Jessica's aversion to the word "mother" was only surpassed by the repulsion she felt toward Byron for his actions. With a visible struggle to control her breath, she handed him the phone, issuing a command, "Bring Kelly back to Sunshine Bay, and I will proceed with the deal."In that critical moment, Jessica prioritized her daughter over Krista without hesitation. However, the revelation that Krista was her mother brought not joy but rather a profound mix of hatred and disgust.Meeting Jessica's unwavering gaze, Byron briefly glanced and then looked down, stating, "You know you have to make a choice."Through gritted teeth, Jessica vowed, "I will proceed with the deal, even without Kelly."Her tone left no room for doubt—she harbored intense animosity toward Krista.Following her meeting with Kathryn, an indomitable fire of loathing for Byron flared up within Jessica. Her current mindset remained an enigma, as she presented an outwardly composed demeanor while negotiating the deal
Jonathan intended to inquire whether Byron was interested in meeting Krista. However, observing Byron's behavior, he swallowed his words right back.Subsequently, Jonathan departed, leaving Byron alone in his office. The initial chill within him gradually transformed into a stifling feeling of sorrow.…Jessica left the Skyline Group and went straight to the airport. Kathryn's phone lit up with Jessica's incoming call, and she swiftly answered, "Jessica.""Kat, please help me one last time."Kathryn and Krista were together when Jessica's call came through. Frowning, Kathryn responded to Jessica's request, "You know I've got your back, always. Why the need to make it sound like this is the last time you'll ask for help?"Kathryn felt a twinge of hurt when she heard that this would be the last time Jessica asked for help. She couldn't quite pinpoint why, but she sensed Jessica's effort to avoid seeking assistance from her. Despite Jessica's attempt at independence, Kathryn belie
Krista was teary-eyed.Jessica no longer had her usual gentle demeanor. Instead, an icy and perilous air surrounded her, proving both intimidating and suffocating.Kathryn, who knew Jessica like the back of her hand, ached at the drastic change."Jessica." Kathryn walked to Jessica and took her hand."What is she doing here?" Jessica inquired, her tone chilling to the bone.Her indifference cut through Krista like a sharp blade, leaving her heart in agony.Kathryn looked at Krista. Despite Krista's trembling resolve, she stood at a distance, unsure whether to approach.Kathryn suggested, "Let's find Kelly for now."The top priority at that moment was confirming Kelly's presence in the country.Upon hearing Kathryn's words, Jessica remained silent, withdrawing her gaze before turning away.Kathryn swiftly followed her.Krista stood still, staring at the retreating figures of Kathryn and Jessica, overwhelmed by a newfound sense of hopelessness.It dawned on her that karma w
Jessica's face was as pale as a ghost. Anyone could tell how much she was suffering. Kathryn ached for her. "I think…""Kat, both you and Kelly mean the world to me. Now, Kelly is in her father's hands. I hope you will live well, okay?"Kathryn felt a pang at how Jessica expressed the significance of their relationship.As Krista approached, her heart wrenched as she overheard Jessica's words. For Jessica, Kathryn and Kelly were the most important people, leaving no room for anyone else.Jessica added, "Well, you know, some people just don't love their children. Like her!" She glanced pointedly at Krista as she spoke.Kathryn and Krista were rendered speechless. They struggled to steady their breaths. Before they could regain their composure, Jessica uttered, "We are related by blood, aren't we?"The bustling airport instantly fell into pin-drop silence. Krista glanced at Jessica, her breath catching as she struggled to compose herself. Shock constricted her eyes.Kathryn'
Regardless of Krista's disposition, it would have no impact on the situation. She nearly took Jessica's life, and Kelly ended up in a vegetative state due to her actions."You should know what she would do in times like these," Kathryn added.Krista nodded. "I know I deserve this. I should bear the consequences of my actions."Krista knew Jessica would side with Byron against her.…Upon returning to the Skyline Group, Jessica regained her composure, seamlessly slipping back into her work routine.Although Jessica seemed composed, there was a discernible change in her demeanor, indicating a certain level of emotional detachment.When Jonathan noticed Jessica had returned, he went to her. "You're back.""Yes." Jessica nodded."Mr. Byron wants to see you in his office," Jonathan informed her. Jessica took hold of her glass of water, and upon hearing Jonathan's words, her grip on the glass tightened. A noticeable chill emanated from her.In a split second, she regained her com
Now, Jessica realized that problems solvable with money were the more manageable ones. However, in her current situation, money couldn't provide a solution. Consequently, she declined Kathryn's offer to help and chose to face the challenges head-on.While Jessica grappled with her unfavorable circumstances, Tally was navigating through a set of problems of her own.Upon returning to the office after lunch with Victor, Tally discovered her desk adorned with flowers. Frowning, Tally asked Irina, "What is going on?""They are from Mr. Markus," Irina replied to Tally, struggling to contain her laughter. Her shoulders trembled from the effort.Tally's mind went blank as she stared at the colorful carnations on her desk. The previous day, Markus had caused a scene at Serenity Heights. Now, he was gifting her flowers.What was he trying to do? Having failed to win her favor, it now appeared as though he was actively wishing misfortune upon her."And you let him do this?" Tally gritted h
Tally was too furious to care. She snapped at Irina, "I don't care. Send them to him."She didn't want a direct confrontation with him, but ensuring he faced a streak of bad luck was non-negotiable.Tally couldn't let Markus cause her trouble without facing the consequences. She was determined to return him the favor.Observing Tally's anger, Irina wisely refrained from further comments. She nodded, saying, "Okay, I'll make the arrangements."The carnations were swiftly removed from the office, but their lingering scent persisted even after their removal, intensifying Tally's frustration.An hour later, Markus' office in the Skyline Group and the surrounding corridor were inundated with carnations—white and yellow, creating an eyesore.The office atmosphere transformed into an odd resemblance of a funeral parlor, leaving everyone in shock and confusion.Henry, seeing the sea of carnations, struggled to find words. "M-Mr. Markus, this…"He wanted to express something, but the wo
Markus wasn't inclined to back down or swallow his frustration over something this provocative. He didn't want to say anything else.Markus' cold and intimidating expression discouraged Henry from attempting to dissuade him. Swallowing his words, Henry turned to leave. Hesitatingly, he spoke before departing, "A-Are you sure you want to send them?""20,000 flowers!" Markus declared, leaving Henry utterly speechless. Henry had intended to seek clarification, but the shock of Markus' response silenced him, prompting a hasty exit from the office.Markus didn't know why Tally sent that many carnations over. Regardless, he couldn't bear the humiliation.Before the end of the workday, the Johnson Group found itself inundated with 20,000 carnations. The office space proved insufficient, leading the reception hall downstairs and the entrance to be submerged in a sea of flowers.Upon concluding their conversation, Tally and Sean emerged from the office. As Tally opened the door, she was