Ch. 381..390

Chapter 381

The male housekeeper glanced at the sunflower in his hand and asked, “Do you like sunflowers, Ms. Marsh?”

“Why’d you ask?” Jessica responded.

“I came here to pick up my aunt a couple of times before. She said she needs to replace the sunflowers in your room with fresh ones every day. So I wondered if it’s because you liked it, and that’s why Mr. Lopez gave that order.”

A glint flashed across her eyes as she pursed her lips. “I dislike sunflowers because they symbolize lies.”

Coincidentally, Wyatt decided to visit Jessica that afternoon.

When he reached the third floor, before entering the bedroom, he heard the exchange between the male housekeeper and her.

He stopped in front of the door and listened to them speaking with each other.

Jessica explained in slight amusement, “While sunflowers look pretty when they are wrapped in sunlight, they have a deadly, criminal vibe to them.”

“Why do you say that?” the male housekeeper wondered.

“Because I used them to accomplish some tasks in the past. I should thank them, honestly.”

Wyatt chuckled silently as he tugged the sunflower hanging around his neck. As he gazed at it, he recalled the day Jessica bought it for him in Jetroina. That gesture seemed extremely ironic to him at

that moment as he listened to her words. She is deadly, considering I failed so spectacularly and almost lost my life because of her.

Instead of kicking the door open or putting on a scowl, he expressionlessly headed downstairs. As a result, he didn’t hear the rest of what Jessica told the male housekeeper.

Inside the bedroom, Jessica naturally didn’t know Wyatt had visited her. She shifted her sight to the scenery outside the window as if she was thinking about something. “It’s because of sunflowers that I know how well a man can treat me and how much I can love him.”

“Are you referring to Mr. Lopez?” the male housekeeper inquired.

“Mhm.” She then smiled at him. “Sunflower means unwavering love and devotion to someone. It’s a beautiful connotation, isn’t it? I hope you can give a bouquet of fresh sunflowers to your significant other. She’ll understand your love without you saying anything.”

“I don’t know why Mr. Lopez doesn’t let you leave, but I think you must really love him. When you mentioned him, your lips curved upward.”

“Really? But I didn’t mention him.” In response, Jessica touched her cheeks.

Even though she was staring at the male housekeeper, she was thinking about Wyatt. As she had lost her interest in drawing, she asked the male housekeeper to put the flowers back, which he did.

The housekeeper remained at the sideline when she decided to read a book on her bed.

Not long after, another housekeeper whispered something into the male housekeeper’s ear before the two left the bedroom together.

She didn’t mind as she continued to read her book.

When Jessica finished the book, she realized the sky was turning dark, and the bedroom light had already been turned on. Then she noticed her latest housekeeper was a thirty-something-year-old woman.

Curious, she inquired, “Where’s the one who looked after me during noon? He’s not here anymore?”

“The hospital called him. Apparently, his aunt is really sick,” the housekeeper replied while lowering her head. “Mr. Lopez allowed him to tend to his aunt in the hospital and asked me to take care of you, Ms. Marsh.”

Without giving Jessica a chance to speak, the housekeeper asked, “What would you like to eat, Ms. Garland? If you don’t have any preferences, your dinner will be prepared according to the menu.”

“Just go with the menu.” Jessica dismissed the idea of asking more questions.

About an hour later, the housekeeper returned with dinner.

When the dish was served to Jessica, she noticed a newspaper sitting under the bowl, which she assumed was there to prevent the soup from spilling onto the tray.

There was nothing unusual about it to her until she saw the words “Death of Hausen’s CEO” in the headlines, which roused her suppressed hatred.

Pointing at the newspaper, she asked, “Can I look at it?”

“Sure.” The housekeeper promptly handed her the newspaper. “Although, this is from last week. If you want today’s newspaper, I can bring it to you.”

“No need. I just want to take a gander at it.”

As Jessica ate, she opened up the newspaper.

When she started reading the report on the CEO’s death, she was so shocked that her hand movements halted as her eyes were glued to the newspaper.

A week ago, when Hausen’s CEO was heading home after a business meeting in a club, his car was smashed into the river by another vehicle. All four people in the car, including the driver, were dead.

Stargrasp’s CEO and three others were also dead because someone in the car threw a lit cigarette outside the window when the vehicle passed through a disinfection zone. The car instantly blew up, and the entire zone was set ablaze.

If not for the deaths of the two innocent drivers, Jessica would’ve relished the deaths of Justin and the others who took her sister’s life.

All of them died around the same time, so someone must’ve orchestrated this. A look of post-revenge delight flashed past her eyes before she calmed down and analyzed the situation. Jefferson and Rayna are still in Yartran, so they’re definitely too busy to pull this off. This leaves Wyatt. When I came to this mansion, he confiscated my crappy phone. Perhaps he had repaired my phone and saw the plan in my notes.

As she held onto the newspaper and read the satisfying news, the look in her eyes became complicated. It was as though the meager flame in her heart was suddenly revitalized. Even though I lied to Wyatt, caused his father’s death, and aborted his child, he still helped me eliminate my sister’s murderers without mentioning a word about it. Despite his ferocious hatred and wrath at me, he still cares about me. Why else would he have done this for me?

Suddenly, Jessica didn’t feel as gloomy anymore. As she ate, she questioned, “When is he visiting again?”

The housekeeper was momentarily stunned. Knowing that Jessica was referring to Wyatt, she replied, “I don’t know. However, I’ll be sure to notify you of his arrival.”

“Okay.”

Jessica looked forward to his next visit because she wanted to have a calm conversation with him and clear up the misunderstanding between them.

However, instead of Wyatt, she was visited by an unexpected guest in the early morning.

A black Bentley arrived at the mansion before the driver opened the door for Gianna to step out. Her eyes glistened as she stared at the mansion in front of her. I didn’t expect the driver to send me here when I asked Wyatt to give me a place to stay! I know Zenisan Villa’s independent mansion cost no less than fifty million. Yet now, this luxurious building belongs to me! I’m definitely going to show this place off to my friends later! They may be supermodels, but they’ll know that none of them is better than me! That’s because, despite my failure to become a supermodel, I managed to find myself a fantastic money tree!

When she turned back, she arrogantly warned the driver, “You better be careful when carrying those pieces of luggage! If you damage any of my stuff, I’m going to make you pay!”

Then she strutted toward the building smugly and spoke as though she was the lady of the house to the housekeeper who opened the door for her. “Wyatt has allowed me to live here from today onward. What did he tell you lot?”

The housekeeper bowed. “Mr. Lopez told us we’ll be serving you in the future, Ms. Gianna.”

Upon snorting and stepping into the building, she scanned the interior with a positively dazzled look.

Curbing her excitement, she followed the housekeeper to the second floor.

 

Chapter 382

The housekeeper had already prepared a room for Gianna and stocked it with products from the brand the latter wanted.

Opening the closet, Gianna found dozens of the latest luxury clothing items lying quietly inside.

After picking out an outfit and donning it, she took selfies in every corner of the room. She then video- called her fair-weather friends and showed them around the mansion. As she took in their envious gazes, a look of smugness settled upon Gianna’s face.

Just when she was about to enter the third floor, the housekeeper rushed over and blocked her path.

“Ms. Gianna, you are free to go anywhere in this mansion but the third floor.”

Furious, Gianna growled, “I’m the mistress of this place! What do you mean I can’t go to the third floor?”

The housekeeper replied, “Well, Ms. Marsh is staying on the third floor. Mr. Lopez has told us that you can go anywhere except the third floor, so I hope you won’t give us a hard time, Ms. Gianna.”

Embarrassed, Gianna quickly cut off the video call.

She then fumed, “I don’t care who’s living on the third floor! I’m Wyatt’s girlfriend!”

To that, the housekeeper responded with, “I don’t know what your relationship with Mr. Lopez is, but I have heard that the lady living on the third floor is Mr. Lopez’s fiancée.”

His fiancée? And her last name is Marsh?

Gianna immediately thought of someone and pressed the housekeeper, “Are you talking about Jessica Marsh?”

“Yes.”

Gianna’s heart lurched upon hearing that.

I thought Wyatt would be irked and break up with Jessica after seeing that and hearing the lies I made up! Why would he arrange for Jessica to stay here? And why ask me to move in?

Forcing herself to remain calm, Gianna tried to sound the housekeeper out. “Why is Wyatt letting her stay here?”

“I have no idea, Ms. Gianna.”

“Then why is she staying on the third floor?” A glint flashed across Gianna’s eyes before she added nonchalantly, “I don’t mind that Wyatt has a fiancée. I just want to build a rapport with her. After all, we’re going to be seeing each other quite often from now on.”

The housekeeper hesitated for a moment before saying, “I doubt you’ll be able to see her, Ms. Gianna. Mr. Lopez has forbade her from leaving the third floor. We’re the ones sending her meals.”

Glee filled Gianna’s heart when she heard that, followed by curiosity. She asked, “Did she have a fight with Wyatt?”

Seeing how the housekeeper was reluctant to give her an answer, Gianna took a stack of cash from her wallet and stuffed it in the former’s hand before saying, “Just tell me. After all, I’m not the only one staying here. I don’t want to piss Wyatt off.”

After accepting the money, the housekeeper’s resolve weakened, and she told Gianna about the time Jessica and Wyatt got into a fight. She continued with how they helped Jessica to a bath, cleaned up

her body, and the instructions they had received.

