Chapter 341 Looking for Something?
"This is getting interesting," David said, crossing his legs and giving Jasper a knowing look. "You divorced for her sake, and now she's pregnant with another man's child? And she's happy about it?"
Jasper shot him a cold glare. "My decision to divorce has nothing to do with her."
David chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Yeah, right."
Jasper stayed silent.
"Don't lie to yourself," David said, amused.
Just then, Jasper's phone rang, cutting off their conversation.
"You talk too much," Jasper muttered, giving David a silencing look before answering the call.
"What is it?" he asked, his tone softening when he saw Stella's name on the screen.
"Jasper, it's late," Stella's sweet voice came through. "When are you coming back? Have you eaten? Are you working late again?"
Her concern, once comforting, now annoyed him.
He frowned. "Are you waiting up for me?"
"Yes," she chirped. "I made chicken soup. If you're back within the hour, I'll wait. Otherwise, I'll put it away and reheat it when you get home..."
"Don't bother," Jasper cut in, his voice hardening. "I'm on my way."
Stella stammered, caught off guard. Before she could respond, he hung up.
"Leaving already?" David asked, raising an eyebrow as Jasper stood up.
"I'm leaving," Jasper confirmed, heading for the door.
As the door clicked shut behind him, David glanced at the divorce papers on his desk, a wry smile on his lips.
In Linda's hospital room, Adeline clutched her friend's hand, trembling with excitement.
"You're really pregnant?" Linda asked, eyes wide with disbelief.
Adeline nodded, her heart full. "Once your surgery is done and you're safe, I'll find a way to leave."
Linda squeezed her hand tightly. "Don't wait," she urged. "Leave now. You said Stella's in Neon City, and Thomas is with her. If Jasper finds out about the baby, who knows what he'll do."
"I'll have David book you a flight. We'll make it look like you're still here, and you can leave immediately. Please, Adeline."
Adeline's heart warmed at her friend's concern. Linda was facing her own challenges, yet she was more excited about Adeline's pregnancy than Adeline herself.
"I'll call David right now," Linda said, reaching for her phone.
Adeline stopped her. "There's no rush," she said firmly.
After all, Linda was in this mess because of her. She had just arrived in Neon City and hadn't even started convincing David to let Linda terminate the pregnancy.
If she left now, what would happen to Linda and the child she carried? Without her there to advocate for her, would Jasper really help persuade David?
Even if Adeline successfully gave birth and saved Blake, she and her child would be forever indebted to Linda.
Taking a deep breath, Adeline lowered her voice. "Remember, David's people are protecting me. We don't need to worry about Thomas. I haven't seen Stella in a while, and she's focused on Jasper. I'll steer clear of him for the next few days."
"We need to get David to agree to your surgery. Once that's done, I'll leave the country immediately."
Linda hesitated before nodding slowly. "You and the baby will be safe, right?"
"We will," Adeline assured her, squeezing her hand.
As soon as Jasper stepped into the hotel suite, Stella greeted him. She took his coat, hung it up, and handed him slippers, all with practiced grace. She led him to the dining table, where a steaming bowl of soup awaited.
Jasper sat down and took a sip, nodding. "This is good."
"Really?" Stella asked, feigning surprise. "You've been working so hard, so I researched foods for busy professionals and even took a cooking class."
She had enrolled in a cooking class, but only as an excuse to get out of the house. The chicken soup was takeout from the restaurant downstairs.
She hadn't expected Jasper to notice the takeout container in the trash by the door. He saw it the moment he walked in but said nothing.
"It's very thoughtful of you," he said, taking another sip. "It's delicious. You could open a restaurant."
Stella blushed, playing the flattered wife. "As long as you like it."
She quickly served him another bowl.
After two bowls of soup, Jasper stifled a yawn, resting his head on his hand. "I think I'm tired," he mumbled, his eyelids drooping.
Stella smiled inwardly. The sedative was working.
"Let's get you to bed," she said, helping him to his feet.
She guided him to the bedroom, gently helped him lie down, and changed him into pajamas.
"Sleep well," she whispered, gathering his clothes.
Jasper didn't reply, his breathing deep and even. He appeared to be fast asleep.
The drug was working its magic.
A cold smile touched Stella's lips as she quietly left the room, closing the door behind her.
Unbeknownst to her, the door wasn't completely shut. Through the crack, Jasper watched as she spread his clothes out on the living room carpet, frantically searching every pocket and crevice.
Finding nothing, she repeated the process, even tearing open a tissue from his pocket.
Still empty-handed after the second search, she frowned, frustration mounting.
It didn't make sense.
She had searched the house thoroughly. After he left for the hospital, she scoured his office multiple times. Earlier, while he was out, she searched their hotel suite.
She was certain he carried the divorce papers with him.
"Looking for something?"
Jasper's voice, cold and sharp, cut through the silence, startling Stella.
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