The housekeeper saw Tessa’s red, swollen eyes, and her expression changed. “Ms. Yates, what happened?”

Tessa gently shook her head and said with a choked voice, “I’m fine.”

The housekeeper looked worried. “Do you need me to contact Mr. Jacobson?”

It was an unintentional slip, but it still stung.

Tessa forced a weak smile-one that looked even worse than crying. She tried to sound composed. “I’m really fine. I guess I just haven’t adjusted to this place yet. And I’ve been worried about my father’s condition. I couldn’t hold back my emotions. You don’t need to worry about me.”

The housekeeper wasn’t aware that Samuel was hospitalized, so she didn’t press further. She said, “It’s good that you’re all right. You scared me for a moment. I thought something had happened.

“Mr. Jacobson specifically told me that if you need anything, you should reach out to him anytime. Even if it’s just about meals or trouble sleeping, he wants to know.”

Tessa was stunned. “He really said that?”

The housekeeper smiled and replied, “Of course, Ms. Yates. It’s obvious how much Mr. Jacobson cares about you.”

Tessa remained silent.

The housekeeper continued, “You should rest. If you get hungry later, just let me know, and I’ll prepare something for you.”

“There’s no need to trouble yourself. I won’t be eating tonight. Once you’re done with your work, you should rest.”

The housekeeper hesitated. “Mr. Jacobson gave strict instructions to take good care of you. I’m staying in

the room diagonally across from yours. Just knock if you need anything.” “Alright.”

…

James lounged on the couch in a secluded villa, arms resting on the backrest, long legs crossed in a casual yet commanding posture. Though he appeared relaxed, his eyes gleamed with a dangerous light.

Gritting his teeth, he asked, “Are you telling me that the three of you couldn’t handle Stephen, even when he had a woman with him?”

The injured man trembled slightly while kneeling on the floor. His head and arm were wrapped in bandages because of the wounds from the afternoon chase. He was the one driving the Aston Martin, hunting Stephen down.

Stephen fired a bullet that pierced his arm. When his car crashed into the

guardrail, his head struck hard enough to knock him unconscious.

After being rushed to the hospital and barely pulled back from the brink of death, he hadn’t even taken time to recover. Instead, he yanked out his IV and came straight to James’ villa to report. swnovel

His face was deathly pale, but it was uncertain whether it was due to his injuries

or sheer fear. His voice quivered as he answered, “Y-Yes.”

James narrowed his eyes and hissed, “And there’s still no sign of the two useless fools?”

Just then, Liam leaned down and whispered into James’ ear, “We just got a call. The police have found Charles’ and Jack’s bodies.”

Jack was the mercenary from Arcton who had fired the heavy rifle, while Charles was one of Liam’s assassins from Orkford.

Both had been in the Porsche. After

it veered off the road and

plummeted off the cliff, their

chances of survival had been

Vel

nonexistent. It wasn’t surprising that

the police had retrieved their

corpses.

swnovel

However, Jack had still been holding his gun when he fell. So, the weapon was

now in police custody.

That complicated things.

James’ gaze turned ice-cold and merciless. Without warning, he,

kicked the injured man before net

with brutal force, uncaring of how badly he was already hurt. swnovel

“You’re not needed anymore. Get out.”

That night, Tessa received a call from Naomi.

“New Year’s is just a few days away! Got any plans?”

Tessa instinctively glanced at her phone’s calendar. It was 28th December already.

“No plans.” Her voice was still hoarse after crying for so long that afternoon.

Naomi replied in surprise, “What happened? Why does your voice sound so rough?”

“I’m fine. It’s just a slight cold.”

Naomi didn’t suspect anything was wrong. “Oh, okay. So, how are you spending New Year’s Eve? With your dear Stephen, or with me and Sienna?”

Upon hearing Stephen’s name, Tessa’s chest tightened, and she felt the sting of tears again.

“He and I…”

“Hmm? You and him what?”