They Want Me Back When It's Too Late (Jessica and Brian) novel Chapter 224

Chapter 224

Chapter 224

That evening, Brian and Jacobs arrived at the farewell party right on time.

Madeline, who had been anxiously waiting at the entrance, exhaled in relief. “Mr. Atkinson, Jake, you’re here, Come in!”

She greeted Brian with a brief nod before crouching to Jacob’s eye level, “Jake, I baked your favorite cupcakes. Don’t forget to take them home later. And I packed some snacks for you too.”

Her voice trembled as she pulled him into a hug. “I’ll miss you so much.”

Touched, Jacob instinctively hugged back. “I’ll miss you too, Maddie.” He glanced up at Brian

Before he could say anything else, Brian gently pulled him away from Madeline. “Alright, let’s go inside,” he said, leading Jacob toward the private room without a backward glance.

Madeline watched their backs, fists clenched,

“Dad, you don’t like Maddie anymore?” Children sensed shifts effortlessly. Jacob had caught Brian’s disdain toward Madeline in an instant

Brian corrected patiently. “I never liked her.” He ruffled Jacob’s hair lightly and added, “Adult business isn’t your concern. if it makes you uncomfortable,

hire a new caretaker for you.”

“No, it’s okay” Jacob shook his head but didn’t defend Madeline. He liked her, but no one could compare to Jessica

“Tell me if you change your mind.” Brian pulled out a chair for Jacob,

Jacob nodded and sat down. Brian took his seat beside him.

Most of the people at the table were from the Secretary’s Office.

Soon after, Madeline entered, delivered a few polite words, and the farewell gathering officially began. “Mr. Atkinson, a toast to you.”

Brian focused on Jacob, ignoring the others at the table, but that didn’t stop the flood of employees lining up to toast him.

One led the charge, and the rest followed. “Mr. Atkinson, let me toast you too! I never thought you’d actually come. Guess Madeline’s got real pull.”

“Don’t joke like that. I’m not Mr. Atkinson’s secretary anymore,” Madeline said with feigned melancholy, raising her glass, “Mr. Atkinson, thank you for your and Jessi’s kindness over the years.” Without waiting for a response, she downed her drink

The others erupted. “Cool Why aren’t you drinking, Mr. Alkinson?”

“Yeah. Not your type of wine?”

“Or is it her toast you’re avoiding?”

“Maybe you quit drinking?”

“No way. We haven’t heard anything about that.”

The chatter spiraled as the staff debated loudly.

As the speculation grew wilder, Brian rolled his eyes and took a small sip from his glass. “I’m looking after Jake, so I can’t drink much. Enjoy yourselves.” He sot the glass down.

Madeline frowned slightly. This wasn’t alhow she had hoped things would go.

“Come on, guys, Jake is still here. Don’t pressure Mr. Atkinson too much tonight” she chimed in smoothly, sliding a glass of apple juice toward Jacob.

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11:52 30t, 14 Jun

Chapter 224

“My little guest, here’s your favorite. Let’s toast.”

Jacob, reluctant to refuse her last request, clinked his glass with hers. “Wishing you all the best, Madde

“Thanks, Jake,” Madeline smiled, glanced at Brian, then downed her wine in one go.

Jacob mimicked her

The staff cooed, “Such a sweetheart! Jake, toast with me

“Me next! Cheers!”

“Alright, enough,” Brian laughed, amused by their boldness.

An employee seized the moment. “Mr. Atkinson, you’re getting protective? Then you drink for Jake. Her gaze briefly met Madeline’s

Madeline gave an almost imperceptible nod, then glanced at another colleague.

“Yeah! Do it for Jake!” The prompted colleague raised her glass toward Brian.

lan. “It’s Madeline’s farewell party. Give her this one toast.”

“Mr. Atkinson” Madeline bit her lower lip, her grip tightening on Jacob’s shoulder.

Mistaking her tension for hurt feelings, Jacob took pity, “Dad, please drink for me?” He tugged Brian’s sleeve pleadingly.

Brian sighed and finally accepted the least for Jacob’s sake.

Once the first drink went down, the floodgates opened. Employees lined up one after another to toast him, while Madeline, the supposed guest of honor, stood ignored on the sidelines.

Alter:

r several rounds, a wave of

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