From His Wife to His Uncle's Wife novel Chapter 160

Jessie Goff inheriting a big chunk of Grady’s estate after he passed away was something Autumn just couldn’t let go of. It gnawed at her. Why did Jessie deserve any of it? She hadn’t done anything for Grady, hadn’t even given him an heir. And now, with that five hundred million dollar mess, Autumn’s frustration had hit its limit. The only silver lining was her brother’s sense of decency in sorting things out.

But one thing was for sure. Autumn would never, ever let Jessie marry Peter.

When Jessie came home and saw the photos laid out on the table, she froze. Her heart dropped.

“Mom, what are all these pictures?” she asked, trying to sound casual.

Autumn barely looked up. “Oh, Jessie, you’re just in time. Come help Peter pick out which of these girls would be a good match for him,” she said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Jessie’s face went pale. “Wait, you’re setting Peter up on blind dates?”

“Of course. The divorce is happening, no matter what. Olga’s still a child. I have to find someone kind and responsible who can look after her.”

There was no mistaking the meaning. In Autumn’s eyes, Jessie wasn’t kind or responsible. It was a slap in the face.

Jessie clenched her fists. “Mom, I think Peter should decide for himself. You can’t force this stuff.”

Autumn smiled, just a hint. “You never know what works out until you try. Jessie, it’s been months since Grady passed. The mourning period is over. If you want to remarry, I wouldn’t blame you.”

Jessie’s face darkened. “Mom, what are you even saying?”

Autumn waved her off. “I’m just worried about you, that’s all. No need to be embarrassed. If you don’t have anyone in mind, do you want me to introduce you to someone?”

Jessie shot up from her chair. “No need. I’ve got work to do at the office.” She couldn’t stand another second in that room. If she stayed, she was afraid she’d lose it and all those years of playing nice would shatter in an instant. That old woman, she’s unbelievable.

She needed to tell Peter Clarkson everything.

***

Peter Clarkson stared at the latest quarterly report on his desk. Revenue and profit were both down twenty percent from last year, and the numbers were still dropping. If things didn’t turn around soon, Horizon Collective would be in serious trouble within six months.

Without a word, Jessie bit her lip and left the office.

Her phone buzzed. Olga had sent her a photo.

[Mommie Jessie, I made this hair clip for you. Do you like it?]

At least Olga still needed her. That was something.

Jessie shared the picture on her social media with a caption.

[Wish I had a sweet daughter like this.]

During her lunch break, Eleanor scrolled through her phone and saw the post. There was a faint ache in her chest, but she’d learned to ignore it by now. With a cold little smile, she blocked Jessie’s account.

It was just a hair clip. If she really wanted one, she could buy it herself. The old Eleanor, always pouring her heart out and hoping for warmth from others, was gone for good.