Chapter 227

"Do you really think PineTech would just toss its most core technology into the scrap heap?" Jessica looked at her, mockery undisguised in her eyes. "This code's redundant architecture is identical to the废弃 Version C test data from our Rosewood City lab. Lydia, parading around with what others threw in the trash—you'd better pray your venture capitalists never discover the underlying flaws."

Lydia's face went deathly pale.

A crack appeared in her forced arrogance.

She truly didn't understand the technology. She'd paid a fortune for this architecture from a former PineTech executive who'd left the Novaria headquarters. He'd sworn it was cutting-edge, so she'd dared to hype it aggressively.

"Stop your empty threats!" Lydia bit out through clenched teeth, though her voice clearly lacked conviction.

Jessica didn't spare her another glance.

Words were pointless. She withdrew her gaze, her heels clicking as she walked straight past Lydia.

The sharp tap of her heels against the marble floor was crisp and decisive, without a trace of hesitation.

Lydia remained frozen in place, staring daggers at Jessica's retreating back, nails digging deep into her palms, eyes full of panic and venom.

Over the next two weeks, PineTech's Asia-Pacific operations advanced steadily.

Jessica's life returned to its predictable routine between office and home.

Except Ethan's invitations became more frequent.

Concerts, art exhibitions, newly opened private restaurants.

He texted her with various perfectly reasonable excuses.

Jessica declined each time with work commitments, clean and decisive.

She assumed her coldness would make any reasonable adult back off.

Until Friday evening.

As Jessica walked out of the PineTech building, she immediately spotted Ethan standing by the fountain plaza.

He wore a dark trench coat, posture upright. Seeing her emerge, he walked directly toward her.

"Sylvia." Ethan blocked her path, his gaze gentle yet persistent. "I know you've been avoiding me. Give me ten minutes. Let's talk."

Jessica looked at him and sighed softly. Some things needed to be said face-to-face.

They sat down at a nearby café.

Ethan ordered her a decaf Americano and got straight to the point. "I've completely separated from Grant Group. My personal assets are sufficient for independent operations. My father's arrogance is no longer an obstacle between us. Sylvia, I want to pursue you again."

He'd cleared every obstacle, waiting only for her agreement.

Jessica looked at the steaming coffee before her without touching it.

"Ethan, you're a wonderful person." Jessica raised her eyes, her gaze clear and rational. "But my refusal was never just about the Grant family."

Ethan's hand tightened slightly around his coffee cup.

"My focus is entirely on PineTech right now. For the next several years, I have zero plans for romance or marriage." Jessica's tone was calm, every word honest. "Your feelings are too heavy, your sacrifices too great. I can't reciprocate, and I don't want to waste your time."

Ethan fell silent.

Looking at her cool, detached expression, he knew she wasn't lying.

She'd completely lost interest in romance—whether with Stanley or with him.

After a long moment, Ethan laughed bitterly and released his tight grip.

"I understand." He looked at her, the stubbornness finally fading from his eyes as he settled for less. "Then let's just let things be. Can we at least be ordinary friends? At minimum, stop deliberately avoiding me."

The dignity of adults lay precisely in this.

Jessica nodded. "Alright."

Meanwhile, at Smith Mansion.

The study was thick with smoke.

Stanley sat on the sofa, a half-burned cigarette between his fingers.

For days, he'd locked himself in the old mansion.

Louis's mockery and his father's warnings had struck like twin hammers, completely shattering his last shred of hope.

He'd finally accepted the truth: his proximity brought Jessica only disaster and suffocation.

The more he clung, the further she retreated.

Stanley stubbed out the cigarette in the ashtray.

He pulled out his phone and called Liam.

"Liam, find me two of the best bodyguards." Stanley's voice was hoarse, heavy with exhaustion. "Have them shadow Sylvia discreetly. Just ensure her safety. Absolutely cannot let her notice, and definitely can't disturb her life."

Hanging up, Stanley leaned back against the sofa and closed his eyes.

He'd decided to let go.

Since she wanted peace, he'd give her peace.

As long as she stayed safe in Empire City, even if he could only watch from the shadows, it would be enough.

William observed Stanley's dejection.

William understood his grandson was obstinate.

Without something to distract him, he'd eventually go harass Jessica again.

The Smith family had already wronged Jessica once. There couldn't be a second time.

So William began forcibly interfering in Stanley's private life.

"This is the youngest daughter of the Mitchell family, just back from studying in Eldoria. Well-bred and refined. This weekend, go meet her." William tossed a photo onto the desk, his tone brooking no argument.

Stanley didn't even glance at the photo.

"Fine." He agreed with unusual compliance.

William froze, seemingly unprepared for such obedience.

Stanley stood, his expression as calm as stagnant water.

To him, as long as it wasn't Jessica, it made no difference whom he married or met. Since Grandfather wanted him to marry for Smith Corporation's stability, he'd go.

Treat it as completing a task, muddle through the rest of his life.

Weekend evening.

Jessica and Stella had dinner plans at a newly opened upscale French restaurant in the CBD.

The restaurant was notoriously hard to book—Stella had pulled strings through a friend to secure a table.

A server led them to a window booth. After ordering, Stella enthusiastically discussed several new investment projects.

Jessica held her lemon water, listening quietly, occasionally offering sound advice.

Just then, a slight commotion arose near the restaurant entrance.

Jessica glanced up casually, her gaze pausing slightly.

Stanley walked through the front door in a perfectly tailored dark suit. Beside him walked a gentle-looking young woman in a light-colored dress.

They walked side by side, appearing like a well-matched couple.

Almost simultaneously, Stanley spotted Jessica.

His steps froze abruptly.

Across several tables, their eyes met.

Stanley's breathing went ragged, undisguised panic and pain churning in his eyes.

Instinctively he wanted to release the woman's hand—only to realize he wasn't even holding it.

He was terrified she'd misunderstand, terrified she'd despise him completely.

But Jessica's eyes remained utterly calm.

Stanley's heart plummeted.

He forcibly suppressed his churning emotions, desperately restraining the urge to walk over.

He stiffly nodded slightly in Jessica's direction as greeting, then quickly led the woman toward the restaurant's most secluded private room at the far end.