After hearing everything, Gianna felt relieved.

I guess the rift between them still exists due to the misunderstandings that I’ve created. All Wyatt wants is for her to get pregnant and have a child. That’s why he imprisoned her here. Since Jessica’s not allowed to leave the third floor, she poses no threat to me.

Feigning concern, Gianna mused, “She must have angered Wyatt for her to be treated like this.” She then ordered the housekeeper, “Do take good care of her and don’t let her come downstairs, lest her presence annoys Wyatt.”

“Understood, Ms. Gianna.”

Now that she was staying at the mansion, Gianna could wake up at any time she desired.

There was no longer any need for her to attend any shows. All she had to do was lay on her bed and flirt with Wyatt over the phone for a sum of money to be wired to her. Apart from that, she only needed to make a phone call for someone at the luxury stores to bring over a batch of clothing or jewelry to the mansion for her to choose from.

It was a blissful life.

Sometimes, Gianna would see the housekeeper delivering meals up to the third floor, and she would be reminded of the incident when she was talking to Jessica in the stairwell and accidentally pushed the latter, causing Jessica to miscarry. When memories of this flashed through her mind, Gianna would feel uneasy.

Jessica made so many plans for revenge. Back then, she wasn’t afraid of any provocation. It’s clear that she isn’t someone to be trifled with. Although she has been imprisoned on the third floor, there’s no

telling when Wyatt might go to see her. And if she talks about what happened that day… No, I need to handle this matter before that happens.

Those uncertain factors made it difficult for Gianna to have peace of mind. As such, when she found someone who could help her on WhatsApp, she immediately contacted the person.

Two days a later, a package arrived at the mansion.

Gianna tore open the package, took out the contents, and snuck into the kitchen before sprinkling the contents in the food.

As she watched the housekeeper deliver the food to the third floor, a cruel smile spread across her lips.

Meanwhile, Jessica had no idea Gianna was living on the second floor since she was confined to the third floor.

She endured each day without seeing Wyatt. Afraid that he would have too much work to handle at the company, she didn’t dare ask the housekeeper to call him. In the end, she could only spend her time reading and drawing while she waited for him.

One morning, Jessica felt slightly unwell when she woke up.

After washing up and eating her breakfast, she took a book and went over to the window to read under the sunlight. Seeing how obedient she was as of late, the housekeeper stopped watching her like a hawk.

Time ticked by as she entertained herself with reading and drawing.

At times, she would feel dizzy, or her throat would bother her. However, she chalked it up to the fact that she might have caught a cold because she had not slept well and just took a couple of cold medicines.

At four in the afternoon, the housekeeper came up with a plate of fruits and told Jessica, “Mr. Lopez will be coming back tonight.”

He’s coming back?

Lying on a chaise longue, a groggy Jessica sat up immediately upon hearing that, her dim eyes lighting up.

She then asked the housekeeper what time Wyatt would be coming back.

However, the housekeeper merely glanced at her and stated carefully, “Ms. Marsh, I can’t hear what you’re saying.”

It was then Jessica recalled that she had a sore throat. She reckoned she must have lost her voice after catching a cold. Taking a pen and paper, she wrote: My throat’s sore, so I can’t talk. I was asking you when he will be back.

After reading what she wrote, the housekeeper replied, “He’s usually back at six or seven o’clock, so he should be back at around the same time today as well.”

To that, Jessica wrote another sentence on the paper.

The housekeeper immediately rejected her request after looking at the paper. “No way! Ms. Marsh, Mr. Lopez told you to stay on the third floor. If you come downstairs with me, I’ll be scolded.”

Jessica wrote another reply: There have been some misunderstandings between us. I don’t want to continue this cold war that we’re having. I’d like to make a meal for him and have a nice chat with him. If he tries to blame you, I’ll stop him.

Upon reading what she wrote, the housekeeper hesitated for a moment before agreeing to take Jessica downstairs.

Jessica hadn’t taken a good look at the mansion when she came. Now that she was finally downstairs, she gave the place a thorough once-over and found that the mansion was luxurious and huge. Several housekeepers were busy downstairs, and there was a faint smell of perfume in the air.

Thinking that it had been sprayed by the housekeepers, she didn’t give much thought to it.

The double-door refrigerator was stocked to the brim with food and had everything. Because Jessica had only ever made a few dishes, she picked out some ingredients and tried her best to make Wyatt’s favorite foods.

While cooking, she felt dizzy from time to time. Her nose was also a little clogged.

Tamping down her discomfort, Jessica was able to whip up three dishes and a soup.

The housekeeper brought the food to the table for her and praised her, “The dishes look awesome and smell great! I’m sure Mr. Lopez will like the meal you personally cooked for him.”

Jessica merely pursed her lips and smiled in response.

As long as Wyatt doesn’t mind, I’ll be willing to cook him anything he wants.

Wiping her hands, Jessica was about to head out of the kitchen when a bout of dizziness hit her. Her knees buckled before she slumped to the floor.

“Ms. Marsh!” Upon seeing Jessica collapse to the floor, the housekeeper rushed over to help her.

Yawning, Gianna came downstairs while complaining, “What’s with all the commotion? It’s annoying how loud you’re being!”

When her eyes landed on Jessica, she almost shrieked in surprise.

 

Chapter 383

“W-Why is she here?” Gianna exclaimed as she gripped the railing for support. “Didn’t Wyatt forbid her from coming down? Answer me!”

Scared out of her wits, the housekeeper stuttered, “M-Ms. Marsh said there was a misunderstanding between her and Mr. Lopez, so she wanted to cook for him and have a little chat. She also said he wouldn’t blame me… T-That’s why I—”

“So you were the one who snuck her down!” Gianna thundered, a fresh swell of rage rising in her. “The reason Wyatt locks her on the third floor and doesn’t let her downstairs is that he hates her! He’s going to blow his top if he sees her here. Argh! You’re such an idiot! Are you trying to get us all into trouble?”

“I-I didn’t know! I was only following Ms. Marsh’s orders…”

Upon seeing the spread on the dining table, Gianna added, “Did Wyatt call to say he was on his way home?”

“Yes.”

“What are you still waiting for, then? Take her back upstairs!” Gianna scolded as she gathered the other housekeepers. “Thank goodness I came down in the nick of time. Otherwise, you’d all be in hot water!”

Even though Wyatt hadn’t returned to the mansion for quite a while, everyone knew Gianna was the lady of the house. Why else would she always get what she wanted with just one phone call?

Therefore, as soon as Gianna gave her orders, the housekeepers complied and hurriedly helped the unconscious Jessica up the stairs.

Meanwhile, Gianna rushed back to her room to change out of her expensive clothes and into something more homely. In an attempt to look the part of the doting homemaker, she even went to the kitchen and put on an apron.

Disgusted by the faint smell of cooking grease lingering in the air, Gianna was about to spray some perfume when one of the housekeepers exclaimed, “Welcome home, Mr. Lopez!”

Without further ado, she grabbed the cutlery and walked out of the kitchen with a smile plastered on her face.

“Ah, you’re back, Wyatt! When they told me you were returning, I figured you’d want to stay for dinner, so I prepared a few dishes.”

Wyatt’s gaze immediately darkened when he saw Gianna, and all he felt was a flicker of irritation.

What the hell was I thinking back then? Why did I arrange for Gianna to stay at this mansion in Zenisan Villa just because she called?

“Wouldn’t a model like you be spending all your time on your beauty routine? Are you sure you know how to cook?” Wyatt scoffed before taking a seat at the table. “The housekeepers must’ve whipped these up!”

Gianna playfully shoved the man and whined, “My goodness. You have so little faith in me! I can assure you that I was the one who singlehandedly cooked these dishes. The housekeepers didn’t help at all. Go on. Have a bite!”

For some reason, Wyatt was thoroughly repulsed by the saccharine voice.

D*mn it. Why are some women so much more repulsive than others?

“That’s enough. Return to your seat!” he grumbled, clearly running low on patience.

Realizing how unhappy Wyatt was, Gianna quickly reined herself in and sat on the chair beside him.

“Here. Try the stew,” she urged as she offered him a bowl of it. “I’m not sure if it’s to your liking, though.”

With that, Wyatt picked up his spoon and took two mouthfuls of the stew.

Hmm… It tastes pretty salty, but the flavor is also strangely familiar. Have I had this before?

Gianna, too, ate a couple of mouthfuls before quietly spitting it out because of the saltiness. “I’m sorry, Wyatt. As you can tell, I don’t cook a lot. Forget about the stew. It’s too salty. I’ll get the housekeepers to cook something else.”

“But that’s going to take a while, isn’t it?” Wyatt muttered as he continued eating, not at all minding the flavor.

Alas, his reaction only made Gianna green with envy.

That woman doesn’t look like she steps into the kitchen much, and it’s reflected in her cooking. I can’t believe Wyatt’s still eating her awful food!

Despite complaining about it internally, Gianna’s smile never once wavered. “I can cook for you every day if you like, Wyatt. What do you say?”

To her surprise, the man glanced at her and chuckled. “Forget it. What if your flawless skin gets damaged by all that heat and grease? Wouldn’t that make me a sinner?”

“I knew you doted on me, Wyatt!” Gianna said as she coyly hugged his arm. “Have you been very busy these days? You take forever to answer my texts, and you don’t visit me, either. I’m bored to death!”

