Chapter 47
Jason fell silent, too.
He didn't understand either.
Wasn't he rich enough?
After thinking briefly, Grandma Cooper shook her head again. "No, that doesn't seem right. I don't think Sue is the type to be money-grubbing. Was there some other reason you two broke up back then?"
Jason's face fell as he said, "No, she broke up with me because I was poor."
"Well, wasn't it you who pretended to be poor and deceived her first?"
Grandma Cooper smacked him irritably. "I don't care. Now you go win Sue back for me. I like her, and I've decided she's going to be my granddaughter-in-law. Money? We've got plenty of that!"
But Jason shook his head. "It won't work. I've tried."
"That's not right. With my sharp eyes, I can tell Sue still has feelings for you..."
Grandma Cooper suddenly seemed to think of something and looked at Jason suspiciously. "Did you do something to hurt Sue?"
Jason's expression stiffened slightly.
He suddenly remembered that when they reunited, he had indeed said some terrible things.
Could that have been when he broke Sue's heart?
Seeing his confused look, what else did Grandma Cooper need to understand?
She grabbed Jason by the ear and said, "Go apologize to Sue properly! Don't come back until you're forgiven!"
After work, I drove to pick up Jessica from school.
Thinking the child might be hungry, I handed her a cake. "Here, Jessica, have some cake."
"Wow! It's my favorite strawberry cake!"
Jessica's eyes lit up instantly, her voice sweet as honey. "Thank you, Mommy!"
Jessica loved eating cake.
But she'd always been sensible, knowing that kids shouldn't eat too many sweets, so she stopped after eating a small piece.
After getting home and having dinner with Jessica, I returned to my bedroom to call Lily.
"Lily, I've got good news!"
As soon as the call connected, I said excitedly, "I don't have to quit! Today, Mr. Ethan told me he was just joking before!"
Lily was silent for a moment before laughing. "That's good then. Otherwise, finding a new job would be pretty troublesome."
I completely agreed. "It really scared me. I even had nightmares last night! By the way, Lily, how are things on your end? Is the partner easy to work with?"
"Pretty good. Mr. Scott is a nice guy."
We chatted for a while longer before hanging up.
The next day at work.
As soon as I got to the company, Mr. Terry Ethan's secretary came to my desk and said, "Ms. Wilson, Mr. Terry Ethan wants you to clear Mr. Ethan's dinner schedule to have a meal with Miss Perez."
So they were setting Brian up on a blind date?
I nodded in agreement. "Okay."
Mr. Terry Ethan's secretary left.
I went straight to the CEO's office. "Mr. Ethan, are there any special arrangements for tonight's dinner with Miss Perez?"
Brian leaned back in his office chair, looking irritated.
He waved his hand dismissively. "You handle it!"
"Okay, Mr. Ethan."
After leaving the office, I carefully researched Miss Perez's preferences and dietary restrictions, and after comparing multiple options, settled on a well-known Western restaurant in Seaside City.
After sending the reservation details to Brian, I dove into other work.
Near the end of the workday, I received a message from Jason: [Want to have dinner together after work?]
My instinct was to refuse. Before I could type out the words, Jason called directly.
"I'm driving to pick up Jessica right now. The restaurant I booked happens to be near the kindergarten." Jason's tone was casual.
I thought about it - Jessica really liked Jason, and if she could have dinner with him, she'd definitely be happy.
My refusal immediately changed. "Okay."
"See you soon then." Jason's tone became noticeably more cheerful.
When it was time to get out of work, I gathered my things and headed downstairs.
Before driving, I called Jason.
The phone was answered after just one ring.
Before I could speak, Jason's voice came through first. "Off work? I'll come pick you up."
"No need. You take Jessica to eat. I'll just have something simple at home."
After speaking, not giving Jason a chance to respond, I hung up directly.
I thought this would be a good opportunity for father and daughter to bond.
But unexpectedly, when I pushed open the front door, I saw the two of them sitting on the sofa.
I was stunned. "Didn't you two go out to eat? You finished already?"
"We haven't eaten yet." Jessica glanced at Jason's sour expression and said quietly.
Haven't eaten? Now I was in a bind.
I'd planned to just cook some noodles for myself tonight.
I hadn't bought groceries on the way home, and what was left in the fridge wasn't enough for three people.
"I'll go buy groceries now." I instinctively avoided Jason's resentful gaze and turned to leave.
"No need. I've already arranged for food delivery." Jason said through what sounded like gritted teeth.
He stared straight at me. "I had a reservation at a restaurant for a nice meal, but you wouldn't give me any face."
I touched my nose, guiltily avoiding Jason's gaze.
I admitted, what I did was indeed rather rude.
But wasn't I doing this for Jason and Jessica's sake!
"I'll go change first." I escaped to the bedroom.
After changing into loungewear and staying in the bedroom for a while, I heard the sound of the door opening and finally came out.
The delivery person had left the food at the door. Jason came in carrying several large bags.
"Let me do it." I hurried forward.
Jessica was in the bedroom completing homework assigned by the kindergarten.
Jason stood beside me, rolling up his suit sleeves to reveal strong, muscular forearms. "Let's do it together."
I had no objection to that, but the scene of us together kept making me recall the past.
Because of this, I snuck several glances at Jason.
Jason set down the last dish, not looking up, and said lazily, "I know I'm handsome. You don't need to sneak peeks - just look openly."
"Shameless. I wasn't looking at you." I stubbornly turned my head away.
Jason walked over with his long legs and leaned in close.
His handsome face suddenly enlarged before my eyes. I couldn't help but widen mine. "What are you doing?!"
"You're beautiful. I want to get closer for a better look."
Jason braced one hand against the wall behind me, trapping me between him and the wall.
Jessica was still home! What was he trying to do?!
I said urgently, "Don't look at me like that."
Suddenly, everything went dark as Jason covered my eyes with his hand.
His low, husky voice breathed ambiguous, burning warmth near my ear. "Jessica's still home. This isn't appropriate."
My cheeks instantly burned. I pushed Jason away forcefully, trying hard to keep my voice down, saying through gritted teeth, "You pervert!"
"Can't help it. After all, I'm a normal man." Jason shrugged shamelessly.
I was drawn in by that statement.
So these past five years, had he been with other women?