She must think I'm here to steal her father. That's probably why she makes things so hard for me.
I drag myself to the entrance with heavy steps. I can't even remember how I got back to my apartment.
That night, questions swirled in my mind. I cried myself to sleep.
The next morning, I forced myself into the shower and got ready for work.
At my vanity, I stared at my puffy, red eyes and wished everything would just disappear. Before leaving, I put on my glasses.
"Good morning, Jess!"
I looked up when someone greeted me.
Across the entrance, a sleek black Aston Martin was parked. A handsome man leaned against the passenger door.
I started to walk over and ask him something, but he spoke first.
"Whoa, what happened to you?"
It was Stefan. He grinned, clearly amused by my puffy eyes. He didn't seem surprised to see me in glasses and disguise, which just shows he knows more about me than I thought.
The gorgeous, alluring woman, wearing a fitted evening gown from last night, is completely hidden beneath.
"Did Chadrick haunt you in your dreams after what you did to him?"
Stefan's amusement was obvious. He didn't even try to hide how interested he was in Chad's private life.
His sly smile makes it clear that someone at the hotel is telling him everything about what happened last night.
With this in mind, maybe I should tell Chad that Stefan is spying on us.
But what would I gain from that? Am I waiting for a reward or something?
Or do I just want him to keep me close?
No, I shouldn't think like that!
I'd never stoop that low for a man.
I take a deep breath to steady myself, then sigh.
"Mr. Hudson, I'm really curious. Why do you care so much about Mr. Murray's private life? As far as I know, your business is in a different industry." Truly curious, I asked.
The Murray Group handles investments, while the Edison Group handles logistics. Everything Collins exports overseas goes through Edison's ships.
That's why I don't understand the rivalry between Chad and Stefan.
Stefan stared at me, and I couldn't read his thoughts. After a moment, he sighed and shook his head.
"Tsk. Do you really think it was Chadrick's love life that I am interested in?"
"I don't see my life as interesting, so yeah."
"Ugh," he groaned, which confused me. "You are constantly hurting my feelings, you know…"
"No, I don't…" I replied brutally. "I don't see why I should care about your feelings except for us being business partners. It might sound rude of me, but I honestly don't know you in the first place."
I could tell Stefan didn't like what I said.
STEFAN'S POV
She always keeps her guard up around me, even now.
"Hah." I let out a sad laugh. She still hasn't remembered me or my assistant, Gregory.
"Exactly why am I asking you a personal question. I will let you ask me in return. Whatever information you would like to know about me. Is that fair enough now? If you want to get to know me? Now is the perfect time."
"Why should I do that?"
"Well… you should shower me with affection more than you ever give to Chadrick."
"I don't see why I need to do that, sir." Jessica glared and snapped at me. She was clearly annoyed. "Please, Mr. Hudson. Can you stop making assumptions about Mr. Murray and me?"
She's not oblivious, but she keeps denying it. I know I can't make her admit it, but I won't give up. She needs to let go and choose herself over her father, who doesn't deserve her loyalty.
JESSICA'S POV
Even if I admitted it, Chad wouldn't care, and I'd just look desperate for wanting my sister's fiancé. Even if they are not official yet, people assume the wedding bells will ring soon.
I catch Stefan's knowing look. He sees right through me.
Still, I can't bring myself to admit I was just a plaything to Chad.
The only dignity I have left is refusing to accept that my own father is offering me to his business partners for his own gain.
Thinking about the secret I uncovered last night, I clench my fists so hard my nails dig into my palms.
All my life, they made me believe I was just an adopted daughter. I put up with all of Mrs. Collins's insults and Monica's silent schemes behind my back.
Dad kept the truth from me.
But who is the person buried next to my mom?
Why do they say that the grave is my father's?
Is it just to save her from shame?
'Mom, why didn't you tell me before you died? Why did you leave me in the dark?'
Once again, I can't help but feel hurt that my mom left me behind all alone in this world.
As I search for answers, pain spreads from my head and settles heavily in my chest.
Why is Dad putting me through all of this?
Is he too ashamed to admit I'm his daughter because I was born outside his marriage?
"Back to Earth, princess! How can you space out in front of me? Girls are lining up all the way outside the city just to see my handsomeness!"
Stefan's teasing snapped me back to reality. I glared at him and rubbed the spot where he tapped my head.
"Mr. Hudson, since you're so full of yourself, I'd better get to work and revise the contract. You're not happy with my proposal, so please give me some time to figure out what pleases you."
"Tsk. I told you I'm not after my revenue. I'm more interested in dating you. You said Chad isn't your lover, so you're free to be with someone who isn't engaged yet."
"And you're saying you don't have one?" I snapped, raising one brow.
Stefan grinned and nodded.
"Well, of course, all those women around you were just your playthings. You'd never acknowledge any of them."
Stefan looked hurt by my words. "Am I a scumbag in your eyes, Jess?"
His question left me speechless. Had I really seen him that way?
Oh yes, I had.
He wanted me as his plaything, even though he knew I was with Chad.
I knew exactly why he was chasing me.
But if he thinks I'd stoop so low as to jump from one man to another like a gold digger, he's wrong.
On the other hand, I can't lose the Edisons. I'll give Stefan what he wants, just not in the way he expects.
"Mr. Hudson, I want us to have a good working relationship as business partners. I'll do my best to meet your standards, but I hope we can keep things professional."
My words made Stefan's smile disappear. A quick frown crossed his face before he covered it up again.
"Alright. How about breakfast together? As your business partner, okay?"
Stefan finally backed off, and I sighed with relief. Maybe I was wrong to think he was arrogant. Maybe he's just a little devilish. He loves to tease people he finds easy to annoy.
Now that he's asked, I can't say no, so I follow him to his car.
I slid into the seat next to him. When my phone rang, he leaned over and read the name flashing on my phone screen.
"Oh, aren't you going to answer his call? I bet he's thinking of all the ways he could punish you."
"Mr. Hudson, please!"
Does he always have to seize every opportunity to poke fun at me?
It's like he lives for those moments!
~ ~ ~
The car drove away. Jessica didn't notice another car parked behind the bushes.
She didn't see it, but the man in the back seat had a clear view as she talked with Stefan.
Jessica had no idea that Stefan had received a report that Chadrick was waiting for her downstairs.
Instead of going home, Stefan told his convoy to go to Jessica's apartment and park at the entrance to block Chadrick.
"Sir, are we going to follow that car?" July, Chadrick's executive assistant, asked from the Rolls-Royce passenger seat. He peeked into the back seat, where Chad sat, fuming...