Once again put off by Gianna’s actions, Wyatt snapped, “You can move out if you don’t want to stay here.”

“That’s not what I meant!” Gianna hastily replied and pouted. “I was hoping you could spend more time with me when you’re free, or at the very least, let me keep you company.”

Instead of answering her, Wyatt merely wiped his mouth and walked away. “I’m full.”

Gianna gritted her teeth in exasperation as she glared at his retreating figure.

What the hell! Does he have any idea how many men are smitten by my beauty? I’ll make sure he succumbs to my charm one day!

Just as Wyatt was about to go to his study, he suddenly recalled how long he hadn’t been home since the day he left in a fit of anger. With that thought in mind, he turned around and went up to the third floor.

The housekeeper, who was keeping guard outside Jessica’s room, panicked a little when she saw Wyatt. “Mr. Lopez.”

“Has she eaten?”

Remembering what Gianna had instructed before, the housekeeper quickly nodded. “Yes. Ms. Marsh is asleep now.”

“Okay. I’ll take a look,” Wyatt muttered before opening the bedroom door.

By then, the housekeeper was pale and trembling with fright, but she also knew it wasn’t her place to stop the man.

As soon as Wyatt entered the room, he saw Jessica in bed and sleeping on her side.

He sat next to her and caressed her cheek, only to realize how small her face had gotten.

My goodness. She’s lost quite a bit of weight. Even the nightgown looks bigger on her now. Haven’t I instructed the housekeepers to make her nutritious meals? How could she have become this thin, then? Ah… Could she be refusing to eat because she’s still mad at me?

Knowing that was a possibility, Wyatt got frustrated and lost all desire to stay on.

He promptly left the room and turned to the housekeeper still hovering outside. “You don’t have to stand guard here anymore. She hasn’t been eating much, so it’s not like she can run far.”

Despite wanting to say something, the housekeeper held her tongue and meekly did as instructed.

Meanwhile, Jessica could feel someone caressing her face even in her sleep. Alas, her head felt so incredibly heavy that by the time she managed to force her eyes open, all she saw was a slender silhouette leaving the room.

Don’t leave, Wyatt!

As much as she wanted to shout for him to stop, she realized she couldn’t get any sound out.

Undeterred, Jessica got out of bed and shook her head before staggering out of the room.

She had taken cold medicine a few hours ago, but strangely enough, her symptoms seemed to have worsened. Even as she walked down the stairs, she could feel herself getting out of breath after every couple of steps.

No. I have to press on. Wyatt hardly comes here, so if I don’t talk to him today, who knows when I’ll see him again?

Determined to see Wyatt, Jessica endured the waves of discomfort and hobbled down to the second floor.

Unfortunately, she didn’t know which room Wyatt was in, so she continued to trudge forward and knocked on every door.

Just then, a voice rang out along the hallway. “Are you tired, Wyatt? Let me rub your shoulders for you!”

Huh? Why is there a woman’s voice?

Perplexed, Jessica quickly located the source and inched toward the room.

Since the door happened to be ajar, it wasn’t long before Jessica caught sight of Wyatt seated at the table and buried in his work. What she wasn’t expecting, however, was the woman standing behind him.

Tall and slender, her sheer, figure-hugging red dress left little to the imagination as she gently rubbed Wyatt’s shoulders. “Even though I can’t help you with work, I can keep this house spick and span. Then, you’ll be so happy whenever you visit that you’ll want to stay and keep me company.”

Chapter 384

After taking a closer look, Jessica realized the woman behind Wyatt was none other than Gianna.

The sight of the couple being intimate, combined with the painful memory of how she miscarried her two babies after being pushed down by Gianna, made Jessica burn with anger. Before she could barge into the room, however, Gianna slipped under Wyatt’s arms and shamelessly sat on his lap.

Jessica stared wide-eyed at the scene, the pain in her heart almost too much to bear.

“Don’t just keep working, Wyatt. Pay some attention to me!” Gianna whined as she wrapped her arms around the man’s neck. “Why bury yourself in work when you have me as your girlfriend? I can bring you so much more joy!”

Try as she might, Jessica couldn’t believe what she had just heard.

Girlfriend? Has Wyatt not tortured me enough by confining me here and humiliating me? Why has he brought his new girlfriend along? Is he just trying to add fuel to the fire?

The last straw for Jessica was when she saw Gianna lean in to kiss Wyatt. Not only was she disgusted to the core, but her anticipation of meeting the latter had also disappeared. Without further ado, she held onto the wall and stumbled off.

Alas, she was in such bad shape that she fainted at the stairs as soon as she got to the third floor.

Meanwhile, Wyatt finally snapped out of his daze when an overpowering perfume scent hit him, only to realize Gianna was sitting on his lap. Annoyed, he furrowed his brows and shoved her out of the way.

Despite being caught off guard by the sudden rejection, Gianna managed to steady herself before pouncing on Wyatt with a hug. “Stop thinking about that woman on the third floor, Wyatt. Hasn’t she

given you enough trouble? I’m the only one who loves you and wants to stay by your side. On top of that, I’ll also give you as many kids as you like!”

To her horror, Wyatt suddenly grabbed her by her hair and pulled her close. “Have you gone up to the third floor?”

“N-No, I haven’t,” Gianna stammered as she winced at the pain. “I merely heard from the housekeepers that Ms. Marsh is staying on the third floor. Why would I go up when you’ve strictly told me not to? If truth be told, I don’t think she deserves your pity. A heartless woman like her ought to be dumped aside and left for dead! What’s the point of keeping her here when the sight of her upsets you? Besides, she’ll never regret aborting those two babies—”

“Shut up!” Wyatt interrupted, his face contorted with rage. “I can keep her wherever I want. That’s none of your f*cking business! You’d better behave yourself and stay away from the third floor if you want to continue living this rich, carefree lifestyle! Otherwise, I won’t hesitate to kill you!”

When Gianna didn’t say anything, Wyatt added, “Did you f*cking hear me?”

Afraid that the latter might hit her, the woman hunched her shoulders and replied meekly, “Y-Yes. I heard you…”

The next second, Wyatt chased her out of the room. “From now on, you should know your f*cking place and call me Mr. Lopez! Also, stop dressing like a sl*t in front of me! Get out!”

Not wanting to incur any more wrath, Gianna quickly left the study with her tail between her legs.

So much for thinking I could seduce Wyatt by dressing a little sexier… I can’t believe he didn’t fall for it and even had the heart to chase me out!

Shaking with fury, Gianna was about to storm off and take her anger out on the housekeepers when she inadvertently saw Jessica unconscious at the top of the stairs.

Hmm… If I remember correctly, the room door was ajar earlier. Could Jessica have dropped by the study?

The next day, Wyatt left the mansion early in the morning.

When Gianna finally went downstairs at noon, one of the housekeepers hurriedly approached her. “Ms. Gianna, Mr. Lopez said he’s going abroad for a business trip and doesn’t want you to call him frequently. He also wants you to rest as much as possible and remember what he’s told you.”

Gianna scowled and snorted in response. “I know. Are you done talking? If so, get back to work!”

For the rest of the day, Gianna went on an online shopping spree with the credit card Wyatt had given her. On top of buying everything she fancied, she also hired instructors for the various courses she wanted to learn and invited her friends from Norwal City for a get-together. In short, she was doing everything she could to forget about the woman on the third floor.

After Jessica woke up, she realized the heaviness and discomfort from the day before had worsened overnight.

However, as soon as she recalled the scene in the study, she lost all desire to do anything and merely stayed in bed.

When the housekeeper brought Jessica’s lunch up and saw how flushed the latter’s cheeks were, she couldn’t help but worry. “Ms. Marsh, are you not feeling well?”

To that, Jessica nodded in silence.

Upon realizing that Jessica was also having difficulty breathing, the housekeeper felt her forehead, only to gasp in shock at how hot it was. “Oh, dear. You’re burning up, Ms. Marsh! I’ll call Mr. Lopez immediately!”

With that said, she rushed down the stairs and made a beeline for the phone.

Gianna, who had invited her friends over for lunch, became sullen when she saw the housekeeper using the phone. “Can’t you see we’re eating? Aren’t you going to serve us?”

“Ms. Marsh is running a high fever and needs medical attention. I have to inform Mr. Lopez before calling for the doctor.”

“What the hell does she need a doctor for? It’s not like she’d die from a fever!” Gianna screamed as she slammed her cutlery down. “Do you know how busy Wyatt is? Do you want him to scold you?”

The housekeeper flinched and said hesitantly, “B-But Ms. Marsh needs to see a doctor.”

“Don’t we have medicine for that? Just give her a few pills to bring the fever down! In case you’ve forgotten, I’m the lady of the house! Are you going to disobey me?”

Terrified, the housekeeper immediately placed the phone down and returned to the third floor with a medical kit.

“Gigi, didn’t Mr. Lopez buy this mansion for you?” one of Gianna’s friends asked. “Why is there another woman on the third floor? What’s her relationship with him?”

Another friend soon let out a scornful chuckle. “Well, well, well. It looks like Mr. Lopez doesn’t love you that much!”

