Chapter 13 Are You That Thirsty?
Jessica had invited Charles to dance without expectation, merely as a passing thought
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But to her surprise, she found herself the one led–her hand in his as he effortlessly guided her into the heart of the dance floor.
The world shrank to just the two of them.
Under the chandelier’s shimmering light, his features were sculpted from marble, his eyes and deep, pulling her in like a tide.
dark
When the final note lingered in the air, their last step was in perfect harmony. His arm wrapped around her tighter, drawing her closer. For a moment, she could do nothing but look up at him. caught in the stillness of the moment. Time stretched, and the world seemed to pause.
The sudden eruption of applause shattered the silence, and Jessica snapped back to reality. She instinctively withdrew from his embrace.
Im going to get a drink,” she murmured, her voice betraying a haste she didn’t quite feel.
Charles’s gaze followed her, a faint, almost amused smile playing on his lips. Was she… embarrassed:
At the drinks table, Jessica allowed herself a brief moment of relief.
But before she could even fully exhale, a hand gripped her wrist, pulling her with surprising
force.
“Hugh? What are you doing?” she demanded, confusion mingling with the cold tension that crackled between them. What did he want this time?
Without a word, Hugh wrenched her away from the ballroom, dragging her down the dim. corridor.
Jessica summoned every ounce of her strength, breaking free from his grasp. She spun to face him, eyes flashing. “Where are we going?” she asked, her voice steady but laced with annoyance.
His glare was sharp enough to cut glass. “Jessica, leave. Now. Don’t you dare ruin this for me and Rhea!”
His fury only made her chuckle softly. “What’s wrong? Are you afraid?”
She locked eyes with him, cool and unyielding. Five years ago, she had been broken–devastated -bur Hugh had moved on, marrying Rhea.
Had he ever truly loved her? Had he ever cared?
He tossed her aside like some toy he’d grown bored of playing with.
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Chapter 13 Are You That Thirsty?
You’re embarrassing me.”
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Even though she had long since let him go, the sting of his words still found its mark.
Her lips twisted into a mocking smile. “You’re right. What man would want anyone to know he was cuckolded:”
The memory of the photos flared in Hugh’s mind, and his anger swelled. He stepped toward her, grabbing her shoulder with brutal force. “You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you? Trying to seduce Uncle Charles? You really can’t get enough of men, can you?”
Pain shot through her shoulder, but Jessica didn’t flinch. She met his glare head–on, her chin raised. “If that’s what you want to believe, fine. Charles is better looking, more charming, and- most importantly–he’s the head of the Hensley family. You’re nothing.”
Hugh’s face darkened to thundercloud gray, his fury palpable. He lifted his hand, ready to strike.
years
Jessica was faster. She caught his wrist in a vice–like grip, her eyes gleaming with cold defiance. “Still want to hit me, Hugh? Let me make something clear. I’m not that naive girl from five ago–the one who would’ve given you everything.” With a sharp twist, she wrenched his hand away, leaving him seething in the hallway as she turned and walked away.
Hugh’s eyes contracted, his pupils shrinking like two dark holes. A cruel smile twisted his lips. “Give me everything? Ha! You’ve got a nerve, Jessica. You betrayed me five years ago. How else could you have that bastard child?”
The memory of the boy–the one he had seen in the hospital–burned in his mind. The child had grown so much. It was clear. She had truly betrayed him.
Jessica’s expression hardened, her jaw setting. What did you just call my son?”
Hugh’s smirk grew. “Did I say something wrong? You slept with some random man and had his
bastard chil-
Slap!
The moment his words left his mouth, her hand struck him across the face.
Her eyes flared, fierce with rage. “You can insult me all you want, but you will never speak of my son like that!”
Her body trembled with fury. No one could understand the years of struggle, raising her child. alone, fighting through the hardships–hardships he and Rhea had put her through.
How dare he speak of her son that way?
For a moment, Hugh stood frozen, shock and disbelief painted on his face. It was as if he hadn’t expected her to fight back.
Without a glance back, Jessica turned sharply and walked away, her pace steady and determined.
Chapter 13 Are You That Thirsty?
make you regret it.”
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Jessica paused just long enough to steady herself. She turned, a faint smile pulling at the corner of her lips. “I’m Charles‘ date. If I vanish, I’m sure he’ll start to worry.” With a last, dismissive glance, she walked on, her steps unshaken, her confidence unwavering.
In the corner, Rhea watched the entire scene unfold. Her fists tightened. She hadn’t anticipated Jessica’s audacity–how untouchable she seemed.
Rhea’s gaze turned cold, burning with fury, Jessica thought she could rely on Charles? Not a
chance.
Jessica returned to the ballroom but found no trace of Charles. She searched, but he was nowhere to be found, likely tied up with some business.
She picked up a glass of juice, taking a long sip, savoring the coolness as it slid down her throat.
Then, Rhea appeared at the center of the room. She stepped onto the stage, her movements. graceful, but her voice was a weapon as she took the microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us tonight. Now, I’d like to play a game. I’ll need someone to participate.”
Her eyes scanned the crowd before settling on Jessica. A smirk appeared, chilling and triumphant. “You, miss. Please, come up
here.”
All eyes turned to Jessica, the weight of every gaze pressing down.
For a moment, surprise flickered across Jessica’s face. She met Rhea’s gaze, sensing the venom behind the smile.
Let them try. Whatever Rhea had planned, Jessica was ready to face it.
With grace, Jessica made her way to the stage, every step confident, every movement sure.
At that exact moment, Charles reentered the room, having just finished his phone call. He paused in the doorway, his gaze landing on Jessica as she climbed the stage. His steps faltered, and he hesitated, choosing to stay outside.
