Chapter 49
Faced with Madeline’s subtle flaunting, Jessica could not be bothered to respond. She turned to the saleswoman beside her and said, “Please bring me all the newest series”
Madeline’s smile faded. She stared at Jessica with a hint of suspicion in her eyes. She didn’t believe Jessica truly no longer cared about Jacob.
Intentionally revealing the bandage on her left hand, she gave a sweet smile and said, “Jessi, you haven’t been back in days. Jake’s gotten so picky about food.
“Remember the stack of menus you left? The maid followed them exactly, but Jake refused to eat anything. He only eats when I cook for him. Brian is also…
“You’re so noisy.” Jessica frowned, looking visibly irritated. She shot a glance at Madeline’s bandaged hand without meaning to.
That one glance was enough for Madeline to confirm that Jessica had seen her posts. She felt even more pleased with herself.
“I know you’re jealous of how close Jake and I are,” Madeline said with rising smugness. “Even though I’m not his biological mother, he treats me like one.
Y
The expression on Madeline’s face grew more and more triumphant.
The saleswoman standing nearby, someone well–seasoned in dealing with all kinds of clients, was visibly surprised. She mused, ‘Hard to believe a mistress flaunts so openly:
Efficiently, the saleswoman brought over the items Jessica had requested.
The dark–toned blazer dresses in this series came in seven styles. Each piece started at no less than 19,000 dollars. Buying the full series in one go meant spending several hundred thousand dollars, and the commission alone would exceed the clerk’s base salary.
With her background in design, Jessica had an exceptional eye for color and form. As she tried the pieces on, each outfit gave off a commanding and refined air. Besides, every one of them was a unique piece in the city.
Just as Jessica was about to leave, Madeline suddenly reached out to grab her. “Jessi, how could you afford them?”
She gave a fake laugh and added with a mocking tone, “Don’t tell me even though you’re divorcing Mr. Atkinson, you’re still spending his money?”
According to what Madeline had heard, Jessica and Brian’s divorce agreement left Jessica with nothing. She didn’t believe Jessica could afford to drop hundreds of thousands on clothing just like that.
“Let go of me.” Jessica’s face turned cold.
Madeline, perhaps on purpose, was gripping her wrist with extra force.
“Jessi, I just want to know if this is Mr. Atkinson’s money. Also, are you planning to return to Atkinson Group, so you want to buy some professional outfits? Are you trying to compete…”
Before she could finish her sentence, Jessica slapped her hard across the face. Pulling her arm back, Jessica glared at Madeline. “Who do you think you are to question me?”
Jessica thought, ‘Even if I spend Brian’s money, that would be completely justified. He wouldn’t have a say in it, let alone someone like Madeline. What makes her think she has any right to question me?‘
“You…” Madeline’s cheek burned with pain. That slap snapped her back to her senses, though her emotions were still teetering on the edge.
“Jessi, I didn’t mean it that way. I’m just concerned about you.” Madeline’s expression shifted with startling speed. Hatred flickered in her eyes, but it was soon replaced by a smile.
She then said, “I’m sorry, Jessi. I’m really just worried. Are you buying these for work? Are you going back to the office?”
She was fishing for information again, but Jessica saw through her performance long ago.
She went to the lounge to wait while the saleswoman packed up the items. To her surprise, Madeline still followed her.
“Jessi, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you wear styles like these. I kind of miss the old days when we worked together,” Madeline said in a tone that was far from sincere.
There was some truth in it because Jessica indeed showed Madeline genuine warmth in the past.
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Chapter 49
Jessica gave her no response. She remained completely indifferent. Madeline did not seem to mind and sat nearby, continuing to stare at her
closely
Soon, several saleswomen walked over, their arms full of shopping bags. They placed the bags at Jessica’s feet. After the bill was settled, the items would be delivered to Jessica’s home directly.
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