“Are you kidding? Wyatt loves me the most! Look at my jewelry and clothes. He gives me anything that I ask for! Besides, didn’t you see how the housekeeper had to follow my orders? As for the woman on the third floor…” Gianna retorted before giving a dramatic pause. “That’s Wyatt’s fiancée. Even though she has broken up with him, she’s so shameless that she refuses to leave. Since Wyatt can’t stand the sight of her, he keeps her on the third floor and doesn’t let her downstairs. Ah, that reminds me… She loves putting on an act to gain Wyatt’s sympathy. For all I know, this fever might be another act of hers! What else can I do? I’ve tried befriending her, but she’s always so snobbish.”

“Are you serious? She has broken up with Mr. Lopez, yet she’s still staying here? How thick-skinned is she?”

Gianna shrugged at her friend’s remark. “I’m sure you all know how well Wyatt treats women. That woman used to be his fiancée, so he probably feels awful about leaving her in the lurch. Oh, well. She can stay here if she likes!”

“Oh, I could never live with that!” another friend exclaimed. “I have an idea. Why don’t you teach her a lesson if she still insists on staying here? Feed her expired foods and milk so she’ll really fall ill. That way, she’ll think twice about acting pitiful in front of Mr. Lopez.”

A glint of mischief instantly flashed across Gianna’s eyes. “You know what? That’s a pretty good idea.”

The housekeeper cared for Jessica all afternoon, and when she came back downstairs at night, she was happy to report that the latter’s fever had subsided.

Gianna pretended to sympathize with Jessica and even instructed the housekeeper to take good care of the latter. The terrifying truth, however, was that she had handed the repackaged expired foods and milk to the housekeeper, reminding her to keep Jessica fed and hydrated.

Jessica had just recovered from her fever, but after several days of consuming expired food items, her diarrhea became so bad that her fever returned with a vengeance. Needless to say, the housekeeper

was scared out of her wits.

She wanted to call and inform Wyatt, but Gianna brushed her off by saying the latter was too busy with work. In the end, Gianna assigned her to other chores while sending another housekeeper she had bribed to the third floor.

Her orders, however, were brutal. “All you need to do is to keep watch outside the room, leave the meals at the door, and then close it. Got it?”

 

Chapter 385

When Jessica realized something was wrong with the food and tried knocking on the door to get it changed, there was nothing but silence on the other side.

Eventually, she gave up and decided not to touch the remaining meals. Instead, she got hot water from the bathroom and drank it with her medicine before hiding under the blankets to sweat out the fever.

Her head felt constantly heavy, and the lack of food had left her looking even paler and more haggard. In an attempt to conserve what little energy she had left, all she did was lay in bed the whole day.

Thankfully, the fever went down after a few days, and Jessica slowly came out of her daze.

Now that she was feeling better, she decided to get out of bed and sit by the door.

When the housekeeper came to deliver the meal, she grabbed the unsuspecting woman’s hand and showed her the note she had written: Why are you giving me expired food? Are you trying to kill me?

Stunned, the housekeeper quickly denied it. “I’m only acting on Mr. Lopez’s orders! I’ve informed him about your fever, and he said you could either eat the food or leave it. In any case, you’re not allowed to step out of the bedroom.”

Of course, Gianna had coached the housekeeper on what to say, but Jessica was none the wiser.

Ah, I remember how Wyatt cut my food in half to stop me from escaping and even threatened to break my legs if I ran… Who knows? He might have given me these expired foods to punish and humiliate me further. That scenario doesn’t seem far-fetched at all.

Jessica’s gaze darkened as she picked up her pen and wrote: Can you lend me your phone for three minutes?

The housekeeper was clearly about to reject when Jessica pressed a diamond ring into her hand and scribbled another line of words: I’m worried about a friend and want to know how she’s doing. All I’m asking for is three minutes. I’ll delete the text after sending it. No one will find out you lent me your phone if you keep it a secret, and best of all, you’ll get to keep this diamond ring.

Seeing that it was at least a three-carat diamond ring, it didn’t take long before the housekeeper fell prey to temptation.

“Three minutes it is. Please hurry up, Ms. Marsh,” she said while sliding her phone over.

Jessica mouthed a simple “thank you” and quickly sent a text to Rayna: Nana, this is Jessica. I was busy before and didn’t manage to answer your calls. I’m so sorry. Anyway, I kept calling you that day because I wanted to tell you about Kristie. I think she might be going to Frosa to look for you.

Ten seconds later, Rayna called.

Unfortunately, Jessica was in no state to talk, so she had no choice but to decline the call and reply with another text: I’m really busy now. I’m afraid it’s not convenient for me to answer the phone.

Rayna: What’s the matter? Is work at Lopez Group that busy?

Jessica: Yes. Wyatt has also been pretty stressed, so I’m keeping him company. By the way, why have you gone to Yartran with Jefferson? Did Kristie look for you?

Rayna: There are some matters I need to settle, so I’ll be in Yartran for a while. I’ll tell you more once I’m back. How are the babies doing? Is Wyatt showering you guys with love?

Upon reading the text, Jessica felt her eyes welling up with tears.

The babies are gone, and it’s over between Wyatt and me. Everything’s a mess now!

As much as Jessica wanted to tell the truth, she knew Rayna had just as much to worry about and didn’t want to bother her. After a while, she texted: I’ll dump him if he doesn’t dote on us!

Rayna: Please don’t. We won’t be able to put up with him when he starts whining to us about it. Oh, by the way, I’m pregnant too.

Even though Jessica was startled for a moment, a smile soon crept across her face. Unfortunately, she had barely typed a word out when the housekeeper suddenly snatched the phone back. “Time’s up, Ms. Marsh. I’m changing shifts now.”

With that, the housekeeper closed the door and left.

Jessica didn’t bother to beg, either. Now that she knew Rayna was safe and sound, she could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

The housekeeper promptly relayed Jessica’s words to Gianna but omitted the part where she lent her phone out.

Worried that Wyatt might blame her if something untoward happened to Jessica, Gianna quickly instructed the housekeepers to prepare regular but bland meals for the latter.

Sometime later, Gianna was enjoying a manicure at home and scrolling through Instagram when she found out Wyatt had already returned from his trip.

The next second, she sent him a WhatsApp message to confirm if that was true.

To her surprise, Wyatt replied her and even said he’d be dropping by at night.

Needless to say, Gianna was over the moon to see the man finally showing interest in her. “Listen up!” she said as she rounded up the housekeepers. “Wyatt is coming here tonight, so make sure to whip up a nice spread! Go on. Get cracking!”

Then, she called over the housekeeper she had assigned to watch over Jessica. “How is she now? Can she talk?”

The housekeeper shook her head. “Ms. Marsh looks to be in better spirits, but I think she might have lost her voice. She hasn’t spoken in a while, and she’s been interacting with me through written notes.”

“That’s good to know. Keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn’t come out,” Gianna said before handing a wad of cash to the housekeeper. “Do as I say, and you’ll be rewarded handsomely.”

“Thank you, Ms. Gianna!” the latter exclaimed as she gleefully accepted the money.

Alas, just as she was stuffing the money into her bag, a diamond ring accidentally fell out and rolled to Gianna’s feet.

Without further ado, Gianna picked it up, only to gape at the size of the diamond.

“My goodness. This stone is massive!”

Compared to this, the tiny diamond ring on my finger seems so small and worthless…

“M-Ms Gianna, that’s my ring.”

Gianna shot a dirty look at the housekeeper and scoffed, “Is that so? I bet you must’ve stolen it! You wouldn’t be working here if you had such an expensive diamond ring.”

“I-I picked it up on the road,” the housekeeper stammered as beads of sweat rolled down her face.

Naturally, her guilty face didn’t go unnoticed by Gianna. “This ring is worth at least a million! If someone had dropped it, they’d have made a police report. You’d better tell me where you got this from. Otherwise, I’ll call the police!”

“No! Please don’t!” the housekeeper blurted out. “It was Ms. Marsh who gave it to me in exchange for using my phone.”

Upon hearing that, Gianna jumped up from the couch. “You gave it to her? Did she use it to contact Wyatt?”

“I don’t think so.”

After giving it some thought, Gianna gradually calmed herself down. Hmm… That makes sense. If she had contacted Wyatt, he’d have stormed home to settle the score with me. The medicine I bought will only let her lose her voice for a few months. I can delay Wyatt from going to the third floor to talk to her, but given his temper, I won’t be able to hold him back forever. That said, I can’t get rid of Jessica, either… In that case, I should probably think of a way to make Wyatt hate her so much that he’s forced to chase her out.

As Gianna continued staring at the diamond ring in her hand, a wicked idea suddenly struck her.

When Wyatt got home that night and was greeted by the sight of Gianna scolding the housekeeper, he couldn’t help but frown. “Have you gone mad? I didn’t hire the housekeepers for you to scream at!”

“Oh, Mr. Lopez, you’re back! It’s not that I want to scold her, but she disobeyed your orders and lent her phone to Ms. Marsh!”

Wyatt’s gaze darkened in an instant.

Before he could say anything, Gianna handed the diamond ring to him. “Ms. Marsh asked to use the phone for three minutes to text her friend, and in exchange, she gave the housekeeper this ring. I only found out about it by accident!” she reported. “Mr. Lopez, I think Ms. Marsh must’ve used the phone for something important. She could always wait till you’re back to use your phone, yet she was willing to give such a valuable ring away for just three minutes of phone usage. Don’t you think that’s too much?”

The moment Wyatt took the ring and got a good look at it, his eyes blazed with fury.

