Liam explained, “Back when Jacqueline fed us information regarding Stephen’s whereabouts and the inner workings of the Jacobsons, the funds that she received from us were funneled into the Gomez Group. They’re doing very well now and have made a name for themselves in the country. The Gomez family still has their uses.”

James didn’t look convinced. “How capable can a man be if he was recruited by someone as stupid as Jacqueline? I bet he’s just as stupid as her.”

“Would you like to meet with him, Mr. Fullerton?”

“I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to have another lapdog to do my bidding. When I’m in a good mood, I can even take him out on a walk.”

Sienna managed to send Tessa back to her home safely. Before she left, she reminded Michelle over and over again to watch over Tessa. As Tessa lay on the bed and mumbled incomprehensibly to herself, Michelle went to the kitchen to prepare a pot of chicken soup for her.

The doorbell rang. When Michelle opened the door, she was stunned to see Stephen standing there. “Mr. Jacobson, what are you doing here?”

“How is she?”

“Ms. Yates drank a lot. I’m cooking some chicken soup for her.”

Stephen flipped open his wallet and pulled out a few bills. “Stay somewhere else tonight. I’ll take care of her.”

She accepted the cash. “Understood. Please wait a moment, Mr. Jacobson. Let me pack some clothes.”

Michelle shifted to her side and allowed Stephen to enter the apartment. The smell of alcohol and an air of chill clung to Stephen’s body as he stepped into the apartment. His eyes roamed the space, taking in the size and the decor of the place. He considered it acceptable. Samuel treated Tessa quite well.

Michelle placed a cup of hot tea on the table in the living room. “You can have a seat first, Mr. Jacobson. I’ll be done in no time.”

“Where is Tessa’s room?”

“Ms. Yates’ room is the first room on the left,” she said, pointing in the direction of Tessa’s bedroom.

Stephen didn’t bother resting. He made a beeline for Tessa’s room and found that the door wasn’t locked. As he opened the door and stepped into the room, he heard Tessa mumbling in her sleep.

“Stephen… Stephen… why don’t you want me anymore?” she sobbed.

Stephen’s heart clenched painfully when he heard her soft but anguished voice. He made his way over to the bed.

Tessa continued to mumble in her sleep. “Stephen, you’re a jackass… I don’t want you… Get lost…”

Stephen lowered his gaze, his lashes trembling slightly. He reached out and caressed Tessa’s face, wiping her tears away. His voice was infinitely gentle when he said, “Yes, I’m a jackass.”

Even though she was deep asleep, Tessa seemed to sense Stephen’s presence. She shifted closer to where Stephen was and cried out, “Stephen…”

Tessa’s emotions were unstable as she dreamed. One moment, she was a lion with raised hackles, cursing at Stephen as she pleased. In the next moment, she would transform into a clingy kitten, nuzzling her face into Stephen’s palm. “Stephen, don’t go. Don’t leave me behind. I’ll be good…”

Stephen could feel his heart melting with every second that passed. “I’m here. I won’t leave.”

Love and affection overflowed from Stephen’s eyes as the hard lines of his face softened. Tessa’s cheek was soft and warm as she continued to nuzzle against his palm. Happiness that he hadn’t felt in a long time bubbled in his chest.

He felt like a thief for stealing this small moment of happiness, causing a bitter sensation to stain the honey-sweet happiness.

Stephen sat on the edge of the bed and greedily drank up Tessa’s image for as long as he could. He could

never tire of looking at her. Afternet

Michelle was done packing, wanted to say her farewells to Stephen before leaving. She decided to leave without a word after approaching the door and witnessing the intimate scene through the crack of the door.

Stephen couldn’t help himself. He leaned over and pressed a kiss to Tessa’s flushed cheek. The kiss was chaste, without a hint of lust. Tessa seemed to have noticed the

sensation of his lips on her overn

She

let out a low hum before her arms shot out and wrapped themselves around Stephen’s neck.

“Stephen…” she whined.

Her voice had pitched up at the end, taking on a flirtatious tone. Stephen froze in

place as a tingling and numbing feeling spread throughout his body.