Chapter 368 Turned Around and Hugged the Person Inside
"It was nothing. I just chose a basic major to get a diploma," Jessica said, not even looking at Mr. Lawrence, clearly not wanting to chat.
Mr. Lawrence didn't mind and turned to talk with Donald about their company's plan to update equipment in over five thousand convenience stores next year, which would be open for bidding.
This piqued Donald's interest since the Jenner family a major player in the supermarket electronic equipment market.
Prompted by Donald, Daniel joined the conversation with Mr. Lawrence. Jessica remained silent, understanding that Donald wanted her to know about the Jenner family's current situation. She got the hint but didn't join in.
Mr. Lawrence then asked if she was interested in business.
"Not interested," Jessica replied bluntly.
Mr. Lawrence saw Daniel as a spoiled trust fund kid. Although he wanted to collaborate with the Jenners, he hesitated because of Daniel. Now, focusing on Jessica, he brought up his bidding plan again. Jessica realized Donald hadn't given up on bringing her back into the Jenner family.
"I heard you are usually very busy with work, Ms. Jenner. Work-life balnce is very important to a lady at your age," Mr. Lawrence smiled at her.
"Since you heard about me before, you must know something about me," Jessica finally looked at him, her eyes devoid of emotions. "You should also know I'm married, have kids, and am a mother. I am not a young lady as your thought."
"The language and culture are deep, and I haven't mastered all the terms. If I was inappropriate, please forgive me. I hope to learn from Mrs. Jenner in the future."
"Your English is quite good. Some phrases, I might not even say better than you. I wouldn't dare to teach you," Jessica said, having drunk most of her water but not eaten a bite.
The lemon water had ice in it. She was just thirsty, but after drinking it, her stomach hurt worse than in the morning.
The waiter brought the dishes and then took them away almost untouched, as everyone was just chatting.
Jessica listened without much interest. Although others occasionally tried to include her in the conversation, she responded coldly and briefly. Eventually, they stopped trying to engage her, avoiding the awkwardness.
The final dessert was Mont Blanc, with a rich chestnut cream flavor. But the strong sweet smell made Jessica's stomach churn more. Not wanting to join their conversation, she picked up a fork as if to eat but didn't take a bite.
She sat under the restaurant's romantic lights, and no one noticed her changing complexion or her increasingly pale face.
Finally unable to bear it any longer, she put down her fork and sent a WhatsApp message to Zoey, asking her to call. Using the call as an excuse, she left the restaurant.
It was pouring rain outside, and she didn't have an umbrella. Seeing her heading to the hotel across the street, the restaurant staff quickly brought her one. Jessica took it, but the wind and rain were so strong that she got soaked even with the umbrella by the time she reached the hotel.
Handing the umbrella to the hotel doorman, he noticed her pale face and asked, "Miss, are you alright? Do you need a doctor?"
Jessica didn't realize she looked that bad.
She shook her head and, half-soaked, entered the elevator. Her stomach hurt so much that she just wanted to lie in a hot bath to ease the pain, not wanting to go anywhere or see anyone.
The 22nd floor wassomewhere in the middle, and the elevator ride took less than a minute.
But the pain made the minute feel like an eternity. Jessica leaned against the mirrored wall of the elevator, pressing her stomach, her lips pale, and a thin layer of sweat forming on her forehead from the pain.
When the elevator finally reached the 22nd floor, she walked out, each step making her stomach feel like it was being twisted by a knife.
As she barelymade it out of the elevator, a hotel staff member saw her and quickly approached, "Miss, do you need help?"
Jessica shook her head, clutching her stomach and slowly moving towards her room, "No, I am good."
The staff member looked at her pale face, wanting to help but hesitated, seeing her frown and obvious discomfort.
Jessica walked along the wall, and as she neared her room, she heard the door open. She paused, leaning against the wall, clutching her stomach, and came face to face with Gabriel, who had just stepped out.
Gabriel saw her pale face and his gaze fell on her hand pressing her stomach.
Jessica instinctively removed her hand, trying to stand straight as if nothing was wrong, but the pain made her gasp, betraying her condition. She tried to walk away, but the pain made her break into a cold sweat, and she quickly pressed her hand back to her stomach, biting her lip and trying to move away from him.
But as she turned, Gabriel's arm blocked her, and his voice sounded above her, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
Jessica closed her eyes, trying to avoid him, but Gabriel turned her back to face him, and before she could tell him to let go, she felt herself being lifted as Gabriel picked her up.
Jessica gasped in pain, not daring to struggle, and looked at him, "What are you doing?"
"Calling a doctor," Gabriel said to the hotel staff who had been standing by. His expression was cold as if discussing something trivial, but his hand held Jessica firmly as he carried her inside.