This is the engagement ring I gave Jessica! Oh, the audacity! I can’t believe she gave my gift away to use the phone! Does she not care about it all? It’s just like how she’s never cared for our two kids!

 

Chapter 386

As Wyatt didn’t respond, Gianna shot the housekeeper a look.

The housekeeper approached him, lowered her head, and reported softly, “Mr. Lopez, we didn’t think it was appropriate to tell you while you were away on a business trip. Ms. Marsh should already be on her period. However, when I was cleaning the bathroom, I didn’t see any used pads in the bin.”

She could feel the temperature of the air drop, and her shoulders shivered a little in fear.

However, when she thought about what Gianna had promised her, she plucked up the courage to continue. “Then, I realized that we have been serving Ms. Marsh her meals on time, yet she has lost weight. I’m not sure if she has been intentionally eating less, and this resulted in a hormonal imbalance.”

Before she could finish, the housekeeper was pushed aside roughly.

A hint of disdain flashed across Gianna’s face as she pretended to help steady her. She asked, her voice full of concern, “Are you okay?”

She watched as Wyatt stormed upstairs angrily, the corners of her lips curling up in a smug smirk.

This time, their relationship will definitely be over! That woman is overestimating herself if she thinks she can outwit me!

When Wyatt got to the third floor, he kicked open the door to Jessica’s room. Jessica had been feeling weak and had just laid down when he barged in. Unwilling to entertain him, she got out of bed and headed for the bathroom.

He took one large step toward her, grabbed her wrist, and threw her back onto the bed.

Towering over her, he glared at her with a dark expression.

She had visibly lost a lot of weight. Her face was now even slimmer than before, which was heartbreaking to see.

Let go!

Unable to cuss him out, Jessica could only struggle with all her might. However, she still could not break free from his grasp.

A shudder suddenly wrecked her body as she recalled what she had seen outside the study the other day, and she started struggling even harder.

Wyatt’s gaze darkened. In the next instant, he lifted a hand and slapped her across the cheek.

He had hit her very hard as he was fuming. Jessica’s head whipped to the side as she lay there in a daze.

He grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him. The grim look in his eyes was terrifying. “Jessica Marsh, if you still refuse to f*cking eat, I will get someone to shove the food down your throat.”

Scoffing coldly, he continued, “Do you think Rayna will be able to save you just because you sent her a message using the housekeeper’s phone? She’s currently enjoying life with her ex-boyfriend in Yartran. She wouldn’t think of someone like you.”

Wyatt leaned toward her and snarled, “You’ve sacrificed so much for your good friend, and you’re always thinking of her. Well, are you aware of what she did to Kristie? No one would welcome her back with open arms after that!”

Jessica turned her gaze toward him, still trying to process what he had just said.

She didn’t know what had happened to Kristie.

Forcing herself to calm down, she tried to reach for the notebook lying on top of the bedside table to write down what she wanted to say.

However, Wyatt thought that she was trying to run away and pinned her arms down. “You have no one else to rely on other than your Uncle Oliver and Aunt Danielle, but even they can’t save you! There’s nothing I’m not capable of when I’m angry, Jessica. I can keep you locked up here forever, and no one will be able to find you ever again. So, go ahead and try me if you want!”

When he saw the fear in her eyes, he scoffed coldly. “Or maybe I should keep Oliver and Danielle locked up in a small town. Do you think you will be able to locate them?”

Jessica stared up at him with wide eyes, unable to believe that he was the same man she had once loved.

Is this just a figment of my imagination? Am I having a nightmare?

His words were like a curse ringing in her ears. When she looked at him again, his face grew blurrier and blurrier. Her heart and her body started growing cold.

Wyatt had been so livid that he wasn’t thinking straight; he just wanted her to obey him.

After he snapped back to his senses, he realized that Jessica’s thin body was trembling. She looked so weak and pitiful.

He felt a twinge of guilt and reached out to touch her.

Just when his fingers were about to touch her wound, he pulled his hand back at the last minute and scurried out of the room.

The housekeeper, who had been waiting outside the room, lowered her head when she saw him come out. “Mr. Lopez, is there anything I can do for you?”

“Go in and take care of her wounds,” Wyatt snapped at her, his frustration threatening to boil over.

“Yes, sir.”

“Hold on!” He stopped her again and glared at her coldly. “Make sure you do it gently. Once you’re done, make some nutritious food for her. And don’t talk unnecessarily!”

“I-I understand, sir,” she stammered.

Wyatt trudged downstairs with a dark expression on his face, his anger yet to subside. When he recalled what he had seen at the hospital and how that woman had injuries all over her small body, he became even angrier.

When Gianna saw him come downstairs, she untactfully approached him. “Mr. Lopez, did Ms. Marsh make you angry again? I can’t believe how ungrateful she is when you’ve been nothing but good to her.”

“Are you saying that I keep trying to please her despite being snubbed?” Wyatt glared daggers at her.

At that moment, the look on his face was truly terrifying.

The smile on Gianna’s face froze. She stammered, “T-That’s not what I-I mean… It’s getting late. Why don’t you rest here for the night? The housekeeper made some pumpkin soup. Why don’t you—”

“Shut the f*ck up! You’re so annoying!” Feeling irritated at the mere sight of her, Wyatt grabbed her and threw her aside like a ragdoll.

Gianna was completely floored.

When she regained her senses, Wyatt had already left the house. In his fury, he didn’t even take his coat with him.

She combed her messy hair back into place, feeling rather disgruntled. However, when she thought of how Jessica was worse off and might get thrown out soon, she instantly felt a lot better.

“Bring me some pumpkin soup! I want to drink it now,” Gianna ordered, strutting toward the dining room.

Wyatt drove out of Zenisan Villa, still unable to calm down.

With a solemn expression, he pulled out his phone and made a call.

After the call went through, he said coldly, “Rayna has a list of names in her possession. Look into everyone on the list and contact the one who’s greediest for money. As long as he is willing to stop helping Jefferson, I’ll agree to any condition he wants!”

With that, he hung up and turned the car around.

At this hour, Jeremy was working on the final part of Ixora’s research in the underground lab.

Wyatt had suddenly called him, saying that he was outside the door. Rolling his eyes, Jeremy reluctantly went upstairs and opened the door for him.

As soon as he saw Wyatt, he yelled, “Are you insane? If you have nothing to do at this time of night, go take care of your business. Why did you come here instead?”

After he was done ranting, he realized that Wyatt had remained silent throughout. There was a grim expression on his face, and he seemed to be stewing in anger.

“What’s got you all worked up?” Jeremy asked.

“Do you have alcohol?” Wyatt asked as he pushed past Jeremy and entered the house. He unceremoniously opened the fridge before pulling out a can of beer.

He knocked back beer after beer nonstop like he was drinking water.

Folding his arms across his chest, Jeremy leaned against the doorframe and watched Wyatt punish himself with an icy gaze. “We’ve been friends for many years, but I’ve never seen you act like this before. You weren’t even this sad when your dad died.”

Wyatt did not reply him.

The fridge was stocked with just two dozen cans of beer. After finishing all of them, he went around the kitchen, looking for more alcohol. After discovering two bottles of red wine in the cabinet, he took out the cork of one and downed its contents.

 

Chapter 387

“This is my most treasured red wine. Don’t you waste it in this manner!” Jeremy frantically grabbed the bottle of red wine away from Wyatt’s hand when he saw the latter gulping it down like water.

Right then, Wyatt’s phone rang.

Taking it out, he glanced at the screen. A frown marred his countenance, but he quickly reverted to his usual expression. He did not answer the call and put the phone back into his pocket. “I need to be away for a few days. Do me a favor; drop by Zenisan Villa tomorrow and help me take a look at Jessica.”

“I knew it. You’re still together with her.” Jeremy sighed.

He had guessed as much when he noticed something wrong with Wyatt’s mood earlier.

He questioned, “Is it related to Hausen’s CEO?”

Seeing Wyatt remain silent, Jeremy shook his head and chided, “Wyatt, you’ve handled this matter too recklessly. You could have gathered some evidence and sent them to prison first. After that, you can find someone inside to deal with them.”

“It won’t be easy to touch them once they’re inside.”

“Even if that’s the case, you could have settled it more discreetly.” Jeremy’s face was filled with worry. “You caused five deaths in one go. Furthermore, Hausen is the main pillar of Yeringham’s GDP growth. The authorities will definitely get to the bottom of this.”

“I had Cillian take care of it. He leaves no trace, so nobody will find out anything,” Wyatt nonchalantly replied and took the bottle of red wine back from Jeremy’s hand, gulping down a few mouthfuls.

“Argh, I don’t know what to do with you!” Jeremy gave up. “Does Jessica know about this?”

Wyatt did not answer.

“Don’t tell me you’re imprisoning her in the house?”

Wyatt continued to keep silent.

Judging from Wyatt’s expression, Jeremy knew he had guessed correctly.

Jeremy furrowed his brows lightly. As he was about to say something, Wyatt placed the empty bottle on the refrigerator.

Despite consuming a large amount of alcohol, Wyatt’s eyes remained bright while his face only had a tinge of redness. “Jeremy, remember to go to Zenisan Villa tomorrow. I’m going off now.”

“I’m a researcher, not a doctor! D*mn it!” Jeremy yelled loudly at Wyatt as the latter walked out. “Can’t you find a private doctor to go over?”

