Stephen’s dark eyes were clouded and intense, his voice low and heavy.

“Tessa, you really don’t understand men. The way Lester looks at you-he isn’t even trying to hide how he feels. Can’t you see what he’s thinking?”

Tessa suddenly let out a soft laugh. She looked at him like he was speaking complete nonsense.

She shot back with biting sarcasm, “You’re right. I don’t understand men. That’s why I believed my ex when he said that as long as I never mentioned breaking up, he would never leave me first. And when we did split up, he laughed and told me that only a fool would believe something that childish.”

Stephen froze. Weren’t they just talking about Lester? How did the conversation suddenly flip to him?

Those words were exactly what he had said to her the day they broke up. He remembered how devastated she had been. And honestly, it had not hurt her any more than it had hurt him.

Saying those cruel, calculated things had nearly gutted him.

The jealousy in Stephen’s chest instantly melted away, replaced by a crushing weight of regret and sorrow.

His gaze dropped, dark and tormented. His voice turned hoarse. “Tess, I had my reasons for saying those things. That wasn’t how I really felt.”

Tessa gave a cold laugh. “Which part? The part where you promised you would never leave me unless I asked for it? That wasn’t real?”

She scoffed.”You don’t need to repeat it. I got the message loud and clear.”

“No. That’s not what I meant. You know that’s not it. Tess, I’ve only ever had you in my heart. My feelings for you have never changed.” Stephen took a quick step forward, placing both hands on her shoulders.

“Enough. Saying all this now doesn’t change anything. I have other things to do. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” Her eyes were like ice. She turned and pulled open the car door.

“Tess, just listen to me.” Stephen tried to block the door with his hand.

Tessa shoved him back, got inside, and slammed it shut with a sharp thud.

As her car pulled away, Lester finally strolled over.

Clearly enjoying the show, he clicked his tongue twice and smirked.

“Didn’t I tell you, Mr. Jacobson? People who’ve been hurt once don’t usually give

the same person a second chance to do it again.”

Stephen shot him a glare, sharp and cold. “I’ll earn that chance myself Didn’t you hear? Tess has no

romantic interest in you,ver.

in

I suggest you give up.”

Lester did not even flinch. The smile his face as his eyes

vel.nee

“She doesn’t-for

But who knows about the f

…

The next day, Tessa received a delivery of two jewelry sets. They were a pair of

sapphire earrings and a jade bracelet.

They were brought over by Stephen’s assistant, Samson.

He handed them over with a respectful tone. “Ms. Yates, Mr. Jacobson left for Arcton early this morning. Before boarding, he made it clear that these were to be delivered directly to you.”

Stephen had gone to Arcton? Was it to deal with James’ situation?

Tessa glanced at the jewelry and replied flatly, “Take them back. I don’t want them.”

Samson looked troubled. “Ms. Yates, please. Mr. Jacobson said if these get returned, I might as well hand in my resignation to HR.”

Tessa stood speechless for a moment, caught off guard. Stephen really knew how to pull the guilt card.

Samson looked completely pitiful, as if his entire life depended on this delivery. His eyes held a pleading sincerity.

“Please, Ms. Yates. I have a family to support. I really can’t afford to lose this job.”

“Fine. Just leave them there.” Tessa sighed, exasperated.

She did not want to make life harder for someone just doing their job.

“Thank you. Thank you so much. I’ll leave you to it, then.” Samson beamed.

Tessa nodded. “Sure.”

After he left, she looked down at the delicate, gleaming jewelry and let out a long, helpless sigh.