They Want Me Back When It's Too Late (Jessica and Brian) novel Chapter 218

ignoring the murmurs around her, Jessica led her team onto the stage with quiel confidence. “Hello, everyone, I’m Jessica Grant, the cito of ice Studio. Thank you all for coming to today’s exhibition,” she said, giving a polite nod to the audience before continuing

Though concise, every word carried weight. As she finished her short speech, the hall erupled into applause. The loudest cheers came from thir

Jessica instinctively glanced up and saw Brian, whom she hadn’t invited, standing there with Jacob, both dressed impeccably in formal attire: Behind them stood Madeline in professional office wear.

Soon, others noticed Brian’s presence, their eyes widening in surprise. An acquaintance approached him with a greeting. “Mr. Arkinson, I didn’t know you had an interest in illustration?”

Brian nodded. “I’ve been learning more about it lately, When I heard about today’s exhibition, I thought I’d bring my son along With that, he guided Jacob to a corner seat, careful not to steal Jessica’s spotlight.

Seeing his discretion, Jessica avested her gaze and refocused, father than questioning how they had entered without an invitation, the prioritized introducing the exhibition pieces. .

After a few more remarks, she stepped aside, leaving the stage to the professional auctioneer while she remained on hand for supplementary

commentary.

Soon, the first illustration was brought forward. Under the charismatic guidance of the auctioneer, the atmosphere in the hall quickly heated up

“I bid 15 thousand dollars,” the first offer announced.

“1 bid 30 thousand dollars. Mr. Patel, such a piece of remarkable work deserves better than being undervalued,” the second offer chuckled.

The man addressed as “Mr. Patel” shot a glare at the latest bidder before turning to Jessica, “33 thousand dollars. Ms. Grant, ignore him. I genuinely adore this piece.”

“Mr. Patel, your enthusiasm is flattering, Jessica smiled, offering nothing more.

The auction resumed, and after a spirited back–and–forth, the piece sold for 60 thousand dollars.

Jessica was fairly satisfied with the result.

With this great start, the rest of the auction proceeded smoothly. Every piece displayed sparked competitive offers, with final bids never dipping below 30 thousand dollars.

Several even fetched astronomical sums, the highest nearing a million dollars, sending the media into a frenzy, Camera flashes erupted nonstop, and Evestreaming influencers angled their lenses squarely at Jessica.

Throughout it all, Jessica maintained her poised smile, unfazed by either modest or staggering bids, a display of steely composure that left the audience murmuring in admiration

“Jessi, the exhibition is trending!” Sana gushed during a lull, pulling Jessica aside.

“Really?” A flicker of delight crossed Jessica’s face.

“Of course! The news about this record–breaking suction is still trending. I didn’t even have to lift a finger. After this, Inkspire Studio’s reputation is solid. Jessi, I’m so pumped!” Sana couldn’t resist hugging Jessica.

Jessica returned the hug briefly before gently disentangling herself. “Alright, I need to get back to the stage.”

“Okay. Come on, Jessi, You’re killing it today. Let’s see if anyone dares doubt you now.” Sana cheered, raising her fist excitedly.

She thought, This will shut up all those snobs who looked down on Inspire Studio. Jessi is a genius!

Chapter 218

Amused, Jessica took a sip of water and returned to the spotlight. She was surrounded by even more cameras and microphones.

Unfazed under the spotlight, she remained unflappable, answering questions with razor sharp clarity.

From the corner, Brian watched Jessica, indiant amid the crowd, his gaze brimming with admiration

Jacob tugged at his hand, beaming, “Mom is amazing”

“Yes,” Brian murmured. “She’s always been extraordinary.”

Yet guilt gnawed at him. Jessica had buried her brilliance for years to prioritize them, and they had been oblibious. A decade of marriage, and he had failed her.

“It’s not too late,” he whispered to himself. “Jessi, I won’t hold you back this time.”

Behind him, Madeline stood rigid, her lips nearly bleeding from how hard she clenched her teeth. Jealousy seethed in her chest as the glared at Jessica, luminous onstage.

Madeline couldn’t accept this. She thought, ‘Damn you, Jessica. I crushed you into the dirt. How dare you rise again? You stole Brian’s attention again after walking away. Why? It wasn’t supposed to happen!”

“Dad, I should’ve been up there with Mom. Jacob’s initial excitement over Jessica’s triumph faded as reality sank in, his voice–tinged with dejection.

“Don’t worry. That day will come,” Brian reassured him, ruffling his hair,

Madeline’s nails dug into her palms. She thought, ‘What does he mean by that? Is he serious about winning Jessica back? Where does that leave me?

Just then, an acquaintance approached Brian with a grin, “Mr. Atkinson, is that your wife onstage? You two make quite the power couple. “Thank you, Mr. Morales. I’ll be sure to pass that along to her,” Brian replied, a faint smile touching his lips at the praise.

The man chuckled, “Then do put in a good

d word for me! I’d love first dibs on her new works. Her art is extraordinary.”

“Absolutely.” Brian played along effortlessly, never hinting at their divorce. Instead, he leaned into the facade of marital harmony throughout the evening’s interactions.

Madeline watched from behind, jealousy burning like acid, if she could, she would have lunged at Jessica with a knife right then. But since violence wasn’t an option, she had another plan.

Madeline stared at Brian’s back and thought, “You want to pretend you’re still the perfect husband, Brian? Fine. Let’s see how long that lasts

Excusing herself to the restroom, she slipped out of the hall and into a secluded corner. Pulling out her phone, she dialed a number. “I’ll give you 150 thousand dollars. Expose Brian and Jessica’s divorce.”

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