Chapter 12 Filthy As Ever
Jessica stepped through the door, her arm linked with Charles’s, her gaze sweeping the room. It fell on Jane first–Hugh’s mother–and then… Rhea.
Rhea’s breath hitched. Shock spread across her face like a slow burn. Jessica’s lips curled into a tight, silent smile, and she tightened her grip on Charles’s arm. The move was deliberate, unmistakable.
“Jessica?” Rhea’s voice faltered, trembling with uncertainty.
Five years had passed, but Jessica’s face remained unchanged. Yet something else had changed. Confidence radiated from her now, a quiet pride that distinguished her.
Rhea’s eyes narrowed, catching the gleam of challenge in Jessica’s stare. The way she clung to Charles–it was the mark of a conqueror.
For a heartbeat, Rhea’s heart pounded in her chest. Panic mixed with confusion, threatening to
overtake her.
Jane’s gaze followed Jessica’s entry, her face hardening. The woman who had once betrayed her. son stood before her now, bold and unrepentant.
“Hugh, what is she doing here?” Jane’s voice sliced through the room, cold and accusing
Before Hugh could respond, Jessica spoke, her voice calm and measured. “I’m here to congratulate Hugh and Rhea, Jane.”
Rhea’s fingers curled into fists, her eyes cold and unforgiving, but she said nothing.
Jane’s instinct was to call security. Her hand moved, but Hugh intercepted, a quick, pointed glance silencing her. “Mom, Grandpa’s here.”
Dom, caught between their tension, looked between them, confusion etching his brow. “You all know each other?”
His mind raced. Was Jessica part of his son’s world long before today? Was he the last to learn?
Jane’s teeth ground together. Her fury simmered beneath the surface, barely contained. How dare Jessica show up here after everything?
Rhea steadied herself, managing a tight, false smile. “How did you get to know Uncle Charles?”
Charles was the head of the Hensley family. The thought of Jessica growing close to him was unsettling.
Jessica’s smile deepened, almost mocking.
“Oh, just recently. By the way, he’s my boss now. I’m his date for the evening.”
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Chapter 12 Filthy As Ever
Jessica was toying with her. There was no doubt in Rhea’s mind.
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“Hugh, I’m not feeling well. Could you take me to somewhere quiet?” Rhea’s thoughts whirled, and she needed space to clear them.
Hugh’s concern was immediate. “What’s wrong?” His arm was around her in an instant, steadying
her.
probably just the heat,” Rhea whispered, leaning into him, her gaze cutting to Jessica with a cold edge.
“Hugh, take her somewhere quiet,” Jane urged, her voice strained, panic creeping into her tone. After all, Rhea carried her grandchild.
Jessica’s eyes followed the retreating figures of Rhea and Hugh, her gaze icy. Rhea was trying to flaunt her hold on Hugh, to show just how deeply he cared for her now.
Did she think this would hurt her? Foolish. The feelings she once held for Hugh had died long ago. Five years had passed, and she had moved on.
Jane led Dom to the VIP seats, her eyes flicking toward Jessica for a moment. She subtly motioned for someone to keep watch on the woman.
The dance floor caught Jessica’s attention, a sea of couples twirling and gliding in time with the music. She turned her gaze to the silent man beside her. He stood, distant, detached. Without hesitation, she met his eyes and spoke, her voice low and confident. “Mr. Hensley, would you care for a dance?”
She was here, and she would not remain unseen. She would remind Hugh and Rhea that she was still very much a part of their world.
Charles’s eyes studied her, his dark gaze lingering on her bright face. There was something curious in them. He reached for her wrist, his grip firm and unyielding, and guided her toward
the center of the floor.
Before she could take a breath, he had pulled her into his arms, holding her waist steady.
“Do you know how to dance?” His voice rumbled, low and commanding, as he looked down at her.
Heat rose to her face. “Of course,” she replied, her voice betraying a slight tremor.
“Then let’s begin,” he said, and with that, they were moving.
At first, Jessica struggled to match his fluid steps, caught off guard by the sudden motion. But it didn’t take long before she found her rhythm, her body falling into step with his.
The music enveloped them. They danced together, their bodies moving in perfect sync. As they twirled, the world around them seemed to vanish. Slowly, the other dancers drifted away, leaving only the two of them in the center of the floor.
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Chapter 12 Filthy As Ever
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“Who’s the woman with Mr. Hensley?” one voice asked, curiosity clear. “I’ve never seen her before.”
“They’re dancing beautifully,” another murmured.
Rhea, guided by Hugh, entered the ballroom just in time to see them. Her eyes locked on Jessica. There they were–Charles and Jessica–dancing effortlessly, looking every bit the perfect couple. Their chemistry was undeniable, their every move in harmony. The crowd watched, enraptured.
Rhea’s hands curled into fists at her sides. This was her night, her time to shine. But Jessica was stealing it from her, turning every eye in the room toward her.
“Hugh, look at her. She’s throwing herself at Uncle Charles!” Rhea’s voice dripped with disdain.
Hugh’s jaw tightened as he watched the pair. “She’s not that clever.”
Still, the sight of them–moving so close, bodies nearly pressed together–was undeniable. The
dance was intimate, too intimate, too suggestive.
“Hugh, please, make her leave. I can’t stand it anymore.” Rhea’s voice shook with frustration, her words bitter.
Hugh hesitated, a frown pulling at his brow. He had held back earlier, out of respect for his grandfather. But now, he could no longer let Jessica remain.
“I’ll take care of it,” he said, his voice cold. His gaze locked onto Jessica, still lost in the dance, unaware of the storm brewing around her.
