Chapter 48
Jessica looked up at him and replied, “Don’t worry, Dad. I can handle it.”
Her spacious room was filled with files, scattered across the desk and the floor. These files contained valuable data of Grant Group, and going through them would help her quickly grasp the company’s structure and ongoing developments.
“I planned the party to announce your position as the heiress. It’s meant to pave the way for your future, not to push you into proving yourself like this,” Dereck said with concern.
He noticed that Jessica often had to be reminded to eat, and her room lights usually stayed on until three or four in the morning.
“With me still at the helm, those old foxes won’t dare cause trouble for you. You don’t need to rush. No one will try to step on you.” Dereck reassured Jessica.
Dereck’s original plan was for Jessica to enter the company as a board member. With him backing her, the directors would be cautious and give her enough time to adapt. Eventually, she would be capable of standing on her own.
However, Jessica had no intention of being complacent. Having once worked as Brian’s secretary, she understood how complex and ruthless corporate operations could be. She knew better than to underestimate the challenges ahead.
Dad, I’m your daughter. How could I allow anyone to look down on me the moment I enter the company?” Jessica raised her eyebrows as she spoke.
She was fully aware of the kind of sharp and seasoned minds she would be facing. If she entered the company without solid knowledge, even if the board remained quiet, the employees would never take her seriously.
When Dereck realized he could not change her mind, he stopped trying to persuade her and instead delivered more internal materials to her room. These included important data as well as personality profiles and work habits of the company’s directors.
Jessica pulled all–nighters to study the documents thoroughly. Afterward, she brought up the idea of officially joining Grant Group.
To test her readiness, Dereck asked her several questions about current projects and important points of attention. Jessica answered each one fluently and accurately.
“Excellent. You really are my daughter. You’ve got my style,” Dereck said with a satisfied laugh.
Stella, who had been listening nearby, rolled her eyes. She thought to herself, ‘As if all this is thanks to you.
Jessica looked at her proud father and gentle mother with a smile. She felt a sense of warmth but also a touch of regret. She thought, ‘What on earth was I thinking when I left them and married that jerk?‘
Having confirmed her decision to join the company, Jessica realized she did not yet own the appropriate outfits. For once, she allowed herself a brief break and headed to the mall to shop for professional attire.
Gabriela had her hands full with work, so Jessica decided not to disturb her and went shopping alone.
What Jessica did not expect was to run into Madeline at a high–end boutique.
Jessica had just stepped out of the fitting room wearing a knee–length business dress.
“Jessica?” came Madeline’s voice, a mix of shock and anger.
Jessica looked up and saw Madeline browsing through a rack of suits and dresses.
Jessica glanced at her briefly and then looked away, turning toward the mirror to assess the dress. The fit was just right, and the color was suitable, though the style seemed a bit too informal.
“Jessi, what are you doing here?” Madeline walked over, her smile tense.
The sight of Jessica in a professional outfit stirred emotions in Madeline. She could not quite figure out if it was inferiority or jealousy. She just felt like she went back to four years ago.
Back then, Jessica chose her out of a crowd of strong applicants. It almost felt almost like pity.
When Jessica brought her on board, Madeline made mistakes after mistakes in the beginning. It was Jessica’s guidance and encouragement that helped her gradually come into her own.
Now, seeing Jessica’s confident vibe, Madeline felt a wave of fear. She understood clearly that once Jessica returned to the business world, she would
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Chapter 48
no longer have any place by Brian’s side.
Madeline’s face clouded. Her nails dug into her palms as she silently vowed, ‘I won’t let that happen.‘
Forcing herself to remain composed, she put on a smile and said, “Jessi, you haven’t been back for a few days. You must miss Jake, right? Should I tell him to come and meet you?”
Then she added in a deliberately light tone, “Don’t be mad at Jake. He’s just a kid, a bit playful. It’s not that he forgot about you.”
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