Wyatt responded by shutting the door behind him.

Jeremy pulled his hair in frustration as he saw the countless beer cans on the floor. He growled, “I shouldn’t have f*cking opened the door!”

Two bottles of my most treasured red wine are gone too! D*mn it!

Meanwhile, over at Zenisan Villa, Gianna discovered from a housekeeper that Jessica had bruises all over her body and looked more desolate than before. Therefore, Gianna concluded that it must be all over between Jessica and Wyatt.

Since both were done with each other, it was only a matter of time before Jessica would leave.

Gianna began to imagine how wonderful her life would be with Jessica out of the way—she would have Wyatt all to herself, and she could finally hold her head high within her group of superficial friends. She could not help but smile in her sleep as she thought of her bright future ahead.

Gianna woke up early the next day, visibly in a good mood. She put on a robe and walked down the stairs lazily.

“You’ve done well.” Seeing not many housekeepers around, Gianna took the opportunity and called her informant, Heidi, over to give her a handsome reward.

“Thank you, Ms. Gianna.” Heidi was all smiles when she saw the money. She quickly kept it away before anyone saw it.

“By the way.” Gianna seemed to recall something and asked Heidi softly, “Has she taken any contraceptive pills?”

“I don’t think so.” Heidi was not sure. After thinking for a moment, she said, “Mr. Lopez instructed us to note her ovulatory phase. It seems like he wants her to get pregnant. I don’t think he will allow her to take precautions.”

A glint of darkness flashed across Gianna’s eyes. She thought so as well.

It took her so much effort to finally destroy the relationship between Jessica and Wyatt. If Jessica were to get pregnant, it would make matters complicated.

She was not at all willing to share Wyatt with Jessica.

Gianna devised a plan and whispered to Heidi, “Go to my bedroom and take a contraceptive pill from one of the drawers. Smash it into powder and mix with milk, then serve it to her.”

“I-I can’t do that, Ms. Gianna.” Distress filled Heidi’s face.

“Only you and I know of this. What are you afraid of?” Gianna tried cajoling her into taking her side. “You witnessed how tense her relationship with Wyatt is now. I’m sure she’s not willing to get pregnant, so we’re simply doing her a favor. All right, do as I say. All you need to do is to serve her the milk. It’s up to her to decide if she wants to drink it. You don’t need to feel guilty about it. I’ll pass you some money later in the evening.”

Persuaded by Gianna, Heidi felt she could take on the task. At the same time, she was tempted by the money. After a moment of hesitation, she nodded her head firmly. “I’ll serve the milk. What happens next is none of my business.”

“I knew I could trust you with it.” A faint smile appeared on Gianna’s face.

After preparing Jessica’s breakfast, Heidi brought it up to the third floor.

Meanwhile, Gianna leisurely finished her breakfast. Standing up, she stretched her back, preparing to head upstairs and lie on the bed for a little while more. She had arranged for a beautician to come and give her a full-body beauty treatment in the afternoon.

Just as she was about to head upstairs, the doorbell rang.

A housekeeper who was cleaning the living room went to open the door. She asked in surprise, “Sir, you are?”

“I’m Jeremy York. Wyatt sent me here.”

Gianna jerked when she heard the name. Could it be that Jeremy?

She turned her head and looked toward the door. The figure at the door was a young and slender man carrying a medical kit.

Mr. Lopez is acquainted with the renowned researcher Jeremy York? How interesting!

Gianna was still in shock when the housekeeper brought Jeremy to her and said, “Ms. Gianna, this is Mr. Lopez’s friend. He says he’s here to look at Ms. Marsh.”

Gianna snapped out of her shock as she looked at the man in front of her, who was exuding an air of elegance. “Hello, Mr. York.”

Jeremy merely nodded lightly in response.

He turned to the housekeeper and said, “Please lead the way. I’ll leave right after I have a look, as I have an experiment in the afternoon.”

“Let me show you the way, Mr. York!” Gianna suddenly recalled Heidi must be on the third floor with the milk now. She could not afford to have Jeremy suspect anything, so she hurriedly explained, “I have nothing on now, and as a host, I should extend my courtesy.”

The housekeeper gently reminded, “Ms. Gianna, have you forgotten? Mr. Lopez forbids you to go to the third floor.”

This stupid cleaner is getting in my way!

Gianna cursed at the housekeeper inside her heart while keeping a smile on her face. “Oh, that’s right, I forgot about it. I’m just worried about Ms. Marsh after the fight she had with Wyatt yesterday.”

Jeremy glanced at her. From one look, he knew she was lying.

Jeremy laughed in response. “I must say you have a big heart, Ms. Gianna. It must be difficult for you to be willing to share your partner with another woman. Yet, you can set aside your self-interest and show concern for her.”

Gianna tried to remain composed as she replied, “Well, it can’t be helped that Wyatt likes her. I don’t want to provoke him either.”

“Thank you for the offer, Ms. Gianna. Since you can’t access the third floor, I’ll have the housekeeper bring me there,” said Jeremy.

He did not say anything more to Gianna and headed upstairs with the housekeeper.

Gianna patted her chest, still shaken from her interaction with Jeremy. His eyes were so sharp that they seemed to pierce through her soul, terrifying her.

I hope Heidi won’t cause any suspicion.

Meanwhile, Heidi knocked on Jessica’s room door before entering.

Heidi thought Jessica would be lying in bed in a depressed state. After all, she had a rough night yesterday, resulting in bruises all over her body.

Hence, she was surprised to see Jessica awake and refreshed, basking in the sunlight while reading a book.

Heidi froze momentarily before hastily bringing the breakfast tray over and placing it on the desk. “Ms. Marsh, I’ve brought your breakfast.”

Stealing a couple of glances at Jessica, she saw the latter still looked quite gloomy. Jessica placed her book down and took the cup of warm milk.

“Ms. Marsh, I’ll take my leave first.” Heidi hurriedly lowered her head and retreated. Her palms were wet with sweat.

She did feel guilty about what she did, but the temptation of the monetary reward was too strong to ignore. Further, she consoled herself that she had only brought the milk up. It was not her fault that Jessica chose to drink it.

Just as Heidi exited the room and heaved a sigh of relief, she saw another housekeeper bringing a man up.

“Heidi, you brought breakfast for Ms. Marsh?” The housekeeper saw her and said, “This is Mr. Lopez’s friend. He has come to see Ms. Marsh.”

 

Chapter 388

Heidi stammered, “A d-doctor?”

Jeremy smiled and said, “Please open the door and let me in to give her a checkup.”

“That won’t do,” Heidi said, fearing he would find out that Jessica’s milk had been spiked with contraceptive pills. “Ms. Marsh’s wounds aren’t located at a spot where a male doctor should check. Why don’t you just pass me the medicine?”

“I don’t need to examine her; I just need to ask her a few questions,” Jeremy insisted, dropping the polite demeanor. “Move aside.”

Heidi was afraid that Jeremy would realize something was amiss if she continued to protest. Furthermore, the doctor was Wyatt’s friend.

Left without a choice, she opened the door and invited Jeremy into the room. She took a look to see whether Jessica was done with her food so that she could take the tray away, only to realize in shock that Jessica did not drink the milk at all.

“Please leave the room,” Jeremy said to Heidi. “I don’t like people disturbing me while I work.”

“I… I’ll take the tray away then.” The more Heidi looked at the milk, the more panicked she became. “Ms. Marsh, was the breakfast this morning not to your liking? I’ll get you a different serving.”

However, Jeremy stopped Heidi in her tracks. With a smile, he said, “Please leave it. After I take her blood, she’ll need to have some sweet stuff.”

Right as Heidi parted her lips to say something, Jeremy added, “Please head out for now.”

Hence, Heidi had no choice but to exit the room.

Once the two of them were the only ones in the room, Jeremy finally had the time to take in Jessica’s physical state. She looked much thinner, and her face was pale. It was a stark contrast from what she used to be like.

Furthermore, she was covered in bruises.

“Wyatt…” Jeremy wanted to make a comment, but he soon realized it was not his place to intervene. Thus, he shook his head and walked over to open his medical kit instead.

He then asked Jessica, “Can I do a blood test for you?”

Jessica pursed her lips in silence, but she stretched out her arm for him.

Jeremy then pricked her index finger and let the blood drip on the blood-sampling device.

In less than ten seconds, the device came up with the results of Jessica’s physical condition.

After reading the report, Jeremy said to her, “Your body is fine, but you’re anemic and malnourished. You have to eat your fill for the three meals of the day, and you should eat more meat.”

In the middle of his long speech, he realized he was not receiving any reaction from Jessica. Massaging the bridge of his nose, he asked, “Are you not talking to me because of Wyatt?”

Jessica shook her head.

“Then why aren’t you reacting to anything I’m saying to you?” Jeremy asked, confused.

Jessica then walked over to the bedside table to grab a piece of paper and a pen. After writing on the paper, she showed it to him. My throat isn’t feeling well. I can’t talk.

“Are your tonsils inflamed?”

When he saw her shake her head again, he reached out to touch her throat before asking, “Does it hurt? When did you lose your voice? Did it hurt at the time?”

Jessica wrote: I couldn’t speak after getting a cold.

“Having a cold is a different matter; it has nothing to do with your vocal cords.” Jeremy glanced at the milk on the table. When he thought about how Heidi was fumbling around earlier, he realized something.

