The room was brightly lit as if it were daytime. Outside the window, snowflakes began to fall, drifting silently in the quiet atmosphere.

Tessa sat on the bed, holding her phone and making a call. She lowered her gaze

to her toes and said, “I… I had a disagreement with Stephen.”

She was reluctant to say they had broken up. In her heart, she and Stephen merely quarreled.

Naomi replied, “Oh, is that all? I thought something serious had happened. It’s just a lovers’ spat. Don’t worry, all couples argue. For New Year’s Eve, I’ll have my brother invite Stephen over. We’ll get together and create an opportunity for you two to be alone. No conflict can’t be resolved with a hug and a kiss.”

Naomi paused, then added with a mischievous grin, “And if that doesn’t work, you know what to do. Go all out, and all your problems will disappear.”

Naomi had always been this uninhibited, speaking without filters and rarely being serious. Although Tessa knew this was just her carefree personality, she still blushed at her friend’s shameless words.

Seeing Tessa remain silent, Naomi said, “Don’t be embarrassed. Men like that sort of thing. You can’t reason with them. They prefer a more direct approach.”

Tessa reluctantly listened to Naomi’s relationship advice for about ten minutes. After hanging up, her mind was filled with indescribable images.

Indeed, Tessa shouldn’t have mentioned her situation with Stephen to Naomi.

At night, Tessa couldn’t sleep. She tossed and turned in bed, unable to drift off. Thus, she decided to review all the recent events in her mind.

She concluded that Stephen must have suggested breaking up to protect the Yates family from

James. Once Stephen dealt with net

James she and Stephen would likely reconcile. Tessa could pretend not to know about this and act unfamiliar with Stephen in public while still maintaining private contact. swnovel

Tessa wanted to call Stephen and speak with him. She really missed him and wanted to hear his voice. However, seeing it was already 2:30 am, she decided against it.

Stephen had been busy and tired lately, and Tessa didn’t want to disturb his rest. She’d call tomorrow instead.

Tessa sent Naomi a message

instead. “Let’s not arrange to meet

Stephen for New Year’s. Things between us are a bit complicated. I’ll explain in detail next time we meet. It’s not convenient for us to see each other right now.” swnovel

…

The next morning, Stephen informed Ralph that he had already broken up with Tessa. Ralph arranged for an elaborate gift, then gathered Caleb and his wife to accompany him and Stephen to the hospital to apologize to Samuel formally. swnovel

The Jacobson family’s housekeepers neatly arranged the lavish gifts, premium health supplements, and fresh fruit before silently exiting Samuel’s hospital ward.

Many people crowded around Samuel’s bed. Aside from Rowena, who was recovering from a cold and unable to leave the house, everyone from the Jacobson family was present.

Ralph was the first to speak. “Samuel, I heard you were injured. I requested permission to return to Rivertown so I could visit you in person. I hope you recover soon.”

Ralph commanded power and respect even from Rivertown’s top officials. Yet here he was, speaking with such humility, completely devoid of any air of superiority.

Samuel was taken aback by Ralph’s humility. He hurriedly propped himself up on the bed, leaning against the headboard. His expression carried a hint of unease.

“Mr. Jacobson Senior, you’re too kind. It’s nothing serious. There was no need for you to go to all this trouble.”