Chapter 8:
"Come in, the door is open," Cecilia called from inside. She was setting the table, the smell of home-cooked food wafting warmly through the air.
"I missed your food," Jessica said, stepping in and slipping off her shoes.
"You freeloader. Remember to pay me back," Cecilia teased.
Just as they sat down at the dining table, Cecilia's phone rang. She answered it casually, but whatever was said on the other end made her face turn pale in an instant. Her hand holding the chopsticks began to tremble.
Jessica noticed instantly. Her breath caught in her throat. "What's wrong?" she asked, her voice filled with worry.
Cecilia stood up shakily. "Jess, I need to step out for a moment."
Before she could move, Jessica grabbed her hand and stood up too. "I'm coming with you."
Cecilia hesitated, then nodded.
Once seated in the cab, Jessica turned to her. "What's going on? You look pale."
Covering her face, Cecilia whispered, "My stepbrother got drunk at the bar and got into a fight."
Jessica sighed. "No wonder." She turned to the driver. "Please hurry." Then she picked up her phone and dialed.
"Assistant Molly? Sorry for disturbing you this late. Please send me the contents of the contract so I can photocopy them."
Molly responded, "Miss, I heard you got fired from your position until the contract is signed. The CEO was furious when he heard you didn't go."
Jessica sighed. "I know. I'll hang up now. Thank you for your help."
She ended the call and took a deep breath.
...
At Chris' Vee Bar, Gabriel was on the floor, clutching his stomach in pain.
On the sofa in front of him sat a man in his late forties, round-faced with a thick gold chain. He was cursing loudly. "Damn it! Whose woman do you think you can mess with?! I'll chop off that thing that makes you a man today!"
Jessica and Cecilia arrived, both recoiling at the vulgarity. Jessica's stomach twisted when she saw James, his bulging belly nearly bursting out of his shirt.
Cecilia nearly collapsed. Jessica held her up.
"What will it take for you to let my brother go?" Cecilia asked, her voice shaking.
James sneered. "My woman was keeping your brother as a sugar sweetheart. You think I'll let this go easy?"
"Boys, get to work!"
James's men cracked their knuckles, approaching Gabriel.
"If I kneel and beg, will you let him go?" Cecilia pleaded.
James exhaled smoke. "You haven't knelt yet. Let's see."
Cecilia was about to kneel when Jessica stopped her. "Even if she kneels, you won't let him go. Why make it worse?"
James raised an eyebrow. "Am I forcing her?"
Jessica spoke calmly, "A woman who uses men isn't worth your time. Gabriel is a scapegoat. Isn't this petty for a man like Mr. Miller?"
James laughed, curiosity piqued. "What's your name?"
"Mr. Miller is generous," Jessica continued. "You've taught him a lesson. Can we end this?"
"Drink three cups with me, and I'll let him go."
Jessica nodded. "I'll accept your challenge."
Cecilia clutched her hand, but Jessica took the first glass. One… Two… Three. Her throat burned, her head spun.
James released Gabriel but grinned. "If you let me taste you, I'll let you go too."
Jessica growled, "You're shameless!"
James grabbed her chin. "Pretty dish…"
"Let go of me!" she screamed, struggling.
Cecilia tried to help, but James's men stopped her.
Just then, a casual voice interrupted. "Miss Cooper, did you leave detention just to drink with a man?"
Everyone turned.
Jessica's eyes widened. "Mr. King..." she whispered.
James stepped back. "Mr. King? What brings you here?"
"Today seems lively," Spencer King replied, his eyes on Jessica.
James tried to explain. "Someone didn't follow the rules."
Spencer asked Jessica directly, "Do you plan to stay and drink, or will you come home?"
Jessica nodded quickly. "Home…"
James added, "We still have matters to discuss."
"Something important?" Spencer's tone turned sharp.
James stammered, "Not really."
"Then I'll take her away," Spencer said, casually adding, "Tomorrow's the last day to sign the contract."
James blinked.
"This is the Cooper heiress. She's signing with my company," Spencer added, eyes never leaving Jessica.
There was no mistaking it now—Jessica Cooper was someone Spencer King had personally come for.