Chapter 322 Is Miss Wilson Satisfied?
Jasper's brow furrowed as he stared at Stella, a face he once loved but now only brought turmoil.
"Jasper!" Stella cried, clutching his pant leg. "I don't want a divorce! Please, don't do this!"
"After all these years," she choked out, "can you really just let go?"
Jasper sighed, closing his eyes. "This wasn't an easy decision, Stella. I've been struggling with it for a long time."
He had questioned himself countless times: should he keep going? Stella had become someone he barely recognized, someone he disliked. No matter how many chances he gave her, she refused to change.
Should he keep trying? Should he keep making excuses for her, as Adeline suggested?
"Jasper," Stella sobbed, her breath hitching. "You're all I have!"
"Please, don't do this to me!" she begged. "I never cared how badly you treated me before; I loved you with all my heart."
"Why won't you give me a chance now?"
"Jasper," she pleaded, her grip weakening. "Just one chance. I promise, I'll be different, I'll be good."
"You and Adeline can do whatever you want, I won't interfere. I'll even apologize to her, get on my knees and beg for her forgiveness!"
"Just please, don't divorce me. Don't push me away."
Her desperate pleas tore at Jasper's heart. He closed his eyes, a heavy silence settling before he finally spoke, his voice resigned.
"Stella, just sign the papers."
"It's just a formality," he continued. "As long as we don't file it officially, we're still married."
"If you can truly change, if you stop these tactics with my female employees..."
"I'll tear up the agreement."
Stella's eyes shot up to his, searching his face. "You promise?"
Looking at the woman he once loved more than anything, Jasper couldn't be cruel.
"I promise."
Stella stared at him, seeing a flicker of hesitation in his eyes.
She knew the truth. Once she signed the papers, any misstep would be the end. There would be no coming back.
But refusing to sign would only solidify his resentment.
With a resigned sigh, Stella bit her lip and reached for the pen. Pulling the divorce agreement closer, she signed her name without hesitation.
Her swiftness caught Jasper off guard. He had braced for a fight, for more hysterics. Her earlier breakdown convinced him she wouldn't let go easily.
Yet, here she was, letting go with unexpected resolve.
After signing, she handed him the papers. "Jasper, I know I was wrong. This was all my fault."
"I'll go with you to apologize to Adeline. I'll accept any punishment you see fit."
"You're right," she said, regaining some composure. "Given our history, even if I sign this, you wouldn't actually file for divorce unilaterally, would you?"
Meeting her tear-stained gaze, Jasper took the agreement from her trembling hand.
"Stella," he began, his voice firm yet sad. "My decision to divorce you comes from deep disappointment."
"If you can truly change..."
"I won't let you go so easily."
His words unleashed a fresh wave of tears.
"Jasper," she cried, throwing her arms around him. "Please, believe me. I will change!"
Jasper sighed, his arms hovering around her. He wanted to comfort her, to offer a reassuring pat on the back, but his hand stayed frozen in mid-air.
Finally, he spoke, his voice heavy with resignation. "Stella, I've protected you for too long."
"I don't want there to be a next time."
"There won't be," she whispered into his chest, her eyes narrowing with a fierce determination he couldn't see.
Signing the divorce agreement was just a temporary measure, a way to appease him. Once the dust settled, she'd find a way to get those papers back. If she had to, she'd burn them herself. Without the agreement, he couldn't divorce her.
Sebastian and the mysterious benefactor had agreed to meet at Royal Elegance Dining at 8 PM.
Adeline and Sebastian arrived by 7:30, their journey filled with a lively debate about her latest design. Even as they were shown to their private room, the argument continued.
So engrossed were they in their discussion that they lost track of time.
At 8 PM sharp, the door to their private room swung open.
Jason stood at the entrance, greeted by the sight of Adeline and Sebastian in the middle of a heated design debate.
Sebastian threw his hands up in exasperation. "Just add a skull to the damn thing! It'll give it that edgy, decadent vibe you're going for."
Adeline pouted. "You don't understand. The skull motif can't be used lightly."
"For me," she continued, her voice softening, "it represents darkness, coldness, things that should have stayed buried but somehow linger."
Sebastian rolled his eyes, about to retort when he noticed Jason standing patiently by the door. He quickly rose to his feet. "You must be the one who's been helping me."
Jason offered a small smile. "Indeed."
Adeline's head snapped up, her eyes widening in recognition as they landed on Jason's face. Her brow furrowed, and a chill ran down her spine.
This mysterious benefactor was none other than Jason, Jasper's closest friend.
She had heard the rumors, the whispers that Radiance Springs was ruled by two powerful figures.
One was Jasper.
The other was Jason.
But they had been friends since childhood, inseparable allies. What was he doing here?
"You were the one helping Sebastian?" she asked, her voice laced with disbelief.
Jason nodded. "Of course."
He entered the room, taking a seat opposite Adeline and Sebastian. "Who else would it be? Jasper?"
Adeline's gaze darkened. Before meeting Jason, she had truly believed Jasper was the one pulling strings in the background.
"Mr. Smith," she began, her voice steady despite the turmoil in her mind. "Why are you helping Sebastian?"
Jason had been instrumental in locating the Quinn family's associates in Radiance Springs, in finding Morgana's hideout. Even Mr. Taylor, the renowned doctor who had treated Ava's leg, had been found through Jason's connections.
His influence was undeniable, but his motives remained a mystery.
"I'm not helping Sebastian," Jason replied, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "I'm calling in a favor from Jasper."
He took a sip of his coffee, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Jasper's business plan for the next quarter includes a major expansion into the jewelry market. And you, Miss Wilson, are his secret weapon."
"By helping you," he continued, leaning back in his chair. "I'll make Jasper realize the debt he owes me, even without me saying a word."
He raised an eyebrow, his gaze unwavering. "Does that satisfy your curiosity, Miss Wilson?"
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