They Want Me Back When It's Too Late (Jessica and Brian) novel Chapter 74

Chapter 74

Jessica frowned, “Did he say anything else?”

Herbert shook his head. “No. He only made a point to remind you to eat on time.”

Jessica rested a hand on her belly. She thought, ‘Why would Brian suddenly care about my meals? Could it be… Did I give myself away during the dinner at Atkinson Manor?

Jessica shook off the thought. Even if she had, it didn’t matter. This child washers alone. Besides, it wasn’t Brian’s place to worry about her meals.

As a mother, Stella knew how tough pregnancy could be, especially with morning sickness.

She hadn’t been there for Jessica when Jacob was born, so she was determined to compensate for missing Jessica’s first pregnancy.

She hired a culinary team to prepare varied dishes for Jessica.

Later that afternoon, Madeline went to Hartdale International Bilingual School to pick up Jacob

He seemed happy to see her. “Maddie, I shared those snacks with everyone. They all loved them.”

“Really? I’ll get you even more next time,” Madeline smiled.

Jacob was warmer than he had been the past couple of days, and Madeline’s mood lited accordingly.

At the same time, Madeline became even more convinced that Jessica must have put Jacob up to this. After all, a six–year–old kid didn’t develop such

restraint naturally

ndies.”

“Miss, thanks for the chips and candies.”

“You’re so pretty!” A few of Jacob’s close friends gave Madeline warm smiles and sweet compliments.

Beaming, Jacob took Madeline’s hand voluntarily.

Madeline smiled warmly, holding Jacob’s hand as they walked to the car. She gently suggested going to visit Brian at work.

“Yeah! Let’s bring Dad home together for dinner.” Jacob cheered.

Since Jessica’s departure, Brian’s relentless overtime had left Jacob dining alone more often than not. Weekends were the hardest for him. The empty villa amplified his loneliness.

He even felt a little resentful. So when Madeline nudged him toward the idea, he was thrilled.

When Madeline and Jacob entered Atkinson Group hand in hand, chatting and laughing, the receptionist snapped a photo and sent it to the group chat,

The receptionist was surprised, thinking, “Oh my! Madeline brought Mr. Atkinson’s son to the company. Since when does a mistress parade the heir around like her own?”

Soon, the entire office knew Madeline’s good relationship with Jacob. Before the elevator reached the top floor, the employees there were already prepared to ask her about it.

Madeline noticed the receptionist’s behavior–exactly as planned. In fact, one of the receptionists was practically her informant inside the company. She couldn’t wait to let everyone know that she was close to Jacob, especially Jessies

Jessica did know it. She received the photo of Jacob beaming up at Madeline from the previous unknown number,

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Chapter 74

Jessica glanced at it calmly, then set her phone aside. However, her faintly curled lips betrayed her frustration.

“Dad” Jacob ran ahead, entering the president’s office without knocking.

“Jake.” Brian was surprised at first, then asked, “How did you get here?”

“Maddie brought me over. I miss you, Dad. Can we all have dinner together? Jacob rushed over, leaning against Brian’s leg longing for closeness. He didn’t want to eat alone. He wanted both his parents with him.

“Sure. Let’s go home together for dinner,” Brian said gently. He ruffled Jacob’s hair and let him wait for him outside, feeling guilty for not being around much lately

Madeline appeared moments later, seamlessly ushering Jacob to her office.

Along the way, a few employees tried to engage with Jacob, talk to Jacob, her eyes burned with hostility.

, but Madeline shut them down with cold glances. Especially when female colleagues tried to

Seeing Jacob follow Madeline into her office, many employees thought she had moved into Atkinson Villa, and that was why Jacob liked her.

Jessica’s phone buzzed with a text from Brian. (Jacob misses you. Ent’s have dinner tonight, okay?

Right before this text, Jessica had seen the photo of Madeline and Jacob, hand in hand, looking like a mother and son. Now, seeing this text, Jessica smirked bitterly.

She didn’t reply. Her stomach growled again. She picked up a piece of fruit and chewed it.

Brian waited a while for a reply that never came. With a sigh, he lacked his phone screen and thought, “Be patient. It’ll take time.”

The pastry chef he hired overseas wouldn’t arrive until later that night.

As night fell, Brian finished work and went to Madeline’s office to pick up Jacob. When he opened the door, Jacob was sitting on the couch, homework.

Beside Jacob sat Madeline, watching him with a gentle, almost materal smile.

focused on

Brian paused. For a fleeting moment, the word “motherhood” crossed his mind. He almost laughed at himself for seeing maternal warmth in an unmarried woman. But still, his gaze softened,

“Mr. Atkinson,” Madeline turned, her eyes lighting up slightly at the sight of Brian. Brian gave her a nod

Jacob looked up.

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