Chapter 347 Jessica's Choice
Jack replied, "Not exactly, but looking around, the Haugen family has a ton of money and can definitely help the group get through this mess. And not every group has that kind of backup."
Jessica thought of Quentin, clinging to the last bit of hope, "The Taft family has been around for a century and has deep roots. If he helps, can the Walton Group bounce back?"
"The Taft Group has been expanding like crazy the past couple of years, so their funds are pretty tight. Unless they throw everything they've got into helping, which is obviously not gonna happen. Even if Quentin agrees, Mrs. Harris would never go for it."
"Okay, I get it."
After hanging up the phone, Jessica's heart was pounding with anxiety. Did the Walton family really have no other options besides the Haugen family's help?
"Babies." Jessica touched her belly, feeling completely lost. "What should I do?"
In the evening, when Gabriel came back, Jessica noticed the worry lines on his forehead had gotten deeper. Even though he tried to hide it, she could totally see it.
After dinner, Gabriel kissed Jessica on the forehead and said, "You and the baby should go to bed early tonight, don't wait up for me."
"Okay, you should also take care of yourself and not work too late," Jessica replied. But how could she sleep?
She waited for Gabriel, but even by midnight, he hadn't come back to the room. Jessica decided to make a cup of coffee to bring to the study for him.
As she got closer to the study, she heard voices inside.
"Gabriel, don't put so much pressure on yourself. If you collapse, what will happen to me, the group, Jessica, and the baby?" Danielle said.
"Mom, I'm sorry. I always thought I was a genius, taking over the group at a young age and leading the Walton Group to its peak. But I never thought it would come to this," Gabriel confessed.
Danielle hugged him and sighed, her voice calm. "Gabriel, no one's life is smooth. You're only thirty, you'll face some setbacks and difficulties. Your grandpa went through even tougher times when he started the group, but he made it through. I believe he will bless you from heaven."
Despite her reassuring words, Gabriel still couldn't get over it. He hugged Danielle and suddenly, like a child, began to sob softly. "Mom, what if I fail? Will I ruin everything Grandpa worked for his whole life?"
His words were soft, but they hit Jessica's heart like a ton of bricks.
Danielle gently stroked his hair and said softly, "Gabriel, even if you fail, you have the courage and ability to start over."
"Mom, thank you, but please don't tell Jessica about this for now."
"Okay, I understand."
Jessica couldn't listen any longer. Her heart racing, she quietly retreated back to the bedroom, unable to calm down.
Before this, she always had a bit of hope, hoping the Walton Group would have many changes. But reality showed her no mercy. It seemed she had no choice but to leave.
The next day was the anniversary of her mother's death. Jessica got up early, tied her hair into a bun, and wore a beige coat.
This was her mother's favorite outfit when Jessica was little. She wanted to wear it in honor of her mother.
Jessica took her mom's favorite jasmine flowers and placed them in front of her grave.
"Mom, it's Jessica. I've got some good news." She gently placed her hand on her belly with a faint smile. "Mom, I'm pregnant. It's Gabriel's child."
"You're going to be a grandmother. And guess what? It's twins."
"But I might not be able to marry him. The Walton Group is in crisis, and the only way I can help is by leaving."
"Grandpa was so good to me, I can't just stay with Gabriel and feel at ease while the group falls apart."
"How can I be happy if my happiness comes at the cost of the entire Walton Group?"
"Mom, you'll support me, right? Even though it's painful, seeing him and the Walton Group doing well, and having such adorable babies, how could I ask for more, right?"
After saying this, Jessica sat in front of Giselle's grave for a long, long time.
As she was leaving the cemetery, Jessica saw a familiar car. Just as she was about to approach, she saw Gabriel stepping out of the car.
Seeing him, Jessica quickened her pace, looking at him in surprise, "Why are you here?"
Without a word, Gabriel pulled her into his arms.
"Sorry, I'm late. Today is the anniversary of Mom's death. I knew you'd be here."
"It's okay, Mom wasn't narrow-minded. When you have time, you can come with me again."
Jessica's explanation made Gabriel feel a bit better.
As soon as they got in the car, her phone dinged with a message from an unknown number.
[Ms. Morgan, you have two days to consider.]
The message was from Chelsea.
Two days—forty-eight hours.
Jessica used to think a day was long, but now, time seemed to fly like an arrow. Too fast—she hadn't even figured out how to say goodbye.
"Gabriel, where are you going later? Back to the group?" Jessica asked, looking at him. "I've been feeling a lot better lately, and I've been bored these days. Let me go to the group and spend more time with you, okay?"
Gabriel held her hand. "I'd be happy to have you there, but I'm worried it might tire you out."
Jessica smiled and assured him. "It won't. Isn't there a lounge in your office? I'll sleep there if I get tired."
"Okay."
Though she was happy with Gabriel's agreement, she couldn't help but think, 'With only two days left, how could I bear to sleep?'
In the office, the midday sun was particularly brigh, sneaking through the window and casting light on his clear and defined profile. He lowered his head, browsed through documents with his fingers moving quickly, occasionally frowning, and sometimes picking up a pen to make notes. Seeing this, Jessica's heart stirred. She got up and ran out of the office.
About half an hour later, she returned. She was carrying a bunch of things.
Gabriel curiously walked over, "What did you buy?"
Jessica immediately hid the things behind her, her face smiling. "You'll see, go back to work."
Gabriel grabbed her and kissed her hard before letting her go, just as Oscar was about to enter. Seeing this scene, Oscar quickly backed out.
He cautiously spoke at the door, "Mr. Walton, Mr. Haugen is here and waiting in the conference room."
'Mr. Haugen? Chelsea's grandfather?' Jessica wondered.
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