Chapter 227
Listening to Jessica's answer, I found it both funny and heartwarming.
"Alright, it's not what you think. We haven't gone bankrupt, and there are no debt collectors outside waiting to pounce on us."
I ruffled Jessica's hair and said helplessly with a smile, "Besides, we live in a society governed by laws now. There's no such thing as grabbing people off the street to repay debts."
Jessica nodded, seeming to understand but not quite, her little face still worried.
"Mommy, you're not lying to me, are you?"
"When have I ever lied to you?"
"That's true, but Mommy's been acting strange lately. You haven't been going to work."
Jessica threw herself into my arms and looked up at me worriedly, "Mommy, is everything really okay?"
Sometimes this child being too perceptive and understanding didn't seem like a good thing.
I didn't want Jessica to be nervous and worried about Victoria, so I just smiled and shook my head, "Alright, everything's really fine. Aren't we going to pick out a gift for your good friend? Go change your clothes, and let's get going."
After arriving at the mall, Jessica was obviously a bit nervous, holding my hand tightly.
"Mommy."
She asked very quietly, "Why are there two people following us?"
"Daddy hired them to protect us."
I explained.
Jessica immediately showed an "I knew it" expression.
"Mommy, just tell me directly. Whatever it is, I can handle it!"
Seeing her determined look that she wouldn't give up without an answer, I could only shake my head and say softly, "Daddy and Mommy have run into a bit of trouble recently. The other person might be quite extreme, and Daddy's worried she might do something very bad that we can't be undone, so he had them come protect us."
Jessica nodded seriously, "Is it because of this that Jessica can't go to kindergarten lately, and Mommy's working from home?"
"Yes."
I was a bit worried Jessica would be scared and was thinking about how to comfort her, but Jessica spoke first, "Mommy, don't be afraid. Even if there's real danger, Jessica will protect you."
I squeezed her hand, my tone serious, "Jessica, this is what Mommy needs to tell you next."
"No matter when, no matter what happens, Mommy wants you to protect yourself first."
"You're still a child, but Mommy's already an adult. Mommy will protect you, understand?"
Jessica was reluctant, "But I want to protect Mommy too."
I pinched her little cheek, "Then wait until Jessica grows up to protect Mommy, okay?"
"Okay!"
Jessica pulled me around the mall, picking out gifts very seriously.
Half my attention was on her, and the other half on watching our surroundings.
There were many people in the mall.
Looking around, I saw all unfamiliar faces.
Even though I hadn't seen Victoria, I still felt uneasy deep down.
I called over the bodyguard to ask about the situation.
After getting his confirmation, I felt a bit more at ease.
Jessica finally picked out a uniquely shaped snow globe as a return gift.
Just as we were about to head home, Jason arrived.
It wasn't time to get off work yet—he'd obviously left early.
The three of us went home together.
Jessica sat in her car seat, looking seriously at Jason who was driving, and suddenly spoke, "Daddy, can you tone it down a bit from now on?"
Jason raised an eyebrow, "Can't do that, it's your dad's natural talent."
"But now Mommy's worried."
Jessica frowned, her tone full of disapproval.
I picked up the conversation, "She kept asking me today. If I didn't tell her, she wouldn't feel at ease."
Jason understood.
"The police and the people I arranged are searching with full force. Don't worry, she definitely can't escape."
The next morning, after breakfast, I went back to my room to work from home.
Midway through, Lila knocked on the door, "Mrs. Cooper, Casey brought Coco for her lesson. Casey says he wants to talk to you."
Casey?
I instinctively looked at the project I was busy with on my computer.
It was the collaboration with the West Group.
I was personally in charge of this project, and it seemed fine.
Pushing down my confusion, I responded, tidied up my clothes a bit, then went downstairs.
"Mrs. Cooper!"
Coco had been to our house several times and had gotten familiar with me. Seeing me now, she waved excitedly.
"Good morning, Coco."
I greeted her with a smile, then looked at Casey, "Hello, Casey."
"Coco, go upstairs first."
After nodding at me, Casey spoke gently to Coco.
After Coco ran upstairs, Casey looked at me.
I sat down across from him and asked, "You came here today, is there something you need?"
"I'm here to discuss a collaboration."
Casey got straight to the point.
I was surprised, "If you want to discuss a collaboration, you should go to Polaris Company."
"I want to collaborate with you. Even if it's a collaboration project for Polaris Company, it's because of you."
Casey waved his hand and placed the documents he'd prepared on the coffee table.
"This is for a new collaboration. Just pass it to Ophelia."
I reached for it and after a quick look, I was a bit surprised.
This contract gave Polaris Company way too many benefits!
It was practically giving away money!
"Casey, is there a mistake in this contract?"
I didn't think I had the ability to land such a favorable contract.
"Jessica's willing to play with Coco, and Coco's very happy. As her father, I naturally need to show my appreciation."
When mentioning Coco, Casey's expression softened.
He checked the time and stood up, "I still have things to do, I'll be going."
Casey just left like that, leaving me stunned in the living room.
Having a new collaboration was naturally great for Polaris Company.
I snapped back to reality and immediately went upstairs to report this to Ophelia.
Ophelia was quite surprised that I could land a collaboration while staying at home.
But she didn't stay shocked for long and accepted the result.
In the afternoon, I received a call from Luke.
I frowned and hung up.
Every time he called, nothing good came of it.
But Luke's calls kept coming, as if he'd keep calling until I answered.
I stared at the phone for a while, then finally answered.
"What is it?"
Luke's voice on the other end paused.
"Sue, do you have to talk like this?"
"I'm being pretty nice by talking to you at all."
I scoffed.
Luke's tone carried anger, "Sue! I really can't understand how you've become so heartless."
I wasn't interested in hearing his moral blackmail and casually tossed my phone on the desk.
"If you have something to say, say it. Otherwise I'm hanging up."
"Wait!"
Luke quickly stopped me.
He paused, his tone softening considerably, "Because you wouldn't help before, the Miller family messed up my work. Help me out."
Hearing this, I immediately laughed.
"Sorry, I don't have much ability. I can't help you."
"Sue, don't be so ungrateful!"
Cora's voice suddenly cut in, as sharp and grating as always, "This is all your fault! If it weren't for you, Luke wouldn't have lost his job! Now you need to take responsibility!"