They Want Me Back When It's Too Late (Jessica and Brian) novel Chapter 73

Chapter 73

Jacob was the first to dart toward the foyer at the sound of Brian’s return.

Madeline tucked a few stray strands of hair behind her ears, ignoring Sylvie’s existence. She put on a warm, composed smile as she gracefully went downstairs.

“Dad, is Mom still not coming home tonight?” Jacob peered hopefully behind Brian.

“She has got some things to wrap up,” Brian replied, He maintained his usual stoic expression, but there was a subtle lightness in his demeanor, His mood had clearly lifted.

The impending court date no longer concerned him. In his view, Jessica’s return was inevitable. It was just a matter of time.

“Welcome back, Mr. Atkinson. Madeline stepped forward. “Jake was diligent today. He completed all his assignments flawlessly.”

Brian wasn’t surprised to see her. He

le gave her a nod before turning his attention to Jacob.

Sylvie rolled her eyes at Madeline but held her tongue because of Brian’s presence.

Madeline, always conscious of appearances, politely chose this moment to take her leave and promised to visit Jacob another day.

Before departing, she crouched to Jacob’s eye level and said, “Take those snacks to school tomorrow and share with your friends.”

“Thank you, Maddie!” Jacob’s face lit up.

For a child whose mother rationed treats over health concerns, sharing those snacks was enough for Jacob to buy an entire classroom’s friendship.

“You’re very welcome,” Madeline smiled sweetly.

She glanced at Sylvie and hoisted these ostracized grocery bags that Sylvie had deliberately left by the front door. Each oversized bag bulged with

Brian watched this silently, offering no mention of reimbursement. Other than overtime pay, he rarely mentioned covering her expenses, but the finance department always made sure to slip something extra into her paycheck.

“Goodnight, Jake. Mr. Atkinson… See you.” Madeline waved at Jacob, her gaze lingering in Brian’s deep eyes before she left. She wanted to say “goodnight” to him too, but in the end, she held herself back.

The operation had succeeded beyond expectations. Not only would Brian reimburse her snack expenses twofold, but she had also planted seeds for future reputation–building. When she married Brian, Jacob’s classmates would remember her generosity.

those extra payments were clear signs of Brian’s

What was more, the monthly compensation dwarfed her official salary. To the rest of the company, Javoritism. Anyone who saw the numbers wouldn’t believe Madeline and Brian weren’t involved in affairs.

Brian remained oblivious

Madeline came from a difficult background. Her father was a gambler who constantly harassed her for money. A young woman living alone in the city had it tough. So he often gave her triple the standard overtime rate.

The next day, at Atkinson Group, Jackson presented his surveillance report. “Mr. Atkinson, Herbert Laurier, a secretary from Grant Group’s executive office, made three dessert runs before noon.”

Brian listened in silence, lowering his gaze slightly as Jackson placed the detailed records before him. Even the flavors and sizes of each cake were recorded.

Chapter 73:

Among them, the cheny ple stood but it had been purchased both yesterday and today.

This confirmed that Jessica was really pregnant. A warn feeling flickered in Brian’s chest.

“Contact that five tarred pastry chef. Charter a flight for him and airlift fresh cherries, strawberries, coconut… Brian listed every fruit Jessica had traved during her first pregnancy.

Jackson’s memory was sharp. He absorbed Brian’s instructions.

As Jackson turned to leave, Madeline knocked and entered the office. “Mr. Alkinson, Michael Hooper, the president of Hooper Group, approved my late night proposal. He’s offering the 27th project for collaboration.”

With that, she presented a stack of paper. “This is the contract draft. Please take a look.”

Brian glanced at Madeline and then skimmed through the contract it was indeed from Hooper Group.

He was somewhat surprised. He thought, ‘Madeline stayed up late last night and still managed to deliver quality work. She’s really hardworking. No wander Jessica trained her so well.

He nodded. “Well done.”

The 27th project was closely tied to local economic development. For Brian, this cooperation was indeed a major deal

Madeline’s heart pounded at Brian’s praise. “It’s my honor to contribute to Atkinson Group,” she smiled, checks flushing.

Only when back in her office did she release a triumphant laugh. That unmistakable admiration in Brian’s eyes made her believe that she could outshine

Yet her smile faded as Madeline thought about the cooperation with Hooper Group.

Ever since she had asked Michael for an invitation, they had kept in touch. He had helped her once. When Atkinson Group had bids or big projects coming up, it would be her turn to return the favor.

Soon after, news of Madeline securing a major contract spread throughout the company.

At lunchtime, she walked into the cafeteria with her chin raised slightly. Many employees greeted her with unusual warmth.

But soon,

they whispered, “Madeline is just a secretary. How did she win such a big contract with Hooper Group? That’s way outside her responsibilities.”

“Exactly. Maybe Mr. Atkinson pulled the strings and just gave the credit to her to build her reputation.”

“You think so? Is she really about to make it to the top

e curious about this

Mary employees were i

As Madeline left the cafeteria with a tray in her hand, she caught a clip of whispering behind her. She straightened her spine as she thought, “Yes! I’ll definitely make it.‘

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify