Chapter 179
Chapter 180
Jessica stood quietly at the edge of the banquet hall, watching everything unfold with an expression of complete disbelief.
From the moment Marcus revealed the five-million-dollar painting, to the appearance of Artist Kyodshi, and finally to Rain’s arrest and Mr. Zed transferring his support to Julia, every event felt like a heavy blow to her heart.
Jealousy burned fiercely inside her chest. She couldn’t understand where Marcus had gotten so much money. Five million dollars wasn’t an amount an ordinary person could casually spend on a birthday gift.
More importantly, she couldn’t understand why Julia always seemed to benefit whenever Marcus was around. It was as if fortune itself followed them everywhere they went. Looking around the hall, she saw countless business executives and wealthy investors surrounding Julia, eagerly introducing themselves and offering congratulations.
The very people who had barely acknowledged Julia earlier were now trying to build connections with her because of Mr. Zed’s public endorsement. Jessica clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms.
The celebration continued for a while longery. Eventually, after another hour of conversation, music, and farewells, the birthday banquet finally came to an end. Guests approached Mr. Zed and Sweedy one after another to offer their final congratulations before gradually making their way toward the exit.
Outside the grand hotel, luxury vehicles lined the entrance as chauffeurs waited for their employers. The cool evening breeze swept through the driveway while Marcus and Julia slowly walked toward their car. Julia stopped midway and turned to face him, her beautiful eyes filled with gratitude. A bright smile spread across her face as she softly said, “Marcus… I still can’t believe everything that happened today. Ever since you came into my life, it feels like one miracle follows another. Every difficult situation somehow turns into an opportunity, and today… we even gained Mr. Zed’s full support. I’m really… really happy p>
Marcus simply smiled at her without saying much. Seeing her so genuinely happy was already enough
for him.
Julia hesitated for a moment before biting her lower lip. “There’s… something else I’ve been wanting to ask.” She looked at him cautiously before continuing, “That five million dollars… where did you get that kind of money? Please don’t misunderstand me. I’m not questioning you because I don’t trust you.” Her expression became worried. “I’m just afraid… what if you borrowed it from dangerous loan sharks or did something risky just to help me? I don’t want you carrying such a burden because of me p>
Marcus opened his mouth, intending to explain.
Before a single word could leave his lips, a familiar voice interrupted them.
“Congratulations p>
Both of them turned at the same time.
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Jessica was walking toward them with a faint smile on her face. Although she tried her best to appear calm and graceful, the complicated emotions hidden in her eyes couldn’t be concealed. She stopped a few feet away from them, looked directly at Marcus, and said, “You really surprised everyone today. I didn’t expect you to become someone capable of shaking an entire banquet full of powerful people. So… congratulations. You and Julia certainly stole the spotlight tonight p>
Marcus let out a quiet sigh. He could easily hear the hidden meaning behind her words, but Julia simply smiled politely.
“Thank you,” Julia replied. “I appreciate it p>
Jessica nodded before turning her attention to Marcus.
“Marcus… can I speak with you for a moment? It’s very urgent. Please p>
Marcus frowned immediately.
“No,” he answered. “Whatever it is, we can talk another time. I’m taking Julia home p>
Jessica’s expression stiffened for a brief second before she forced a smile.
“It won’t take long,” she said softly. “Please. I really need your help p>
Marcus shook his head again.
“If it’s truly important, then we can meet tomorrow. There’s no reason to do it tonight p>
Jessica bit her lip and took another step forward.
“I’m begging you,” she said. “Just a few minutes. That’s all I’m asking p>
Seeing the pleading look on Jessica’s face, Julia couldn’t help feeling a little uncomfortable. Although she still disliked Jessica because of everything that had happened in the past, she also didn’t want unnecessary resentment to continue growing between them.
She gently touched Marcus’s arm.
“It’s okay,” Julia said softly. “Go and hear what she has to say. I’ll head home first p>
Marcus turned to her.
“No. We already planned to leave together. If she has something to say, tomorrow is fine p>
Julia smiled reassuringly.
“I’ll be alright. Besides, if she’s asking this seriously, maybe it really is something important. I don’t want her to think I’m keeping you away from her p>
Jessica quickly nodded. “Please, Marcus. I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t necessary p>
Marcus looked from Julia to Jessica before letting out another sigh.
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Finally, he nodded. “Alright p>
He looked back at Julia.
“Go home safely, and call me when you get there p>
Julia smiled warmly.
“I will p>
She waved at both of them before walking toward her car.
Jessica watched her leave, and although she kept a calm expression on her face, anger quietly rose inside her. Even now, Marcus’s first concern was Julia. She forced those thoughts down before they
could show.
Marcus turned to her.
“I hope this meeting is really as important as you made it sound p>
Jessica met his eyes and nodded.
“It is,” she said quietly. “And you’re the only person who can help me p>
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.