Free Web NovelChapter 142: Chapter 142: Relocation
"They are preparing your discharge papers as we speak" stated Alexander, smoothly shifting the conversation back to a grounded, practical tone as he stood up from his knee and sat back on the chair "What are your plans once you step out of those doors?". freewebnσvel.cѳm
Jessica let out a long, weary sigh, her fingers nervously picking at the edge of the sterile hospital blanket "I suppose I’ll just go back to the house" whispered Jessica, her voice dropping into a hollow register "I need to find a new job as soon as possible That’s actually why I was home so early yesterday... I had just been fired from the convenience store".
Alexander narrowed his eyes slightly, maintaining his perfectly calm, attentive facade "Fired?".
"I was just so incredibly tired, Alexander" muttered Jessica, a deep flush of embarrassment spreading across her neck "My mind was completely blank from exhaustion A customer bought a pack of gum, and instead of giving him two dollars in change, I handed him a hundred-dollar bill from the drop-box The manager didn’t even hesitate He told me to pack my things and get out right there".
Alexander listened quietly, his analytical mind immediately processing the raw desperation of her situation This was the perfect opening He didn’t need to force his way in; her own misery was carving out the path for him.
"Let me help you out a bit more, Jessica" stated Alexander, his voice dropping into a smooth, deeply reassuring melody "What if I rent a small, quiet apartment for you and Ashley? The house you’re living in right now is a complete mess, and I honestly think a change of scenery could do wonders for your health".
Jessica snapped her head up, her green eyes widening in absolute objection "No... no, absolutely not" said Jessica, shaking her head vigorously as she pushed herself back against the pillows "That is completely out of the question, Alexander It’s impossible for me to accept that I already owe you thousands for the medical bills, and I have no way of paying you back I cannot depend on a young man like you for everything I still have some dignity left".
"I’m not doing this out of charity" stated Alexander smoothly, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees to completely lock her down with his gaze "Consider it a long-term investment I’m currently expanding my own business ventures, and I’m going to need reliable people I can trust to handle administrative tasks and management once everything is fully launched".
Jessica blinked, her green eyes scanning his cold, confident face "An investment? In me? Alexander, I don’t even know what kind of business you run".
"You don’t need to know the details just yet" murmured Alexander, his voice carrying a deep, reassuring weight "I’m putting a roof over your head and giving you six months of absolute breathing room Once my projects are ready, I’ll find a proper position for you within my network You won’t have to worry about looking for miserable jobs at convenience stores anymore".
Jessica looked down at her lap, her fingers twisting together as she processed his words "But... what if I’m not capable? What if your businesses are too complex for someone like me? I can’t just take your money and promise to work blindly".
"You’ll be more than capable" stated Alexander, his voice an unyielding command that left absolutely no room for her insecurities "I don’t make bad investments, Jessica When the time comes and my businesses are set up, I’ll tell you exactly what I need from you You won’t oppose my direction when that happens, will you?".
Jessica raised her head, looking straight into his dark, piercing eyes The sheer authority radiating from him completely overwhelmed her remaining doubts, breaking down the last of her defensive pride She let out a soft, defeated breath, a submissive warmth washing over her expression.
"No..." whispered Jessica, her voice entirely compliant as a faint flush touched her pale cheeks "I won’t oppose you I’ll do whatever you ask of me, Alexander".
"Good" stated Alexander, a dark, satisfied smirk finally breaking through his icy features as he smoothly stood up from his chair "That’s exactly what I wanted to hear Just focus on getting discharged for now, and leave the rest to me".
Jessica gave a slow, submissive nod, her pale face completely relaxed now that the heavy burden of her future had been lifted from her shoulders "I understand I’ll be waiting for your instructions, Alexander".
"Good" stated Alexander, adjusting the collar of his jacket as he turned toward the door "I’ll go step outside to handle a phone call and check on the discharge paperwork Get some rest".
The heavy wooden door clicked shut behind him, leaving the room in a profound, peaceful silence.
Jessica leaned her head back against the thin hospital pillow, her green eyes staring blankly at the ceiling as her mind began to race A deep, confusing warmth filled her chest as she replayed his deep, authoritative voice over and over in her head.
"Why is that young man being so incredibly good to us?" muttered Jessica to herself, a soft, trembling breath escaping her lips "Could it be... No, that’s completely impossible Why would a handsome, powerful young man like him be interested in a broken, exhausted woman like me?".
She paused, a sudden realization hitting her as she thought about her daughter Her expression shifted into a look of quiet, maternal understanding.
"Of course... he must be chasing after Ashley" whispered Jessica, a faint, knowing smile touching her lips, though a strange, tiny pang of jealousy she didn’t want to admit flashed through her core "He’s doing all of this just to get on the good side of his potential mother-in-law He wants to show me he can protect her... I just hope he truly cares for her and it’s nothing bad".
"I just hope that with him, she can finally forget about Marcus" whispered Jessica, her smile fading into a heavy, sorrowful expression as she tightened her grip on the blanket "She is entirely too obsessed with her own brother... A man like Alexander might be exactly what she needs to finally snap out of that sickness".
