They Want Me Back When It's Too Late (Jessica and Brian) novel Chapter 173

Chapter 173

Chapter 173

“M–Mr. Atkinson, I’m fine… there’s no need to transfer me money…”

The words slipped out of Madeline’s mouth before she could stop herself. She regretted it immediately,

On one hand, she didn’t want Brian to brush her off with just some money, but on the other, she was afraid that in the end, she might end up with nothing at all.

A few tens of thousands…

She hadn’t returned to her village in years and hadn’t

sted the pain of being poor for a long time.

However, Madeline remained haunted by poverty’s shadow. Money was the one thing she truly valued and trusted.

“Mr. Atkinson, I’m really fine.” Tears welled up in Madeline’s

making her look even more pitiful. “Jessi probably just wasn’t in a good mood…”

Her reaction left Brian completely at a loss. If she didn’t want money, how else could he possibly make it up to her?

Apologize on Jessica’s behalf?

“Sir, I should get back to work now,” Madeline said.

Madeline knew when to retreat gracefully. Whether Brian decided to transfer the money or not was his call–what mattered was that she had made her

stance clear.

After she left the office, Brian settled back into his chair and subconsciously picked up his phone to call Jessica.

Jessica had just gotten over a wave of nausea and was diving back into work when she saw Brian’s name pop up on her screen.

A cold smirk tugged at her lips. ‘Wow, that didn’t take long. Calling to defend Madeline already?‘

On impulse, she answered, ready to “welcome” whatever lecture was coming her way.

To her surprise, the moment the call connected, Brian said in a slightly low voice, “Jessi, what would you like for lunch?”

To Jessica’s surprise, Brian had called just to ask what she wanted for lunch.

She froze momentarily, countless memories flashing through her mind–all those times when she and Madeline had conflicts, and Brian would instinctively side with Madeline.

Madeline always made it look like Jessica was acting out jealousy.

After a brief silence, Brian asked again, “Jessi, are you still there? Any cravings for lunch?”

It was almost eleven; time for him to head home and start preparing lunch.

Jessica paused, her voice tinged with uncertainty. “So… has Madeline returned to the company?”

Brian hesitated briefly before replying, “Yeah.”

She waited. But the scolding never came. Jessica knew Madeline had taken two slaps from her. There was no way she hadn’t told Brian–probably made

sure he noticed.

Since Brian didn’t ask, she kept quiet too. “Whatever,” she said curtly, then hung up.

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10:12 Thu 12 Jun

Chapter 173

Jacob had no idea that the pastries he had prepared for Jessica had never even made it to her.

That afternoon, Jacob heard from his classmates about a popular dried fruit shop on the north side of the city, especially favored by expectant mothers

“Jake, look, tons of pregnant moms on Tik Tok are obsessed with their dried fruit. Sour and sweet–it’s great for morning sickness! They say if your mam craves sour, it’s a boy. If she craves spicy, it’s a girl…”

After school, Jacob and his new best friend Emilio huddled together in a corner, watching the videos or a phone.

“I want a little sister. Look, I’ve been sneaking my mom spicy snacks. Too bad my dad and grandma won’t let her have too much. I have to sneak them to her.”

The kid unzipped his backpack, revealing it was half full of all kinds of spicy treats.

His mom loved them, but his grandma called it junk food and banned it, so he smuggled them in anyway.

Jacob’s eyes widened in amazement. ‘Wait, you can actually influence whether it’s a little brother or a little sister?‘

His dad had said Mommy was pregnant, but she seemed to like sweet stuff. So he asked, “Then… if she likes sweets, is it a boy or a girl?”

Emilio was stumped. His grandma had never mentioned that one.

All he knew was that saying about sour and spicy. He only just figured out what that meant.

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