Chapter 277: Held Tight in His Arms
Jennifer had a solid design education and six years of experience, so she breezed through the first interview.
Still, when the Valence Group's HR called, she felt relieved. "I'll be there for the second interview on time."
She'd been worried Christopher might cut her from the running.
Jennifer wasn't thrilled about applying to Valence Group, but the pay and benefits were unbeatable, and the job fit her perfectly.
Right now, she needed money. Christopher had already arranged for Daniel to cover her mom's surgery and hospital bills.
But with heart disease, the recovery would be long and expensive.
She hoped Christopher, as president, wouldn't care about this position.
After the call, Jennifer went back to her mom's hospital room. Cynthia Chambers, just waking up, looked worried. "Jennifer, I'm such a burden."
"Mom, don't say that." Jennifer felt a lump in her throat, looked down, blinked, and choked up. "You raised me without ever thinking I was a burden. Why say this now?"
Cynthia held her hand, hesitated, then asked, "Tell me the truth, where did the money for the surgery come from? How did you get so much money suddenly?"
"Mom!"
Jennifer caught the concern in Cynthia's voice, lifted her head, and said earnestly, "Don't worry, I didn't do anything wrong! I just met a generous person willing to help."
In a way, Christopher was indeed a good person willing to help her.
Otherwise, Jennifer might not even have the chance to reassure Cynthia now.
"Really?" Cynthia asked.
Jennifer nodded vigorously. "Trust me."
"That's good."
Cynthia sighed in relief. "So who is he?"
Jennifer tucked the blanket around Cynthia and smiled. "He's a very impressive person."
Someone completely different from her.
After setting up the office, I dove into design drafts, keeping busy for days.
Jerry came by for breakfast every day and visited after work.
Elissa couldn't handle our constant PDA and finally had enough. "I'm moving out this afternoon."
"Moving out?" I was stunned. "Where to?"
"I bought a house nearby. I wanted to surprise you." Elissa glanced at Jerry. "Mr. Hammer, you've been dying for me to leave, haven't you?"
I glared at Jerry and looked back at Elissa. "Don't mind him, Elissa. I can't live without you."
"Then choose," Elissa said, putting down her sandwich, crossing her arms, and joking, "Me or your boyfriend? If you pick me, I won't move."
"Why make it hard for Hope?" Jerry smiled lazily. Seeing me glare at him, he raised an eyebrow and said, "How much for the house? I'll cover it."
Elissa's eyes lit up. "Seriously?"
Jerry raised his chin. "Ask Hope, when have I ever lied?"
"Okay, I'm moving!" Elissa didn't even finish her breakfast and jumped up. "Mr. Hammer, you're so generous. Thanks a lot."
"No need to thank me," Jerry said with a smirk. "Consider it an early wedding gift for you and Francis."
I was shocked. "You and Francis? What's going on?"
How did I not know about this?
Elissa cleared her throat. "It's not what you think."
She hadn't succeeded in pursuing him.
Jerry got it. "Francis is a tough one, huh?"
Elissa asked, "Did he tell you that?"
Jerry smiled. "Jared came over last night and spilled everything."
Elissa closed her eyes. "There's nothing between us; I've made that clear."
I caught the key point. "So, there is something between you and Francis?"
Elissa scratched her head and sat back down. "Right now, I'm pursuing him."
"You guys talk; I'm heading to the office." Jerry gave us some space, kissed me on the forehead, grabbed his car keys, and left.
Elissa glared at his retreating figure. "Not only did you steal Hope from me, but you have to be so lovey-dovey in front of me every day!"
Jerry closed the door, and she said angrily.
I chuckled and just stared at her. "Do you really like Francis?"
"Not really." With Jerry gone, Elissa was more honest. "It's more of a rebellious impulse; the more he pulls away, the more I want to chase him."
"Anyway..." I thought of her past and said seriously, "As long as you're happy, go for it."
Elissa was curious. "Aren't you worried that if things go south between Francis and me, it will affect you and Jerry?"
After all, they had been best friends since childhood.
"Why worry?" I grinned. "Jerry values love even more than I do."
No matter what, Jerry would always prioritize me.
Elissa didn't wait until the afternoon; she moved out right after lunch.
I helped her, and after seeing the house was fully furnished, I rushed back home to focus on my design drafts.
Jacquar's headquarters had started recruiting for the branch office.
Once this busy period was over and Keith had enough staff, I could go back to focusing solely on custom designs and finally catch a break.
In the evening, as the golden sunset poured in, I realized my neck was sore. Just as I was about to stretch, someone pulled me into an embrace.
Jerry's hand landed on the back of my neck. "Feeling sore, huh?"
My body relaxed, and I looked up at him. "Why are you back so early?"
I didn't move, just let him hold me, enjoying Jerry's unskilled massage.
Jerry rubbed his chin against the top of my head, his voice tender. "I missed you, so I came back early."
He took a couple of steps back, sat on the sofa, and pulled me onto his lap, holding me quietly and patiently massaging my neck. The position was intimate.
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