Chapter 225

Chapter 225

The marketing accounts' paid articles were written with extreme inflammatory intent.

The pieces lavishly praised Lydia as the genius dark horse who had brought Moore Corporation back from the brink, then abruptly shifted tone to insinuate that PineTech's Executive Director Sylvia had fabricated her credentials, gaining resources by maneuvering between two top-tier elite families—the Smiths and the Grants.

The articles even included several blurry paparazzi photos: her getting into Ethan's car, and being grabbed by Stanley on a Rosewood City street.

The language was vicious, maliciously manipulating public opinion.

On the phone, Stella was cursing furiously: "This is definitely Lydia's doing! I've already hired a PR firm to suppress the smear campaign and found hackers to trace these troll accounts' IPs. I'm going to expose every dirty secret she has!"

"Stella, calm down." Jessica dried her hair, her tone utterly indifferent.

Just then, Martin's call came through.

Jessica answered. Martin's voice was ice-cold: "The legal department has filed a police report. Every marketing account with over five hundred shares will receive a lawyer's letter tonight. I will pursue this to the end."

"Martin, don't waste energy on these clowns." Jessica walked to the kitchen island and poured herself some water. "The higher Lydia jumps now, the harder she'll fall once venture capital gets involved. Let her gloat for a few days."

After hanging up, Jessica switched her phone to silent mode.

She couldn't care less about the online rumors.

In business, capability was the only currency that mattered. She opened her laptop and continued reviewing data reports from Novaria, completely unfazed.

The next morning, Jessica received an unexpected call.

"Sylvia, it's William." William's voice carried a touch of weariness and hope. "We agreed last time in the car—once you returned from Eldoria, you'd come for a home-cooked meal. I'm cooking myself today. You can't refuse again."

Jessica's pen paused mid-stroke.

She was someone who kept her word. Having promised, she wouldn't back out.

Besides, William had indeed treated her decently back then.

"Alright, Mr. William. I'll come over at noon." Jessica agreed.

Approaching midday, Jessica changed into a simple beige knit dress, grabbed her bag, and headed downstairs.

She'd expected the Smiths to send a driver, but parked outside her building was a low-key silver Aston Martin.

The window rolled down. Louis had one hand on the steering wheel, jerking his chin at her: "Get in."

Jessica was somewhat surprised but opened the passenger door and slid in.

"I figured you'd be uncomfortable, so I volunteered to pick you up." Louis started the engine, handing her a hot Americano. "No sugar—your preference."

"Thank you." Jessica accepted the coffee, pleasantly surprised by Louis's thoughtfulness.

Throughout the drive, Louis maintained steady control.

He lacked Stanley's suffocating intensity. His conversation was measured, discussing only recent financial markets and harmless anecdotes.

The sports car glided smoothly into Smith Mansion's driveway.

The moment it stopped, Stella burst through the front door like an excited bird: "Jessica, you're finally here!"

Jessica stepped out. Louis naturally moved to her side, raising his hand to shield her from a low-hanging branch.

They walked toward the entrance side by side, the picture harmonious and pleasant.

The door stood open. Stanley wore a dark cashmere sweater, standing in the foyer.

Seeing Jessica and Louis approaching with easy smiles, Stanley froze mid-step.

His gaze locked onto Louis's protective hand near Jessica's side. His expression darkened instantly, his jawline rigid.

"Sylvia." Stanley forced down the jealousy clawing at his chest, stepping forward with a hoarse greeting.

Jessica's smile vanished the instant their eyes met.

She didn't spare him a single glance, turning instead to Louis with a warm tone: "That pharmaceutical stock you mentioned earlier—I think it has real potential. We should discuss it in detail next week."

Louis shot Stanley a provocative look, smiling: "Absolutely. Anytime."

Jessica walked straight past Stanley into the living room.

Stanley stood frozen, his half-extended hand hanging awkwardly in midair.

Watching Jessica deliberately draw close to Louis to distance herself from him, his heart felt like it was being roasted over open flame. Jealousy nearly drove him mad, yet he had no right to protest.

In the dining room, the atmosphere was unexpectedly harmonious.

The long table overflowed with sumptuous dishes, the centerpiece a squirrel-shaped Mandarin fish the old man had personally prepared.

Jessica was seated in the honored guest position at William's right hand. Stella and Victoria sat across from her, Louis beside her. Stanley had been relegated to the farthest seat.

"Sylvia, try this fish. See if it tastes like it used to." William rotated the lazy Susan with a gentle smile.

"Thank you, Mr. William." Jessica took a portion, nodding in appreciation.

Throughout the meal, the Smiths showered Jessica with warm attention.

Victoria discussed recent art exhibitions with her. Stella chattered about gaming gossip. Louis periodically refilled her tea and water, attending to her every need.

The entire Smith family avoided mentioning past humiliations or attempting to reconcile her with Stanley.

Everyone tacitly treated her as an honored guest, making amends for past wrongs in the most dignified manner possible.

Stanley sat in the corner like an unwelcome outsider.

He watched the relaxed, natural smile on Jessica's face—an expression she'd never shown him.

He attempted to join conversations several times, but the moment he spoke, the atmosphere would freeze.

He reached for the serving chopsticks, intending to place fish in Jessica's bowl.

Just as he extended them, Louis rotated the turntable, smoothly pushing a bowl of bird's nest soup toward Jessica: "Jessica, have some hot soup."

Jessica accepted it naturally, not even glancing at Stanley.

Stanley's chopsticks hung suspended in midair.

He watched the laughter and warmth around the table, watched his own family gather the woman he loved into their circle while he was completely excluded.

The crushing sense of displacement and helplessness overwhelmed him. He gripped his chopsticks until his knuckles whitened, even breathing felt oppressive.

Lunch ended on a harmonious note.

Jessica set down her napkin, picked up her handbag, and rose to leave.

She didn't linger, maintaining precisely calibrated social distance in her courtesies to the Smiths.

"Jessica, I'll see you out." Stella immediately jumped up, affectionately linking arms with her as they headed for the door.