They Want Me Back When It's Too Late (Jessica and Brian) novel Chapter 69

Brian’s gaze was oppressive, radiating the authority of someone accustomed to command.

He had lost control last night. He couldn’t believe that he had forced Jessica against her will. And that inexplicable, burning heat in his body…

“Huh?” Madeline had been meticulously trained by Jessica in maintaining composure. Yet under Brian’s sharp questioning, she was so nervous that her heart pounded against her chest.

Her expression, however, remained the picture of innocent confusion. “I took a bottle from the wine cellar and decanted it. I didn’t add anything. Was there something wrong with the taste?”

Brian studied her for a long while. Madeline unconsciously held her breath.

“The wine wasn’t the problem.” Brian’s words carried layered meaning. The wine might be fine, but the person who had carried it might not be.

“Then…” Madeline maintained her puzzled facade. “Was there another problem?”

Instead of answering, Brian tapped his fingers lightly against the desk—a silent warning. “Madeline, as my secretary, you’d do well to remember professional boundaries. Don’t overstep where you shouldn’t.”

Tears welled in Madeline’s eyes. “Did Jessi get angry because I cooked for Jake last night?” She bit back her fury, careful not to let any of it show. “If that’s the case, I won’t see Jake again without her permission.”

She played the role perfectly, as if she knew nothing of the last night.

Brian shook his head. “That’s not it. Go do your work.”

“Yes, Mr. Atkinson.” Madeline left.

Once alone, Brian rubbed his temples. He thought, ‘Was it all in my head? Jessica’s rejection triggered my subconscious reaction? Had alcohol simply lowered my inhibitions to that point?‘

He pulled out his phone. Seeing Jessica’s number on the screen, he hovered his finger over the call button but finally didn’t press it.

The next day, Jessica caught up on delayed work before scheduling a medical check–up. She was worried about the baby. That night with Brian had been intense. She needed to ensure the baby’s safety.

In the afternoon, Jessica went to the hospital.

“Jessi?” Jessica looked up from her phone, surprised to see Brian walking toward her.

Jessica thought, ‘What are the odds of running into him here? Or maybe…

Her hand moved toward her abdomen before she stopped herself. She gave him a cold look as if looking at a stranger.

“Are you unwell?” Brian scanned her for visible symptoms.

“None of your concern.” Jessica moved to leave, but he caught her wrist.

“Must you be so cold?” There was clear irritation in Brian’s tone.

“Let me go!” Jessica wanted to yank her wrist back. She hated how he always resorted to grabbing her.

“Grandpa has been ill. I brought him here for a check–up.” Brian tightened his grip. “Come with me and see him?”

Jessica paused but didn’t turn around. “Give him my regards.”

Back when she married Brian, the Atkinson family had scorned her common background. Only Weston Atkinson, Atkinson’s grandpa, had accepted her. After she had helped secure several major deals, Weston gifted her 2% of Atkinson Group shares despite opposition.

However, with the divorce pending, Jessica decided not to sever that connection.

She could feel Brian’s gaze burning into her back as she walked away. She diverted to another elevator.

“Dr. Hill, I want to cancel my prenatal appointment. And please keep this confidential.” After hanging up, Jessica went to the underground parking

lot.

No sooner had she received the report than she got a call from Stella. “Jessica, get home right now!”

“Jessi, explain this.” Stella shot a glance at Dereck, who was barely holding back his anger. “Did you already know you were pregnant before filing for divorce?”

Stella, always more emotionally attuned, thought Jessica still had feelings for Brian. She didn’t push too hard. She told the maid to prepare daily nutrient soups and chided Dereck for overworking Jessica.

Dereck sighed. If he had known Jessica was pregnant, he would never have let her shoulder corporate burdens.

Their support eased a huge weight off Jessica’s shoulders.

That afternoon, Jessica received an unexpected call. It was Weston. “Hey, Jessi.”

Jessica said, “Hi, Grandpa.”

“You’re busy?”

“Hmm.”

“Come over tonight. Let’s have dinner. It’s been a while.” Weston’s voice carried warmth laced with steel.

“I…” Jessica hesitated. She had always avoided going to Atkinson Manor. Other than monthly dinners, she rarely visited unless required.

“Oh? Would my company bore you?” Weston chuckled.

“Of course not. I’ll be there tonight.” Jessica agreed.

Weston was in a good mood. “Good. I’ll have the kitchen prepare a few dishes you like.”

After chatting for a while, Jessica hung up. She frowned, wondering, ‘Is Weston going to talk me out of divorce? But it probably remains confidential. Forget it. No one could change Brian’s mind, just as he married me against family objections.

Thin

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