Chapter 4 Eerie Encounter
Jessica and Quincy Lee agreed to have dinner at a French restaurant.
Quincy, Jessica's senior, was two years older than her. He came from a prominent family, with handsome looks and a gentle demeanor, always wearing a light smile. He was a distinguished gentleman well-known in high society.
When they were studying in France, Quincy and Jessica had a good relationship. He was gentle, generous, and courteous, a dream lover for most girls, like a prince charming, always gentle and noble.
Two years ago, Old Mr. Lee summoned Quincy back from France and officially handed over Gootal Group to him.
This gracious man had a keen sense of the business world, and under his leadership, Gootal Group had been advancing steadily. Knowing that Jessica was about to return to America, Quincy intended to recruit her into Gootal Group.
Jessica had been considering for a long time and only agreed yesterday, but unexpectedly, Henry and Grace made a mistake, leaving her with no choice but to Jessica could only refuse his offer.
Stuck in traffic, she arrived at the restaurant twenty-five minutes later than the scheduled time. Regretting deeply, Jessica rushed towards the restaurant while muttering curses at W City's terrible traffic.
Lost in thought, she missed a step in her high heels and screamed as she stumbled forward, "Oh…"
Colliding with the man's solid chest, a faint tobacco scent hit her face, clean and comforting. In her panic, Jessica instinctively grabbed the man's hand.
It felt warm!
"Sorry, sorry…" Jessica lifted her most sincere smile and was about to apologize when suddenly… her heart skipped a beat, and her mind went blank in an instant.
Marcus was waiting for Crystal for lunch. Just as he got out of the car steadily, he saw a woman stumbling towards him. He instinctively reached out and caught her, feeling a fragrant warmth enveloping him. Jessica’s soft strands of hair scattered, revealing her fair skin and delicate features, everything about her appearance and touch felt strangely familiar to Marcus.
Her deep, watery eyes, bright as sunshine, made it hard to look away, while her fair skin, dainty features, and flushed cheeks from running made her look like a tender peach.
Jessica's smile froze!
How could it be him?
It was not that her memory was too good, she still remembered the Marcus she had sex with eight years ago, but the mini version of Marcus, Henry, that she saw every day, she couldn't forget even if she wanted to.
Even his elegant demeanor was a perfect match.
Jessica's first instinct was to run away.
Marcus pressed his lips with a half-smile, "Miss, am I that scary-looking?"
Without thinking, Jessica shook her head.
Marcus asked, "Why do you run when you see me?"
He had forgotten her?
Forgetting was normal, it had been eight years, and their relationship was only a passing acquaintance.
But why did a wave of sadness well up in her heart?
The man wore a high-quality suit, showcasing his tall and muscular figure with impeccable tailoring and strikingly handsome facial features. His elegant yet aloof demeanor, piercing gaze, and every move exuded a kingly demeanor.
Jessica muttered to herself, "Are all money boys like this? Are they all so otherworldly? It's truly sinful!"
"Sorry, I'm in a rush," Jessica smiled, politely nodded, swept away her surprise, and calmly walked past him into the restaurant.
When she left W City for France, she found herself pregnant just a month later. Her first feeling was surprise, followed by joy.
At the time, she was studying the language and facing a lot of difficulties in preparing for school. Her aunt suggested that she should terminate the pregnancy.
However, Jessica stubbornly decided to keep the baby, delaying her studies for a year for the sake of Henry. She had no regrets.
This child was her everything!
Regardless of how the child came to be, Jessica was very grateful to Marcus for giving her a child. In a foreign country, because of him, she could endure boundless loneliness, endure the ridicule of others, and endure the hardships of life.
Jessica floated into the restaurant like a ghost, feeling like the ground was swaying beneath her. She never expected to see him again.
Marcus gazed deeply at Jessica's back, lost in thought. Her figure was so familiar, with the sunlight gently falling on his shoulders, casting a faint halo. Why?
"Marcus, sorry for being late!" Crystal arrived in a light blue dress, her delicate features filled with apology.
Suddenly, Marcus realized why he found her so familiar. That girl’s eyes, figure, and the atmosphere were similar to Crystal's.
"Let's go eat!" Marcus smiled gently, put his arm around Crystal, and walked towards the restaurant.
The ambiguous lighting and elegant atmosphere made this restaurant perfect for couples dining.
Jessica absentmindedly played with the foie gras, secretly praying she wouldn't run into him again. Her fragile heart couldn't handle this constant emotional rollercoaster.
"Jessica, why aren't you eating?" Quincy asked gently, his face full of concern.
Jessica quickly came to her senses, apologetically smiled and sheepishly touched her nose, which Quincy found adorable, increasing his fondness for her.
"Senior, I'm sorry for standing you up again. You must scold me for it!" Jessica said.
"Jessica, what nonsense. I am happy that you finding a satisfying job. I can't scold you. Even though it's a pity we can't work together, as long as you're happy, nothing else matters," Quincy said tenderly.
Feeling guiltier, Jessica couldn't understand why she didn't have feelings for this kind and patient man. He was flawless like white jade. Why couldn't she feel attracted to such a wonderful man?
If she did, it would be perfect. Quincy would be the perfect lover, the perfect husband.
Damn it, this stupid heart. It wouldn't leap when she wanted it to but jumped uncontrollably at the wrong times.
"I'm sorry," Jessica said softly.
"Jessica," Quincy reached out and lifted her chin, wearing an indulgent smile on his face. "As long as you're happy!"
In his eyes, Jessica was the most precious. Caring for her silently for so many years, he couldn't bear to push her even a little. He wished to give Jessica the best in the world.
