Davis inhaled deeply, his mind swirling with conflicting thoughts. Jessica’s conclusion about Vera seemed logical. No matter how he looked at it. It was an answer made the most sense. Perhaps he had never truly known who Vera was. He didn’t dare try to defend her—he couldn’t risk losing his wife to jealousy.
He had learnt his lesson the last time it happened at the Allen family house and till the end of his life he wouldn’t dare try.
But from an objective point of view, Vera didn’t seem like the one to gain the most.
"Why do you think your answer is the correct one?" he asked, his eyes fixed on Jessica’s face watching her closely, noting the determination in her expression. His gaze shifted to her lips as she spoke, analyzing the facts.
Jessica took a deep breath explaining her reasons and beliefs of why it was that way.
"Do you understand what I’m trying to say?" Jessica asked, realizing he hadn’t responded. When she looked up, she was surprised to find his gaze lingering on her lips, lost in thought.
Realizing his distraction, she blushed and looked away. She didn’t need to guess what was going through his mind.
Noticing her sudden shyness, a smile crept onto Davis’s face. "What are you thinking?" he teased.
"Mr. Allen, haven’t you heard that you shouldn’t mix business with pleasure?" she asked, slightly annoyed. "You’ll be the death of me," she murmured under her breath.
"Sorry," he replied with a smirk. "But I only have my wife with me right now, so it’s pleasure, not business."
He had to admit—she had the kind of charm that could shatter his principles.
Back in the day, even up until the time of the accident, he had always been proud of his self-control. But having her around changed everything.
"So," he said, regaining composure, "can you continue with your analysis?"
"Davis, are you trying to test my patience?" she shrieked playfully.
"I’m sorry, okay?" he said, but what came next shattered any seriousness. "Would a kiss make up for it?"
She shot him a glare but proceeded with her analysis.
"Well," she continued, regaining her focus, "I said Vera being seated as Vice president since Elder Allen let her continue to control it and couldn’t revoke it—might be the biggest beneficiary. Without the shares, Aaron is stuck. And with the scandal, Desmond is out of the way."
Davis nodded thoughtfully. "Any other angle?"
Jessica picked up her cup and drank her tea, glancing at her phone as a notification came in. She paused, then looked back at him.
"Another possibility is someone else planted the girl—to get the agreement and force Desmond into a corner," she said.
Davis smiled. "You’re right. That’s even more likely. Or perhaps they worked together—it’s a win-win situation."
Jessica shrugged and opened the message. Her face lit up as she dialed a number.
"Sister-in-law!" Bella’s cheerful voice rang out.
Jessica smiled. Though she would’ve preferred being called ’sister,’ Bella was the sentimental type who liked to acknowledge relationships formally.
"Yes, how are you doing?" Jessica asked warmly.
The two chatted for quite a while. When the call finally ended, Davis’s face had darkened with jealousy.
Jessica noticed his expression and grinned teasingly. She rose from her seat and slowly approached him.
She approached him slowly, gently placing her hand on his cheek. "It was just a short call. Are you seriously jealous because I gave my attention to your sister?" she teased.
"It was far too long," he grumbled.
Jessica sighed. "One day, someone will want to pocket me and keep me all to himself."
"You’re right," he replied seriously. "And I don’t mind being that person." Then, he kissed her lightly.
Just as he was about to speak again, a knock came at the door.
Jessica opened it and ushered Ethan in. "Make yourself comfortable," she said.
Ethan nodded and poured himself a cup of tea.
"Let’s get ready—we’ll be on our way soon," Davis said.
While Jessica was inside getting changed, Ethan updated Davis on some new developments.
Jessica stepped out wearing a simple outfit: plain jeans, a polo shirt, and canvas shoes. She always believed in keeping things simple.
"I’m all set," she announced.
The two men turned to look at her and nodded in approval.
"Alright," Davis said, moving into his wheelchair. Ethan took the handle. Jessica locked the door behind them as they headed out, chatting quietly.
As they made their way through the hotel lounge toward the entrance, a young man rushed past them. Something about the sight of Davis made him stop in his tracks. He turned around slowly, looking at the trio.
He watched as Davis, seated in a wheelchair, laughed with the lady beside him.
He hesitated, then decided to take a chance.
"Davis?" he called out.
Davis’s body tensed. His hand stopped midair, his smile faltering. That voice—it was too familiar.
Slowly, he turned to meet the gaze of the caller.
Alex stood frozen. His lips trembled. It was Davis—his long-lost friend. For over a year, he had searched for him. It was as if he had vanished into thin air.
He stepped forward slowly. "Davis... you’re alive?" he asked, voice filled with emotion.
"What could possibly happen to me?" Davis replied with a light chuckle.
"Your legs?" Alex asked, glancing down.
"Fine and kicking," Davis said, smirking. Though he’d prepared for this moment, he didn’t expect it to happen so soon or this way.
Jessica, sensing the emotional shift, gently placed a hand on his shoulder in silent support.
Alex looked around, then asked, "Can we sit and talk? Or are you in a hurry?"
"In a hurry," Davis said simply.
"Remember the old house?" Alex asked. "Visit tonight. The guys will be there."
Davis raised an eyebrow. "You think I won’t be a burden?" he asked, half-joking.
"Burden, my foot," Alex laughed.
They exchanged contact details.
"We’re all waiting," Alex said, walking away. "I’ll send a message to the group. Don’t forget—we want you there."