Chapter 617 Jacob: I Did It for Serafina 2
Sunlight filtered through the narrow barred window, casting dappled shadows across her body and bringing a hint of warmth.
But this only made Jacob's indifference more pronounced.
Chloe knew in her heart that he was willing to let her off the hook because of Serafina—because he and Serafina were returning to Evergreen City together.
Sparing her was merely a trivial gesture for him, while he and Serafina had a lifetime of happiness ahead.
Happiness.
Yes, they would be happy.
Chloe looked up at Jacob. He remained as calm as still water, his deep eyes watching her without a trace of emotion, as if she were just another business matter to handle.
Right. He had just said it—this was merely a transaction.
Chloe smiled softly.
That faint smile held a sense of release. A man who didn't love her wasn't worth her devotion, much less worth destroying her life over.
Fortunately, it wasn't too late. She could no longer practice law, but the Moore family's wealth and connections remained. She still had plenty of good years ahead—she could still have a brilliant life.
"Alright."
Chloe wiped away her tears. From this moment on, she would never shed another tear for Jacob.
A settlement agreement was delivered to Chloe's lawyer.
This left the attorney stunned.
Jacob of the Windsor Group in Evergreen City was notorious for his ruthlessness. For such a serious matter, he had actually signed a settlement agreement—it was truly unbelievable.
The lawyer examined it repeatedly, finally confirming it was Jacob's authentic signature.
As Jacob was leaving, Chloe suddenly called out to him.
He turned to face her. Chloe's lips trembled for a long moment before she finally managed to squeeze out the words, "Goodbye, Jacob."
Jacob's expression remained impassive.
After a long silence, just as she thought he wouldn't respond and was about to leave, he spoke, "Goodbye, Chloe."
With that, Jacob walked away without looking back.
Five minutes later, he settled into the black sedan when his phone rang from his coat pocket.
Jacob glanced at it—Chloe's father was calling.
He knew why Chloe's father was calling at this moment: undoubtedly to thank him for sparing Chloe.
Jacob had no interest in hearing those hollow pleasantries. He hadn't forgiven Chloe, nor could he.
He was letting her go only because Serafina had softened—he didn't want Serafina living with guilt for the rest of her life, so he had signed the settlement agreement.
He didn't answer. The phone continued ringing for a long time.
After several minutes, Chloe's father finally stopped calling. The car fell silent again as Jacob leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes to rest.
When he returned to Serafina's apartment, the family was about to have dinner.
Seeing him arrive, the housekeeper added another place setting, deliberately placing it next to Serafina's, saying cheerfully, "From today on, everything will be peaceful and harmonious."
Jacob removed his coat, draping it over his chair back.
He sat beside Serafina, glancing at her first before instructing the housekeeper, "I noticed there's still a bottle of wine in the cabinet. Please open it—I'd like a glass."
Before the housekeeper could respond, Oliver scolded, "You just got out of the hospital—are you trying to kill yourself?"
Sarah was equally concerned.
Though Serafina said nothing, she gently grasped Jacob's hand under the table, silently expressing her opposition.
Jacob turned to look at her, not only failing to pull away but actually taking her hand in return, playing with it gently as his voice carried a husband's tenderness, "I'm celebrating today—just a little."
What could Serafina say to that?
Oliver simply gave up, instructing the housekeeper to bring out four wine glasses, pouring half a glass for everyone to celebrate Jacob's discharge and toast to the family's reunion.
He only regretted that Jacob's condition wouldn't allow him to drink more—otherwise, tonight he and his son would drink until dawn, because he was overjoyed.
What could be more gratifying than his children's happiness?
Both Jacob and Nicole had found their place in life. Elliot shouldn't be a problem, leaving only Diana overseas to worry about. They hadn't even notified her about Jacob's serious injury this time.
After finishing his glass of wine, Oliver thought, 'In another year, Diana should return!'
Jacob drained his glass completely. His face flushed slightly as he squeezed Serafina's fingertips, murmuring, "This little bit of wine won't hurt me."
When he first took over the Windsor Group, there were countless unavoidable social obligations and drinks. He couldn't count how many nights he had gotten blackout drunk.
Serafina hesitated, wanting to speak.
But with Oliver and Sarah present, and considering she and Jacob weren't properly married, she really couldn't say much.
Her thoughts didn't escape Jacob's notice. He handed his empty glass to the housekeeper with a gentle smile. "Any more and Serafina will be upset."
This comment both claimed intimacy and showed Serafina respect.
The housekeeper smiled as she collected the glass.
After dinner and a brief rest, the Windsor family prepared to return to Evergreen City.
When Jacob followed Serafina to the bedroom, he expected to need some persuasion—after all, women were naturally reserved.
But to his surprise, upon entering the room, he saw two suitcases packed neatly, mostly filled with Abigail's belongings. Her diapers alone took up half a suitcase.
A surge of overwhelming joy flooded Jacob's heart.
This happiness was even more intense than when he first married Serafina.
He couldn't help but embrace Serafina's waist, murmuring, "You're really coming with me?"
Serafina, still holding clothes in her hands, said quietly, "If you'd rather not, I can unpack right now. You can always fly to Crystal City when you want to see Abigail."
Jacob's hand gave a gentle pat.
It was affectionate yet carried the playful intimacy of married couples. Serafina couldn't help but cry out softly, but Jacob silenced her with a kiss.
After a thorough embrace, he pressed his forehead against hers. "I just can't believe you'd forgive me so easily, that you'd come back with me so readily. Is it because of what happened that night? Because we slept together again?"
His words were so explicit that Serafina couldn't bear it.
She pushed him away with a woman's proper reserve.
Having come this far, Jacob wasn't about to let go.
His long-deprived body naturally craved intimacy, but Serafina, concerned about his health, refused to comply no matter how he coaxed and pleaded.
Just as they were entangled, Oliver's voice came from outside, "Jacob, has Serafina agreed?"
Oliver was asking about returning to Evergreen City.
Jacob looked down at Serafina's flushed face, his mind wandering as he deliberately misinterpreted, "Not yet—I'm still persuading her."
Oliver cursed, "Useless fool."
Jacob held Serafina close, his voice carrying a seductive tone, "Mrs. Windsor, would you like to give it a try?"