His Unveiled Passion novel Chapter 281

"What do you mean I have a grudge against her? Tessa just slapped Jacqueline right in front of us! There was no evidence and explanation. And you, as her father, aren't even standing up for your daughter?

"Instead, you're saying I don't understand the situation? Who's the one really being unreasonable here?"

Caleb let out a sigh. "It was wrong of her to hit Jacqueline for no reason, but you were too harsh. Forget it. At this point, arguing won't change anything."

With that, he left as well.

Jacqueline, still sniffling, sat down beside Rowena, her voice trembling with feigned remorse. "Grandma, this is all my fault. I've always known that Tessa doesn't like me. I don't mind being slapped, but seeing you so angry over it breaks my heart. Please, don't let this ruin your health."

Rowena's expression softened with pity as she gently touched Jacqueline's reddened cheek. "Oh, my dear child, you didn't deserve this. Does it still hurt?"

Jacqueline shook her head, tears glistening. "Not anymore, Grandma."

But Rowena's heart ached at the sight of the swollen mark. She immediately ordered a housekeeper for an ice pack to help reduce the swelling.

Meanwhile, Stephen called Lawrence, instructing him to investigate Jacqueline's and Zachary's recent activities.

…

Elsewhere, Tessa and Samuel headed straight to the hospital to visit Marianne after leaving the Jacobson residence.

Although she had regained consciousness, her emotions remained fragile. The moment she saw Tessa, her eyes welled up with tears.

"Your sister... your sister, she..." Marianne broke down, unable to continue.

Tessa's heart clenched. "James is using Seline as leverage to negotiate with Stephen. That means she's likely still safe. Please, don't be too upset. You need to take care of yourself first."

That was logical. James might be a heartless madman, but he was also a calculating one. Killing Seline would gain him nothing. Keeping her alive as leverage against Stephen was the smarter move.

Tessa took a deep breath, forcing herself to believe it.