Chapter 322
13:50
Chapter 323
Chapter 323
Other than Rowan, Paige Jensen had never in her life been so openly humiliated by someone so much younger than herself.
Jaw clenched, she shot Elissa a withering look, her face thundercloud dark. “Just what kind of stories have you been spreading about the Murphy family? Why does everyone out there seem to think we’re keeping you locked up and mistreating you every day? ”
Jesse cut in, his tone unfailingly polite. “Ma’am, when you’ve made it this obvious, are you really surprised that people are talking p>
His words were smooth but edged, impossible to ignore.
As he spoke, Jesse unobtrusively stepped in front of Elissa, blocking Paige’s path and denying her the chance to lash out further.
Elissa looked up at the man who stood a full head taller than her and felt herself freeze for a
moment.
This scene–it reminded her of that distant afternoon when she was six or seven, when Rowan had stood protectively in front of her, ushering her back inside the house.
But Jesse’s presence was different, more like the older brother she’d always envied her friends for having.
Back then, she’d often wished for a big brother or sister–someone to keep her company when her parents were busy with work, someone to make her feel a little less alone.
Paige Jensen could barely contain her anger; her chest tightened until she almost coughed up blood.
What on earth were the Wilkinsons doing here in Vistapeak City anyway? As if dealing with Rowan wasn’t enough, now there was someone else who clearly didn’t respect her–and both of them were going out of their way to shield that ungrateful girl.
When Paige fell silent, Jesse smiled faintly. “So even this simple reassurance is too much to ask p>
“Ma’am…” Butler Murphy leaned in, voice low and coaxing. “It might be best to let this go for now. We can discuss the rest in private p>
Paige took a long, ragged breath. “You want me, a woman of my age, to back down to a youngster? ” “My father’s inside. If you’d prefer, I can ask him to come out,” Jesse offered, raising an eyebrow as he studied her expression. “Of course, he’s younger than you as well. Or, if you’d rather, I can call my grandfather and have him drive in from the base. I’m sure, considering my mother’s health, he wouldn’t refuse p>
Everyone knew Old Mr. Wilkinson–an influential military figure with connections reaching all the way to the top. Every holiday, high–ranking officials would make personal visits to the Wilkinson estate with gifts in hand.
Jesse’s words made the hair on the back of Paige’s neck stand up. Her anger had nowhere to go; all she could do was swallow her pride. “Oh, come now, you’re making far too much of this. For trifling little matters like these, there’s no need to trouble Old Mr. Wilkinson p>
13:50
Chapter 323
Her hands were clenched so tightly, her fingernails nearly broke the skin, but on the surface, she forced a pinched smile. “It’s just that this girl is young and a bit rebellious, always likes to challenge me. I can be strict, but what else can I do? Still, you have my word–from now on, I’ll talk things through with her. If she doesn’t agree to something, I won’t force her p>
By the end, Paige could taste blood in her mouth from biting down so hard, the metallic tang filling her senses–yet she kept that brittle smile plastered to her face.
Jesse stepped back and looked at Elissa. “Dr. Drummond, shall we? My mother’s waiting for you p>
The contrast was striking–Jesse, who paid Paige Jensen not the slightest deference, addressed Elissa, a young woman, with formal respect.
It was obvious just how much the Wilkinsons valued the doctor treating Mrs. Wilkinson. How much they valued Elissa.
Elissa, a bit flustered by all the attention, nodded quickly. “Of course p>
She followed Jesse down the hall, and once they reached the foyer, she glanced up at him and couldn’t help but say, “I’m sorry for causing you trouble p>
“It’s no trouble at all,” Jesse replied, his manner much gentler now as he led her back toward the study. “You’re my mother’s doctor, and after all these years, you’re the first person she feels truly comfortable with–the first she believes might really help her walk again p>