At that realization, he took out a few bottles of medicine from his kit.

Once he was done making the prescription, he handed it to Jessica. “Pour a little of this into a glass of warm water and drink it when you wake every day. If you still can’t speak after a week, have your housekeeper call me.”

A bitter smile appeared on Jessica’s face. She seemed reluctant to take the medicine, but in the end, she still did.

Jeremy then gave her two medicinal creams. When he realized it was getting late, he packed up his medical kit. Before he left, he poured a little of the milk into a bottle and took it with him.

Heidi was waiting outside the entire time.

The moment Jeremy emerged from the room, she went over to him and asked, “Is Ms. Marsh fine?”

“Are you hoping that she isn’t?” Jeremy questioned.

“That’s not what I mean!” Heidi hastily lowered her head. “We’re all quite worried about Ms. Marsh.”

“That’s good to hear.” Jeremy chuckled. “A housekeeper should remember they’re a housekeeper and that they work for an employer. Your job is to take good care of her in return for the money you earn. I’ll be back on Wednesday.”

“Of… course.” By then, Heidi was sweating buckets.

Upon exiting the mansion, Jeremy called Wyatt and told him about Jessica’s checkup. “She’s doing fine, but she’s a little anemic and malnourished.”

“Did you give her meds?”

“I did.” A pause later, Jeremy could not stop himself from saying, “Wyatt, don’t be so stubborn with a woman. Locking her up here is tormenting both her and you. Is there really a need to do this?”

Wyatt’s tone instantly turned grim. “I just asked you to give her a checkup; I didn’t ask for you to stick your nose into this.”

“I’m just concerned about you as a friend. Also, remember that she’s someone’s daughter, too. Look at what she has become with your torment.”

Wyatt chose to stop listening to Jeremy by ending the call.

That infuriated Jeremy, but there was nothing he could do about it.

Wyatt took a little time to make sure the deaths of Hausen’s CEO and the others did not blow up. After the culprit was arrested and interrogated, they were soon released in less than two days’ time.

Eventually, the matter blew over silently.

A month later, Wyatt wrapped up his busy work and drove to Zenisan Villa in the evening.

With the lesson from before still fresh in her mind, Gianna did not dare to throw herself at him this time. Instead, she followed him around and asked if he had been busy lately, as well as what he wanted to eat.

Impatiently, Wyatt snapped, “Do you want me to set up a stage for you to monologue away with how chatty you are?”

“I’ll zip it then.” Gianna flashed him a flustered smile, but she was fuming on the inside.

I thought that Jessica would leave this place after fighting with Wyatt. Who knew that Wyatt would ask his friend to give her a checkup and let her continue to stay here?

Half an hour later, the housekeeper was done with dinner preparations.

Recalling what Jeremy told him the other day, Wyatt told the housekeeper, “Have her come down for dinner.”

The housekeepers and Gianna had a look of surprise on their faces, thinking that they had misheard him.

Only after Wyatt repeated himself did Heidi scramble up the stairs.

In less than a minute, Heidi came back down and tentatively said to Wyatt, “Mr. Lopez, Ms. Marsh is drawing, and she ignored me. I don’t think she wants to come down here.”

Wyatt slammed his fork down and gritted out, “Is she trying to starve herself to death?”

Utterly furious, he stormed up the stairs.

When he reached the third floor, he took in a few deep breaths before turning the doorknob to the room.

The sight of Jessica drawing by the window greeted him. He immediately walked over to pull her upright before towing her out of the room. “Eat now!”

Jessica did not even want to answer him. She flung his hand away and readjusted her easel.

“What the f*ck do you want, Jessica Marsh?” The more silent she was, the more irked Wyatt became. Upon realizing she was not even looking at him, he grabbed the easel and threw it aside.

There were a few covered paintings neatly placed in the corner, and when the easel hit them, they began toppling down.

Jessica rushed over and started rummaging through the paintings.

Wyatt was already enraged, but when he saw her more concerned about the paintings instead of answering him—when he saw her carefully holding the sunflower painting—fury overcame him.

He strode over and snatched the painting from her before aggressively tearing the canvas off the frame.

Sensing what he was about to do, Jessica lunged toward him to snatch the painting back.

“It seems like you like this painting a lot!” Wyatt sneered. He then raised his hands and tore the canvas in half. Jessica’s eyes widened, and for a long while, she could only stare at him.

 

Chapter 389

Wyatt then grabbed Jessica by her hair and forced her to come closer to him. “Who knows where that guy is doing hard labor at now? You’ll never see him again, so stop dreaming about him!”

At the peak of her fury, Jessica trembled and slapped him.

“F*ck! Did you just hit me?” Wyatt’s expression darkened, and he lifted his hand to give her a slap in return. Yet, when she lifted her head to look at him, he saw how thin and pale her small face had become.

His heart ached. A few seconds later, he roughly threw her aside and snarled, “You’re not going to eat, huh? I’ll get the housekeeper to pry open your mouth and feed you by force later!”

With that said, he stalked away.

Jessica remained rooted in her spot for a while before walking over to pick up the torn painting. Slowly, she pieced it back together.

She stared at the painting. A man with a blurry face lay on a couch, hugging sunflowers. She had long since pained his features in her memory, but now, it was starting to melt away.

If he did not believe her, why should she explain anything to him?

Meanwhile, Wyatt was still fuming. In the end, he only ate a few bites before heading upstairs to his study to deal with work.

Nevertheless, not long after he started working, he began mulling over how Jessica had been brushing her fingers over the painting earlier as if it was a priceless treasure and how she had slapped him.

“Godd*mn it!” The more he thought about it, the angrier he became, and he slammed the pen onto the table.

I shouldn’t have let that male housekeeper off so easily! I should have chopped his hands and feet off and let Jessica take a good look at him. That way, she’ll never think of going for another man!

“Sir,” a housekeeper knocked on the door. She then fearfully said, “We’ve fed Ms. Marsh. Is there anything you want us to do?”

Wyatt snapped, “No! Now scram!”

He then swept all of the documents on the table to the ground, and he even threw the computer to the floor. Even after his angry outburst, he was still heaving and grinding his teeth.

After sitting in his chair for ten whole minutes, he abruptly got to his feet and left the study.

Just as he entered Gianna’s room, he saw her coming out of the bathroom in a bathrobe. Instantly, he walked over to her and dragged her all the way to the third floor.

Wyatt then kicked the door to Jessica’s room open. When he saw her still drawing by the window, his gaze darkened, and he pulled Gianna into his arms before putting his hands on her shoulders.

Lowering his head, he then asked her in a gentle tone, “Babe, do you like this place?”

Gianna shuddered when his cold hands touched her shoulders.

She was no fool. She knew that everything Wyatt just did—gloomily entering her room, towing her up the stairs to Jessica’s room, and talking to her in such a gentle manner—was to put on a show in front of Jessica.

“This place has wonderful lighting. Of course I like it!” Gianna played along and leaned into his arms. “But did you forget something, Mr. Lopez? This is where Ms. Marsh stays.”

Wyatt glanced at the woman by the windowsill and deliberately raised his volume. “You’re my babe. You can stay anywhere you want to!”

Gianna hammered his chest. “Don’t be like this, Mr. Lopez. Ms. Marsh is still in the same room as us!”

“Don’t be like this?” Wyatt let his hand wander around her body before chuckling. “You smell great, Babe. You make me want to do naughty things to you.”

“Mr. Lopez…” Gianna nuzzled her face against his chest.

However, Wyatt’s gaze was fixed elsewhere. The moment he realized that Jessica was still drawing as if she could not see him flirting with Gianna, his anger returned.

In the next second, he threw Gianna onto the bed and pinned her down before sealing her lips with his.

Gianna froze, but she soon circled her arms around the man’s neck.

The two of them exchanged passionate kisses and words that would make any listener blush.

“Mr. Lopez, let’s do this someplace else.”

“But didn’t you say you like it here? Is this place no good?”

“Ms. Marsh is still here with us…”

“Does that matter? She can watch us if that’s what she likes.”

“You’re so mean!” Gianna whined.

Jessica tried her best to ignore them, but when those words traveled into her ears, her arms began to shake, and she could not even hold her pencil.

Then, when she saw the entangled man and woman, a wave of nausea rose up her throat.

Taking deep breaths, she put down her pencil and walked toward the door.

She wanted to open the door and leave, but as she had spilled paint on her hands earlier, her fingers were wet. Regardless of how much force she used, she could not turn the knob, and in her frustration, she kicked the door. A second later, she tried to wrap her clothes around the knob with trembling fingers.

Wyatt dashed over and grabbed her arm. “Where the f*ck are you trying to go?”

“Don’t touch me!” Jessica screamed before flinging his hand away. Then, she hurriedly tried to open the door again.

Wyatt tugged her again, but this time, Jessica reacted like a cat whose tail was stepped on. As she swung her hand toward him, she screeched, “You’re dirty! You’re disgusting! Don’t touch me!”

The heavy scent of perfume she could smell on him was the same as the one she caught a whiff of in the living room previously.

Without a doubt, it was Gianna’s perfume.

All of a sudden, Jessica’s stomach churned. She quickly supported herself against the wall and vomited. Before she could put a distance between herself and Wyatt, her eyes rolled back, and she passed out.

