They Want Me Back When It's Too Late (Jessica and Brian) novel Chapter 81

Chapter 81

Jessica rolled her eyes upon hearing Brian’s words, saying with a pointed glare, “No drinking tonight” She took the wine and instructed Maylerebanit

to the collar.

Dereck’s lips pressed in disappointment, but he didn’t insist. “Well, no alcohol. Brian, try these dishes. The cook is antu He pointed out several dishes Jessica had loved since childhood.

Beside them, Jacob, who was trying to win Stella’s Javor, spoke sweetly, “I like whatever my mom likes? He flashed Jessica a sweet smile, only to meet Jessica’s indifference.

Jacob’s face foll just a little. Stella swooped in with a consoling portion. “Try this, sweetheart.”

“Thank you, Grandma, Jacob smiled.

“What a polite boy!”

“Mom taught me.”

“Oh, she taught you all that? Good b

I boy. You’re so sweet and well–mannered.”

Stella smiled warmly, glancing meaningfully at Jessica, and thought, ‘How could you distance yourself from such a well–mannered son? Could there be some kind of misunderstanding between you two?”

Dereck and Brian appeared to have endless topics to discuss. They talked about the domestic business environment, then moved on to overseas markets. Every time Dereck brought something up, Brian had something insightful to say.

Brian had impressed Dereck, while Jacob had won Stella’s favor.

Jessica observed her parents‘ genuine fondness for them both, especially Jacob. Yet the realization settled coldly. She and Brian were beyond repair, and Jacob no longer held any emotional weight in her heart.

Throughout the meal, Jessica sat quietly, picking at her food with little interest.

Afterwards, the group gathered in the sitting room where Jacobs pestered Stella with endless questions about Jessica’s childhood, desperate to find similarities between them.

Meanwhile, Brian and Dereck disappeared into the study for over an hour, deep in conversation.

Jessica retreated to her room to wash up and change into loungewear. With tomorrow being a day off, she messaged her team to email any urgent documents.

By the time she finished reviewing files, the clock showed 10:30 pm. As she was preparing for bed, a burst of childish giggles from downstairs caught her attention. She frowned, thinking. They’re still here?”

She headed downstairs and addressed Brian. “It’s getting late. Aren’t you two leaving?”

Dereck hesitated, clearly wanting to offer them lodging but unwilling to cross Jessica for Brian. As for Jacob. Dereck glanced at Stella, who always took

the child’s side.

“Mom, Grandma said I could sleep overs

Jacob clung to Stella’s sleeve with hopeful eyes.

“I’ll just take a guest room, Brian added smoothly.

“Our guest rooms aren’t worthy of your standards, Mr. Atkinson,” Jessica snorted. She then turned to Jacob.

Jacob immediately yawned dramatically, Grandma, I’m so sleepy”

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Chapter 81

Stella’s grandmotherly Instincts warred with love for Jessica. Just as stie reached for Jacob’s hand, Jessica intervened, steering Jacob toward bla yourselves out, Mr. Atkinson.”

Brian pressed his lips as he met Jacob’s wobbling lip. Jacob looked close to tears.

Stella watched with a heavy heart but ultimately respected Jessica’s decision. This was à matter between mother and sort. No one could interfere

Stella believed no mother could truly stop loving a child she had raised for six years.

Jacob didn’t receive the support he hoped for from his grandparents and knew better than throwing a tantrum. He sniffled and wiped his nose. “Goodnight, Grandma, Grandpa”

With perfect poise, Brian politely said goodbye to Stella and Dereck, then led his reluctant exit.

Dereck and Stella saw them at the gate. Jessica paused, then followed them out to the car. She wanted to warn Brian not to come to her home uninvited again, especially not under the illusion that things between them could change.

Before she could speak, Brian anticipated her intent. “I only brought Jake to meet his grandparents. The deflection disarmed her prepared warning

“Mom, can

1, can I visit again? I love them…” Jacob’s voice quivered. He was upset, not only was Jessica not coming home, but she wouldn’t even let him stay

with her.

Fortunately, his grandparents adored him.

Jessica looked down. “You’re welcome to see them. But

Jacob brightened for a second, but Jessica’s next words cut through his joy.

Her voice held glacial finality. “Whatever bond you build with them is separate from me. Jacob, you can’t expect me to treat you the same. I’m just ‘Mother‘ now. Not what we were.”

She would fulfill her duty as a mother, supporting Jacob financially until he grew up, but nothing more.

Jacob dropped his head. Tears rolled down and splashed onto the ground. He thought, ‘Why won’t Mom forgive me?”

Brian’s jaw tightened at Jessica’s harshness, yet remembering Jacob’s past behavior, he stayed silent. He understood exactly what Jessica hadn’t said aloud.

Without another word, Jessica turned and walked back into the house. Behind her, she could hear the car start and pull away

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