“These past years, I've just been drifting, feeling so utterly useless. I don't know what I'm supposed to do with my life, Melissa.”

In that moment, Melissa couldn't help but see a parallel between Jessie and Minnie, the innocent puppy, both seemingly lost.

She responded with a gentle reassurance, "You're selling yourself short, Jessie. You're young, vibrant, and full of potential."

Jessie's response was a mix of sorrow and sarcasm. "Please, Melissa, don't treat me like a child. I'm far from being your little boy."

Melissa offered a weak smile, her thoughts briefly touching her own complicated situation with Marcus.

How could she offer advice to someone about love when she couldn't even figure out her own relationship with Marcus. Melissa had always stayed out of Jessie and Albert's tumultuous relationship, but tonight felt different.

While Elsie watched over Jessie, Melissa made a decision to step in.

She found a quiet spot downstairs and dialed Albert's number.

He was in Heron, likely not expecting a call at this late hour.

Albert picked up, his tone laced with surprise. “Melissa? Is there a problem at the company?"

She shook her head, even though he couldn't see her gesture. "No, it's not about work. It's about Miss Green."

Melissa hesitated, her voice laced with concern as she finally said, “Miss Green is quite intoxicated, and frankly, she's not in a good state... She's having serious doubts about her engagement. Mr. Waston, do you truly have no concern for her wellbeing?"

The silence that followed weighed heavily on Melissa.

She was acutely aware that she was overstepping boundaries with Albert, her superior, and the anxiety of the potential repercussions gnawed at her.

When Albert finally spoke, his voice conveyed the gravity of his own circumstances. "Melissa, things here in Heron are complicated. I've recently entered an arrangement with that woman, agreeing to marry her niece. It seems to be the most viable solution for all involved at the moment."

“But Mr. Waston!"

Melissa interjected, taken aback by the revelation and its implications for Jessie.

She struggled to find the words, eventually managing to convey, "Miss Green... she might still be holding out hope for you."

Albert's response was dismissive, a stark contrast to the emotion swirling around the situation.

“The wedding is set for tomorrow. I haven't shared this with you or anyone else in Duefron for specific reasons. But if she is still waiting... let her know she shouldn't waste her time on me anymore."