Chapter 19
“They put out two percent of Atkinson Group’s shares. Big move, Hector said. “I’ve already got someone keeping an eye on them for you.”
Then, his gossip instincts kicked in. “Come on, tell me what’s going on, Mr. Atkinson. Don’t tell me you’re the one who’s short on cash and dumping your own shares”
Brian already had a good idea of what was going on. At a time like this, the only person who would be selling Atkinson Group shares was probably Jessica.
“Buy up that two percent for me. And get as many of the loose shares on the market as you can while you’re at it.” Brian gave a few quick instructions and hung up, staring blankly for a moment before calling Madeline.
“Mr. Atkinson, is there something you need?” Madeline answered from inside a residential complex, trying to contain her excitement. She thought, “He’s calling me this late at night.
As soon as the call connected, Brian got straight to the point. “Madeline, buy up all the shares that just hit the market.”
“Yes, Mr. Atkinson.” In her bedroom, Madeline felt a flash of disappointment but quickly perked up again. To her, the fact that Brian trusted her with something this important meant she still had a place in his heart.
On the other end, after Brian hung up, his thoughts circled back to Jessica. He had to admit–Jessica had trained up a capable assistant. Madeline was easy to work with and got things done.
Brian looked out the window, his mind drifting to all the little moments he’d shared with Jessica over the past seven years. It took a while before he snapped out of it and dialed her number.
The ringtone played for half a minute. Just when Brian started thinking she might’ve blocked him, the line connected.
“What is it?” Jessica’s voice was cold, sharp in a way that made it clear she’d dropped the act.
Brian pressed his lips together. “You’re the one who sold the two percent of Atkinson Group shares.” His tone wasn’t a question—it was a statement.
Since she knew Brian would’ve found out eventually, Jessica simply replied, “Yeah.”
Brian let out a short, bitter laugh. “So this is your way of getting back at me?”
Jessica scoffed, “You’re overthinking it. I just wanted a bit more money after the divorce. Brian, don’t tell me you forgot—I’m the one who insisted on walking away with nothing.”
The moment she brought this up, Brian went silent for a few seconds. “Jessica, you’d better know when to stop. Talking about divorce too much ruins whatever’s left between us.”
Jessica let out a cold laugh. “There’s still something left between us?”
“How many times do I have to say it? There’s nothing going on between me and Madeline. We’re just—” Brian tried to explain.
“I don’t care about your relationship with her,” Jessica cut in, impatient. “That two percent of the company belongs to me. I have every right to decide what to do with it.”
“Where are you right now?” Brian changed the subject. “I’ll come get you. Let’s talk face–to–face.”
Jessica wouldn’t budge. “Sure. Just sign the divorce papers, and I’ll come back right away.”
Brian said, ‘No way.”
“Yes way. Brian, you better sign it. I’m running out of patience.” Jessica’s tone was firm.
She couldn’t even remember the last time she’d spoken to Brian with this much backbone,
“Don’t make us settle this in court.” With that, she hung up.
At Atkinson Villa, Brian slammed his phone down in anger, breaking it.
Even now, he still didn’t believe that Jessica would actually go through with the divorce, that she would be willing to leave Jacob, her own son.
The next day, Gabriela came back. “Jessi, I’ve already taken care of everything at the company, Come with me today to check in. Be ready to start anytime.”
Over the past couple of days, while handling her own work, she also casually cleared out an office space for Jessica.
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5:59 AM
Chapter 19
“Sure,” Jessica said.
Half an hour later, she arrived at Inkspire Studio.
It was a brand she and Gabriela had built together, with a decent reputation internationally.
After years away from the illustration scene, Jessica walked through the exhibition and found quite a few impressive pieces.
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