Chapter 137 One Hundred Million Dollars
Jessica cleared her throat, feeling awkward for caring at all about who Cara mixed with. She returned her focus to the man that was sitting opposite her and asked, remembering why they were even sitting there in the first place. "Right, so forget them, I don't care about anything that she does. So tell me again how much you want to collect."
Jayden let out a soft laugh and shook his head. With a sigh, he spoke up, "well, your wish is my command." He picked up her glass and sipped from it before speaking again, "you were so absent minded when I mentioned it before but don't worry, I'll say it again. I said just a hundred million dollars would do."
Jessica's eyes widened, "a hundred million?!" She yelled out in a loud tone.
She cared less about the way people turned to look at her, what mattered most was the outrageous amount that Jayden was asking for. "That is just absurd! Are you out of your God damned mind?! You want me to pay you a hundred million dollars just to keep your mouth shut?!"
Jayden relaxed into his seat, "relax my little puppy," he said in a soft tone. "Isn't you husband rich? Didn't you me and steal your friend's husband because he had plenty of money? Wasn't it greed that led you to where you are now? So why can't I be greedy?"
She scoffed a laugh. "Go to hell Jayden." She spat out as she picked up her purse and rose to her feet.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Jayden's voice was low but it held so much authority that Jessica just had to lower herself back to a sitting position.
She felt so awkward but more of anxious and a little shaken by his reaction. She knew the kind of man he was and it was better for him to lash out at her than for him to be so quiet.
He sat up straight and let out a soft sigh. "Hey, I came here out of my busy schedule so you should respect that alone. Do you think this a small issue? You took a bastard son into the home of the prestigious Knowles family, that's sweeter than any juice in this world to any journalist out there."
Jessica hunched her back, she felt fear dig its dangerous claws into her back where she was seated, she remembered why she hated him so much to the extent of stealing her friend's husband just to get away from him and live a better life. Even though she was with his child.
She heard him clearing his throat, pulling her out of her thoughts. Her eyes raised to look at him and a chill ran down her spine.
"Jessica," he said softly. "You cannot have any idea how much you meant to me and how much you still mean to me. It is not in my greatest interest to treat you the way I do, but you caused it and you always cause it.
"Do you know how many times I have sat down and imagined you, me and our son, a happy family living together in a cozy home? Do you? That is what I wanted for us and I still do... Come home with me, it is not too late."
Jessica stared at him in silence, trying to read the expression on his face to know whether it was sincerity or not.
She decided not to let her fear be known, it would be wise of her not to let it show that she was afraid.
So she let out a scoffed laugh, "a happy family? Living in a cozy home? Can you even afford that?" She questioned with an arched brow.
"Excuse me?" Jayden asked, batting his lashes.
She leaned into her seat and crossed her arms beneath her breast. "Yeah, you heard me right. Can you afford that? Do you know what it takes to be a happy family? Do you think you have it? Do you know how much it takes to survive on your own not to mention with a partner and a child! Can you afford that?!" She raised her voice, glaring at him.
"Jessica, listen i--"
"How do you plan on taking care of us? Like this? By blackmailing people for money? Or will I have to pay the bills? After all, you believe that there is a freaking money tree-- no, money garden! Flourishing in my bed room." She did not hesitate or hold back her words.
Jayden's eyes were fixed on her, his mind was surprised and confused. What was happening with these women? When did Jessica get so outspoken as well?
Anger rose inside of him, boiling and bubbling like a soup ready to be served. His expression turned as stern as it could get yet his voice was still low, like a deadly venomous serpent slitgering around on a foggy night, ready to attack before you could even see it.
"Jessica Rhodes... Have you suddenly forgotten who is sitting in front of you? Huh?" His brow arched slightly, questioning her audacity.
Jessica felt her heart beating like crazy inside her chest but she still managed to sit with her back straightened and chest pushing forward.
"I did not forget, i am just simply stating out the truth and facts to you so you can understand that this is reality and not the things you imagine in your head--"
"You btch!" He growled at her.
Jessica flinched in her seat, wishing she was anywhere else but there.
Jayden chuckled in a way that reminded her of the maniac he was. Letting his tongue slip out and lick his lower lip, he ran his finger through his hair and rose to his feet swiftly. "One hundred million dollars or else everything will be on the media before you even know it."
She felt a shiver run down her spine. He said it and he meant it. He most definitely did.