Chapter 561 Jesse Under Control
He had on this off-white crew-neck sweater and some light-colored casual pants, making him look way more chill and youthful.
This version of Jesse kinda reminded Elara of his teenage self.
"From now on, dress like this when you're not at work," Elara said, thinking Jesse looked good in anything, "Don't always wear suits and ties."
"I'm not used to it," Jesse admitted.
Jesse did have some casual clothes, but hardly any in light colors. His outerwear was all black, with only the inner layers being white.
Elara asked, "Don't you like the clothes I bought for you?"
Jesse explained, "It's not that."
Elara pressed, "Then do you like them?"
Jesse nodded. "I do."
"Will you wear them from now on?" Elara asked again.
Jesse wanted to say no, but when he saw Elara's clear and slightly proud eyes, he obediently answered, "Yes."
"That's more like it," Elara smiled.
For the next two days, Jesse didn't go to work.
Elara wanted to ask why he wasn't going, but seeing that he wasn't busy, she took him out shopping.
They bought clothes for going out, for work, and for home.
Most importantly, Elara had a little scheme every time they bought clothes. When buying clothes for Jesse, she would get herself a matching set.
This way, people would think their outfits were couple's clothes.
By the end of the day, Elara was still full of energy, but Jesse felt a bit tired.
Back home, Elara started matching each outfit for Jesse, so he could just grab and wear them directly.
"Jesse," Elara noticed his wardrobe lacked accessories and naturally asked, "Don't you have cufflinks, watches, or brooches?"
"No," Jesse answered honestly.
"You're the CEO of HorizonTech Group now; you represent the company's image," Elara thought of buying him some, "Without those, what will you do for formal events and occasions?"
"I don't attend them," Jesse answered seriously.
Whether he or Daphne was the CEO, they rarely attended such events. They'd usually skip them, and for those they couldn't avoid, they didn't need overly formal attire.
Elara paused, then remembered that Daphne indeed hadn't attended many events over the years, so she said nothing more.
Just then, Jesse's phone rang. Seeing the caller, he frowned slightly, and there was a hint of reluctance in his eyes.
"What's wrong?" Elara noticed his unusual reaction.
"Nothing," Jesse pressed his lips together, "I'll take this call in the study."
Jesse left the bedroom and went to the study. Once the door was closed, he answered the call, his tone colder than usual, "Hello."
"It's your dad," The person on the other end of the phone uttered.
"I know. What do you want?" Jesse asked.
"Your aunt's son is in Gedser now. You're a big company boss, right? Find him a job," Eugene Thornfield's tone was direct, like giving an order, "Something easy and well-paid."
"He's not suitable for HorizonTech Group," Jesse coldly refused.
Eugene was immediately displeased. "Who says he's not suitable? I've already promised your aunt this. Don't embarrass me."
"The company isn't mine; I'm just an employee," Jesse shot back, not mentioning his shares. "He's not qualified for HorizonTech Group. Don't make promises you can't keep."
"Jesse!" Eugene's voice was full of anger.
Jesse stayed silent.
Eugene took a deep breath, clearly pissed off. "Do you have any respect for me at all?"
Jesse's grip on the phone tightened, his usually cold eyes showing more emotion.
"I don't care if your cousin is qualified or not; you have to get him in," Eugene demanded.
"It's not my concern," Jesse replied, his tone icy. "If there's nothing else, I'm hanging up."
"How dare you!" Eugene's voice rose. "I raised you, and you won't even help me with this little favor?"
Jesse's lips pressed into a thin line. After a long silence, he asked, "Did you really raise me?"
After being kicked out on that cold night at about five years old, Eugene had hardly cared for Jesse.
If it weren't for Daphne, he might not have survived.
"Considering you and Mom raised me for over four years, I haven't neglected you materially all these years," Jesse continued clearly. "But I hope we can keep our relationship simple."
After that cold night, Jesse felt like he had no parents. They had abandoned him, treating him as a burden.
"That's it. I'm hanging up," Jesse said and ended the call.
Eugene called again, but Jesse ignored it.
Feeling a bit heavy-hearted, Jesse left the study, feeling tired.
Elara noticed his mood change and asked with concern, "What's wrong? Did something happen?"
Jesse shook his head. "Nothing."
Elara insisted, "If something's wrong, just say it. Don't keep it to yourself."
"It's nothing," Jesse wasn't used to sharing his unhappiness with others; he preferred to process it alone. "You go sit and rest. I'll cook."
Elara wanted to ask more, but Jesse had already gone into the kitchen.
It couldn't be work-related; he wouldn't react like this.
In terms of relationships, he wasn't dating or interested in anyone.
Could it have been family matters?
Thinking of this, Elara messaged Daphne to ask about Jesse's family.
Daphne didn't know much about Jesse's family either and simply replied: [Not sure. Every time I ask about his parents and family, he avoids the topic, so I don't press further.]
Everyone had their own privacy and secrets.
Daphne respected Jesse's boundaries and let him handle it himself.
Elara planned to probe later: [Got it.]
Daphne: [Have you confessed to him yet?]
Elara: [Not yet. He doesn't like me. I'm afraid if I confess, he'll kick me out of his house.]
After that, they chatted a bit more.
Daphne wasn't one for gossip or chatting, but she cared about anything related to Jesse. To her, Jesse was family.
Elara, struggling to find someone to analyze the situation with, told Daphne everything that had happened recently.
Twenty minutes later, Daphne had finished listening to their story
After discussing with Benjamin, she replied: [He probably likes you but doesn't realize it yet.]
Elara: [How is that possible? He always says he doesn't plan to get married.]
Based on her understanding of Jesse, Daphne replied: [If he didn't like you, he wouldn't let you dress him up, and he certainly wouldn't let you live in his house.]
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