Please don't take offense if she behaves rudely."

Helen smiled warmly. "Of course not. I haven't had the opportunity to meet her yet. Albert has kept her well-hidden.”

Melissa rapped lightly on the door. “Jessie, it's me."

After a moment's delay, Jessie cracked the door open.

She appeared disheveled, far from the beauty she exuded earlier. Her hair resembled a tangled bird's nest, and her makeup was smeared beyond recognition. Yet, despite her disarray, the remnants of her beauty were still evident in the contours of her face.

Instead of displaying irritation, Helen greeted her with a gentle smile. "I can sense that you've had your fair share of arguments with Albert."

Jessie's eyes widened in surprise.

Though they had never formally met, she recognized Helen immediately.

Helen, renowned as a celebrated writer, also happened to be Albert's mother.

Many times, Jessie had fantasized about Albert introducing her to Helen, envisioning a future beyond their physical encounters. However, Albert seemed solely focused on the present, with little regard for anything beyond their sexual relationship. Jessie hadn't anticipated encountering Helen on Albert's wedding day.

How ironic!

Lost in thought, Jessie allowed Melissa to usher Helen into the suite, while she busied herself preparing tea.

After tidying herself up, Jessie observed Melissa pouring tea for Helen. A pang of realization struck her. Melissa embodied the ideal daughter-in-law Helen would admire, while Jessie felt she had only played the role of a shrew, constantly bickering with Albert.

In the aftermath of their breakup, Jessie found clarity. She resolved to approach this encounter with grace.

Jessie offered a sincere apology to Helen, her remorse evident in her earnest demeanor.

Helen beckoned Jessie closer, prompting a lump to form in her throat.

Her fair complexion flushed with emotion, Jessie's voice quivered as she asked, “Don't you blame me?"

Helen shook her head gently, a pang of sympathy evident in her eyes.

Jessie's youthfulness and three-year relationship with Albert weighed heavily on her mind. Jessie hailed from a respectable family background, yet she was willing to compromise. Even Helen couldn't help but feel that it wasn't fair.

Seated beside Helen, Jessie was taken aback when Helen removed a jade bracelet from her wrist, offering it to her. The bracelet, valued at millions, held sentimental significance far beyond its monetary worth.