He wouldn't let her be unhappy.
Jessica smirked and grimaced, feeling her appetite return.
Not far away, Marcus narrowed his eyes slightly. His profound gaze showed no sign of emotion. He had noticed them as soon as they entered. Quincy Lee, the president of Gootal Group. What was their relationship?
He had engaged in business confrontations with Quincy before. Quincy was always courteous and friendly, but his smile always had a sense of distance and coldness.
But now, a face full of gentle indulgence; the girl seemed like his pearl in his palm. As a man, Marcus knew exactly what that passionate look in Quincy's eyes meant. That girl didn't seem to reject his intimacy.
Could it be that they were lovers?
This realization made Marcus extremely upset. Fury surged in his eyes as if someone had coveted his most precious possession. That damn, tricky girl had just been cold and indifferent to him, and now she was smiling so sweetly in the blink of an eye.
Feeling the burning gaze, Quincy raised his eyes slightly and quickly met Marcus's displeased gaze. He was startled as the tender look in his eyes was overlaid with a layer of indifference. They nodded to each other from a distance and each politely had a drink.
Jessica bowed her head and ate, not noticing the silent showdown between the two men.
"Eat slower, don't be so hasty, your lips are dirty," Quincy gently wiped her with a napkin, still with a doting and cherished smile, indulging in his beloved's mischief.
Jessica was taken aback, feeling extremely embarrassed. Was this gesture too intimate? However, she didn't pay much attention to it, just smiled at him apologetically.
Marcus's eyes narrowed dangerously, an air of danger emanating from his handsome face.
In the battle between men, men understood it the best. Quincy was declaring his possessiveness, clearly telling him, "This woman is mine!"
The war between men was always full of flames and dominance. Especially for two men who were rivals in the business world. Whether they were gentle or cold men, they would have a unique way of showing each other, "This is mine!"
Marcus's eyes were cold, as expected, they were lovers, and that man had torn apart his gentle facade. There was nothing but dominance in his gaze.
"Marcus, what are you looking at?" Following his gaze, Crystal widened her eyes in surprise. "Mr. Quincy? Is she his girlfriend?"
Marcus remained silent, bowing his head to eat.
Crystal said softly, "Marcus, you should learn from Mr. Quincy. No scandals at all, just look at yourself..."
"Crystal, are you complaining that I've been neglecting you? Tonight, I'll be as passionate as fire," Marcus said with a devilish smile.
Crystal blushed, feeling coquettish.
He loved Crystal, and over the years, only Crystal had managed to capture his gaze, but he always felt unsatisfied, always searching. One woman after another, but there was an empty place in his heart that no one could fill. Crystal was beautiful, and her family background was good. He loved her, and she loved him, clearly a deeply bonded couple. He didn't know what he was still unsatisfied with.
When Quincy and Jessica left, Quincy held Jessica's waist and whispered in her ear, "Jessica, I see an acquaintance, please play along." Saying this, he affectionately held her and walked out, looking every bit like a couple.
Jessica just smiled understandingly and didn't refuse. She just wanted to be helpful!
Marcus's eyes instantly turned fierce. Why, as soon as he saw them being intimate, he couldn't help but be furious?
Outside the restaurant, Quincy suddenly asked, "Jessica, do you know Marcus Smith?"
"Marcus Smith?" Jessica looked puzzled. The CEO of Noblefull Group, her future boss, currently she doesn't know him.
Quincy smiled gently, "No, it's good that you don't know him!"
Jessica, you really don't know Marcus Smith? Henry's face looks seventy percent like Marcus's. Anyone who sees them would not doubt that they are not father and son.
******
Monday morning.
Henry got up very early, raised an elegant smile, and lightly knocked on Jessica's door, "Mommy, it's time to get up, you have to go to work today!"
"I know, I know..." Jessica responded drowsily.
Henry smiled, washed up, dressed up, went into the kitchen, washed the pot, lit the fire, fried eggs, and skillfully made two nutritious breakfasts, the fragrant sandwiches came out of the oven, he heated milk again, and this time opened the door directly, jumped onto the bed with his small body, and kicked Jessica off with one foot.
Thud...
"Ouch, it hurts..."
Henry jumped down gracefully, ignoring his mommy's resentful eyes, got water, squeezed toothpaste and put it, smiled, and gestured to come in.
"Mommy, Noblefull Group is very strict, if you're late, you'll lose your job, and we'll have to suffer."
Jessica wanted to cry but had no tears...
"Henry, I hate you!" Jessica roared and resentfully went to the bathroom to wash up.
Henry helped her fold the blanket, picked out the outfit she should wear to work today, and neatly placed it on the bed.
When Jessica came out dressed and did her hair, Henry had already packed his bag and was in the middle of having breakfast, "Good morning, Mommy, hurry up and have breakfast, we'll leave together."
Jessica resentfully bit into the sandwich, of a five-star standard, and felt slightly twisted in her heart.
Usually, isn't it the mommy who serves the son in the morning? Why did it turn into her son serving the mommy here?
Her son was a genius, and he did the chores so well, her life had hope.
"Henry, I'm sorry for not being a good mommy to you!"
Henry solemnly nodded, indicating he understood, and elegantly urged Jessica to have breakfast. Everything about his dear mommy was good, but she was lazy and couldn't do housework. Poor him, at such a young age, he was good at housework and could cook a table full of dishes.
******
Noblefull Group building, situated in the most prosperous central area, towering into the sky, was magnificent and extraordinary.
Jessica took a long breath.
Come on, Jessica!
For the money, rise!