“Babe, what’s going on?” Wyatt darted over to hold Jessica.

When he noticed that Gianna was still on the bed, he narrowed his eyes and roared, “Who said you can be in here? Get out!”

Gianna was nearly frightened out of her wits by his roar, and she scurried off.

After putting Jessica on the bed, Wyatt hastily called Jeremy. “Jeremy, come to my place.”

“What happened to you?”

“Not me. She passed out, and her hands and feet are cold.”

“Call a doctor if she’s passed out! Why are you calling me?” Jeremy impatiently cried out. “I do research; I’m not a f*cking doctor, so stop calling—”

“Be here in ten!”

Without giving Jeremy any more chance to speak, Wyatt ended the call.

Then, he stayed by the bedside and stared at Jessica’s pale face. The wrath in his chest was gone at that point, and only remorse was left inside.

He did not know what had come over him. When he saw how much she adored the painting and yearned for that man, he could not stop the bubbling anger in him. In response, he tried to get close to another woman to infuriate her.

Ten minutes later, Jeremy came with a doctor.

The very second he saw Wyatt, he started shouting at him, “I’m a researcher, so start calling a doctor if anything happens next time, or else I’m going to block you for the rest of my life!”

Noticing the lack of color on Jessica’s face, he realized her condition seemed to have worsened. With a frown, he asked, “What did you do to her? Why does it look like she’s about to die?”

“Shut up!” Wyatt shot Jeremy a glare before asking the doctor to give Jessica a checkup.

“Hah!” Jeremy scoffed.

If I knew he was going to shift his anger onto me, I wouldn’t have come!

Right as the doctor was apart to unbutton Jessica’s pajamas during his checkup, Wyatt grabbed the doctor’s wrist and asked, “I didn’t hit her. Why are you undressing her?”

“I think she’s pregnant.” The doctor inhaled sharply from the pain shooting up his arm. “But I didn’t bring my equipment, so I can’t test her blood. I’m going to examine her using a handheld scanner instead.”

“W-What?” Wyatt stiffened.

“This is my friend Peter, and the things he brought with him are only available in Loang. Did you think he was an ordinary doctor?” Jeremy huffed and pulled Wyatt away.

Then, he turned to Peter and said, “Ignore him and check her first.”

 

Chapter 390

Peter nodded and pulled up Jessica’s pajamas with shaky hands. Then, he scanned her belly with a small device.

Soon, a clear image of the uterine cavity appeared on the small screen of the handheld scanner.

The doctor hurriedly pulled down Jessica’s pajamas, fearing Wyatt would hit him if there were any delays. He showed the device to Jeremy and said, “She is pregnant, but she doesn’t seem to be doing well.”

After taking a glance at the screen, Jeremy looked at Wyatt. “When was her last period?”

“I’m not sure. She ate too little, so she didn’t seem to have her period.” Wyatt massaged his temples, unable to accept that Jessica was pregnant. The news of her pregnancy baffled him.

That was especially the case after seeing her pale-looking face and thin body. How can she possibly conceive a child?

At that moment, he regretted how cruelly he had treated Jessica.

“I’m speechless.” Jeremy shook his head and sighed.

Peter roughly calculated the period of Jessica’s pregnancy based on the last time Wyatt and Jessica were intimate. Slowly, his expression turned grim. “The yolk sac and fetal pole appeared too early, and —”

Wyatt started to panic. “Is she okay?”

“She’s fine, just malnourished,” Jeremy replied. Then, he added, “However, we could barely see the fetal pole, which is a problem. It means that there’s something wrong with the baby.”

Wyatt couldn’t understand Jeremy, but his heart ached as soon as he heard something was wrong with the baby.

He had trapped Jessica here, wanting to take revenge on her, but didn’t expect she would actually get pregnant.

Having already lost two children, Wyatt didn’t want to lose another one.

“Jeremy, I know you and your friend are capable.” Wyatt patted Jeremy on his shoulder and said solemnly, “Please take good care of her and the baby.”

Jeremy slapped his hand away and retorted petulantly, “It’s useless asking a favor from me. I’m a scientific researcher, not a gynecologist! Besides, it doesn’t have a fetal pole. It’s practically dead.”

“Well, let’s not be so negative.” Peter expressed his professionalism. “We can’t see the fetal pole, but it doesn’t mean it’s non-existent. Take good care of her, and you’ll probably see it through an ultrasound at the hospital later.”

Wyatt’s gaze immediately turned to the doctor, and his expression was no longer fierce. “I’m counting on you to take care of them. Feel free to let me know whatever you want.”

In response, Jeremy sneered. “He’s not a materialistic person!”

However, he was proven wrong by his doctor friend in the next second. “Don’t worry, Mr. Lopez. Just leave everything to me! I’ll be sure to ask someone to send the best medicine here. Well, our research center is short of funds for a new medicine’s research—”

Wyatt said, “Send me your bank account details. I’ll fund you through my personal account.”

“Thank you, Mr. Lopez!”

Jeremy was rendered speechless.

Peter was still packing up his things when Jeremy and Wyatt left.

Jeremy spoke as they walked downstairs. “I’ll be going to Yartran to attend the party in two days. Look for Peter if you need anything. He’s better than me at this.”

“Did Curtis ask you to go?” Wyatt suddenly looked gloomy. “To help Jefferson?”

Jeremy sighed. “I’m sure you know the grudge between Curtis and Arnaud. Even though Curtis isn’t fond of Jefferson, if Jefferson loses this time, Arnaud will be in charge of the Terblanc family. Arnaud has a wide network, and if he gains more power now, it’ll be harder to stop him from entering Aploth or deal with him.”

“Isn’t James already there?”

“He is capable for sure, but the people working for Arnaud aren’t pushovers either. Weren’t you all on good terms when you traveled to Jetroina together? What happened?” Jeremy said with a sigh.

Wyatt let out a snort in response. “It’s probably pointless for you to go to Yartran.”

Sensing something was amiss, Jeremy asked with a frown, “Did you do something?”

“I was here in the country the whole time. What can I possibly do?” Wyatt replied casually. Distancing himself from Jeremy, he quickly went downstairs.

Jeremy merely kept quiet as he watched Wyatt leave.

“Mr. Lopez.” Gianna, who had been waiting in the living room, approached Wyatt as soon as she saw him. “Is Ms. Marsh okay?”

However, Wyatt ignored her.

Gianna flashed a flustered smile and tactfully took a step back.

Jeremy walked by and glanced at her and only then remembered that besides Jessica, there was another woman in this mansion. He was also suddenly reminded of the milk he brought back to run a test on.

Wyatt walked Jeremy to the door and waited for Peter to finish packing. Then, he watched them get in the car.

Peter had promised to come to see Jessica again in a week for a check-up.

Jeremy was not in a rush to get into the car and handed a report to Wyatt. “This is the report from when I came here before. I took some milk Jessica drank and brought it back to run some tests.”

“Was the milk not fresh?” Wyatt asked as he took the report.

His expression darkened as soon as he saw the word “progesterone” on the report.

Knowing that he saw it, Jeremy said, “It’s exactly what you think. The milk contained contraceptive pills. However, she was locked up here by you, and you were the one who hired these housekeepers, so this couldn’t possibly appear here. Every time I visit her, her condition deteriorates even more. She seems weaker and is practically a bag of bones now. As for you, don’t you realize you have changed? You’re always acting like you’ve lost all rationale.”

Seeing Wyatt lower his head and remain silent, Jeremy patted him on the shoulder. “If you want to keep her and the baby, you have to calm down and reflect on yourself. You should also observe the people around you.”

With that, he got into the car.

Wyatt remained standing there with the report in hand even after the car left for a long time. Jeremy’s words continued to echo in his ears, and he gradually grew calm.

Jeremy’s right. I’ve been less like myself lately and am easily irritable.

Although he had hired the housekeepers to take care of Jessica, he rarely came over and usually didn’t stay for long each time he came. In fact, this time he only came here after a month. He had no idea how they had been treating Jessica.

Again, Wyatt lowered his head to look at the report. Then, he strode back to the house with a grim expression.

“Gather all the housekeepers, including those on leave.” After entering the house, Wyatt instructed a housekeeper coldly as he pulled out a chair.

Gianna gulped as she saw Wyatt’s expression, hoping he hadn’t found out about her scheme.

“Mr. Lopez, why are you gathering the housekeepers at this hour?” Gianna approached him and probed cautiously, “Is it because you think the housekeepers have failed to take good care of Ms. Marsh?”

Wyatt glanced at her while flashing a cold smile. “Yes, she is too thin, and that’s why I think the housekeepers haven’t been taking good care of her. I don’t stay here often, but you have been living here all the while. Tell me, how do the housekeepers treat her?”

“I feel that they take good care of Ms. Marsh.” Gianna felt a chill down her spine from Wyatt’s stare and forced a smile. “Whenever it’s mealtime, they will serve Ms. Marsh first, and all the meals are very

nutritious. I think it’s because Ms. Marsh doesn’t have an appetite. Whenever the housekeeper comes down, there would still be a lot of food left on the plate. Am I right, Heidi?

Then, Gianna looked at the housekeeper who stood at the side.

“Yes, Ms. Gianna is right,” Heidi answered in a trembling voice as she lowered her head. “Ms. Marsh is always saying she doesn’t have an appetite and would stop after taking a few bites.”