Chapter 218

"Feelings can be cultivated, can't they?" Layla persisted, her tone coaxing. "Men out there are unpredictable—you know their faces but not their hearts. I watched Martin grow up. I know better than anyone how protective he is of you. You two should come back to Eldoria more often to visit me, and while you're at it, spend some quality time together."

Jessica didn't know whether to laugh or cry. After a few perfunctory responses, she finally managed to placate Layla and end the call.

Setting down her phone, she glanced at Martin's profile picture on the screen and shook her head.

Layla's sudden matchmaking attempts were utterly absurd.

She carried her glass of water into the study and casually initiated a video call with Martin.

After two rings, the call connected.

On the screen, Martin appeared in a dark loungewear set, wearing gold-rimmed glasses. He looked like he'd just been reviewing documents, his gaze deep and focused.

"Still awake at this hour?" Martin's voice was low and warm as he looked at her through the screen.

"I just got off the phone with Mother." Jessica sat down at her desk, playing with a pen in her hand, a teasing smile on her lips. "Martin, did you offend Mother back in Eldoria? She just called me with this wild idea of matchmaking us."

On the other end of the video, Martin's hand froze mid-page turn.

"She said we have great work chemistry, complementary personalities, and insisted we visit Eldoria more often to 'cultivate feelings.'" Jessica, completely oblivious to the subtle shift in atmosphere on the other end, recounted it as an absurd family anecdote. "I told her you've always seen me as a sister, but she wouldn't believe me. Next time you call her, you really need to set her straight so she stops playing cupid."

She laughed openly and naturally, not a trace of ulterior thought in her eyes.

Because in her subconscious mind, Martin was her most solid support—family, a brother figure—but never, ever a romantic prospect.

Martin watched her unguarded smile through the screen in silence.

Behind his lenses, something violent churned and twisted in the depths of his eyes.

His fingers unconsciously tightened, knuckles turning white from the pressure, fingertips nearly crumpling the paper in his hand.

She only saw him as a brother.

If he ever crossed that line, all the trust and reliance she now placed in him would instantly transform into wariness and flight.

Stanley and Ethan's fates were cautionary tales right before his eyes. He absolutely could not follow in their footsteps.

Martin drew a deep breath, forcibly shoving all the emotions threatening to spiral out of control back into the deepest recesses of his heart.

"Mother's been too idle lately." Martin adjusted his glasses, his expression returning to its usual composure and calm. His voice betrayed not a hint of abnormality. "I'll find time to clarify things with her. Don't let it bother you. Get some rest."

"Alright, goodnight." Jessica waved with a smile and ended the call.

The screen went black instantly.

Martin remained in position, still holding his phone, motionless for a long while.

In the silent study, he slowly closed his eyes, his Adam's apple moving with difficulty as he swallowed down words of love that could never be spoken aloud, burying them once more in the depths of his chest.

Friday evening, PineTech headquarters.

Jessica emerged from the revolving doors after a four-hour cross-continental video conference.

The early winter air, dry and biting, rushed at her face. She'd just turned up her coat collar when a familiar figure silently blocked her path.

It was the Smith family's old butler.

He bowed slightly, his manner respectful yet carrying an undertone of non-negotiability. "Ms. Simpson, Mr. William is waiting in the car. He'd like a word with you."

Jessica's steps faltered briefly. Following the butler's gaze, she spotted a black Rolls-Royce Phantom parked quietly by the curb.

The rear window was halfway down, revealing William's aged but still authoritative face.

Jessica walked over. The butler opened the door for her, and she slid gracefully into the back seat.

The interior was warm, filled with the faint scent of sandalwood incense.

William turned his head, his gaze deep as he studied her.

The Jessica who had once tiptoed around the Smith household, afraid to even speak loudly, had transformed into PineTech's decisive executive.

This transformation left William with mixed feelings.

"Sylvia." William spoke first, his voice carrying the weight of years. "The PineTech project's been keeping you busy, hasn't it? No matter how hard you work, take care of your health."

"Thank you for your concern, Mr. William. I can manage." Jessica's tone was polite, maintaining a precisely calibrated social distance. Even her form of address conveyed professional detachment.

William sighed, a flash of genuine guilt crossing his eyes.

"What happened back then—the Smith family wronged you. Stanley was a bastard, and I share the blame. I failed to protect you. Knowing you're still alive brings me some peace."

Jessica lowered her gaze to her folded hands, offering no response.

"Are you free this weekend?" William shifted topics, his tone softening with an elder's plea. "Come home for a meal. Consider it keeping me company. I promise Stanley won't be there."

"I'm sorry, Mr. William." Jessica looked up, refusing without hesitation. "This weekend I'm returning to Eldoria to visit family. The arrangements are already made."

William paused, clearly not expecting this reason.

But as someone who'd navigated the business world for decades, he quickly adapted. "Visiting Mrs. Simpson is important—you absolutely should go. Then when you return from Eldoria, we'll arrange something. I'll cook myself, make your old favorites. You can't refuse that, can you?"

Phrased that way, a hard refusal would seem ungracious, especially given PineTech and Smith Corporation's ongoing partnership.

Jessica weighed her options briefly, then nodded lightly. "Alright. After I return, I'll come visit you."

Having secured her promise, William's expression eased considerably. He instructed the driver to take Jessica back to her apartment.

That evening, the apartment lights glowed warmly.

Jessica neatly packed several cashmere sweaters and gifts for Layla into her suitcase.

The doorbell suddenly rang. She opened the door to find Stella in a fuzzy bunny-print pajama set, clutching half a cut watermelon.

"Jessica, I cut some melon—want to share?" Stella peered inside curiously, immediately spotting the open suitcase in the living room. Her eyes widened. "You're going on a business trip?"

"Not exactly." Jessica stepped aside to let her in, returning to organize the documents on hand. "Going back to Eldoria for a bit. Visiting family."

Stella set the watermelon on the marble island counter, grabbed two spoons, and handed one over. "Back to Eldoria? How long will you be gone?"