Chapter 346
Stephen returned to Rivertown a full week later.
The late-April breeze in the city carried a gentle warmth.
He was dressed in a black shirt and slacks, broad-shouldered and lean-waisted, his posture straight and composed. His sharp features held a cold detachment, and his eyes were as dark and deep as the sea at night.
But the moment he saw Tessa, all that aloofness and indifference vanished. In its place was a softness full of affection.
When Tessa saw him, she assumed he was just making another routine visit to the law firm.
“Good morning, Mr. Jacobson,” she greeted calmly.
Stephen’s gaze briefly swept over an unfamiliar face in the office. Without reacting, he looked back at her and handed over a small box.
“Tess, open it.”
The unfamiliar face was a bodyguard Samuel had hired for Tessa. She was a woman named Wynn Barrett.
Wynn had chin-length hair and sun-kissed skin that made her look strong and athletic. She stood nearly six feet tall, with a lean and toned physique. There wasn’t an ounce of excess weight on her. All of it was pure muscle, honed through years of training. Her presence alone gave off a sense of security.
Tessa had arranged for Wynn to work at the firm as her personal assistant, handling tasks outside her legal work. Her salary matched that of a professional bodyguard, set at 20 thousand dollars a month and paid from Samuel’s account.
Wynn had started at the firm five days ago and had also moved in with Tessa. For the past few days, she had followed Tessa everywhere, sharing the same schedule, meals, and apartment.
Tessa glanced at the box in Stephen’s hand. “What is it?”
“A gift I brought you.”
She turned back to her screen, fingers tapping away at the keyboard. Her expression was flat as she replied, “There’s no need.”
“You won’t even look at it?”
Stephen stepped closer to her desk, opened the box, and pulled out what was inside a beautiful silk scarf.
Tessa couldn’t help but take a second look. She had to admit that he had good taste. She really did like it.
Stephen caught the flicker of interest in her eyes and smiled faintly.
“I heard this brand is popular among women. It’s from a local designer in Arcton. You can only buy it there. A lot of women who travel there pick up one of these scarves before coming back. The moment I saw it, I thought of you.”
Tessa didn’t miss a beat. Her tone was dry as she said, “You seem to know women’s tastes quite well, Mr. Jacobson.”
Stephen answered quickly, “Nancy recommended it.”
“Oh, did she? It’s lovely, but I’ll pass. Why not give it to Nancy instead? Seems more appropriate.” Tessa’s tone cooled.
Stephen let out a quiet laugh. The
coldness in his eyes completely melted. When he looked at Tessa,
his gaze was bright and warm, almost like glass catching the light.
“Are you jealous?”
There was amusement in his voice, and Tessa immediately regretted her reaction.
Her brows knitted slightly. She lowered her voice and replied coolly, “I am not.”
Stephen looked at her closely, his tone patient and light. “Nancy’s grandfather and my grandmother are siblings. Technically, she’s my cousin. I’ll introduce you two another time.”
Tessa scoffed. “Not interested. Has nothing to do with me.”
Stephen’s smile lingered. His face, striking and elegant, softened with warmth. “Alright, alright. No introduction. You go ahead and get back to work.”
He gently placed the scarf back into the box and set it down on her desk. “Still, keep it.”
Then, he walked away.
That elegant white box remained on her desk.
After finishing her work, Tessa’s gaze drifted toward the box. She paused for a
few seconds and let out a quiet sigh.
…
After work, Tessa went out for dinner with Jasmine, Molly, and Wynn.
Every time Molly saw Wynn, she couldn’t help gushing.
“God, she’s gorgeous. Seriously, it’s unfair. Total femme fatale heartthrob. That
face? She’s got top-tier tomboy energy.”
Jasmine gave her a dramatic look of horror. “Molly, if you keep talking like that, I’m going to start questioning your orientation.”