Glancing down at their intertwined hands, she demanded, "Let go of me!"

But Albert held firm, his tone nonchalant. "I'll hand over the five hundred million if you share a meal with me."

Jessie's lips quivered slightly.

Meeting his gaze, she delivered a swift slap across his cheek. Then, with determination, she began unbuttoning her shirt. "Let's get this over with. Dining with you disgusts me more than sleeping with you."

Then she unbuttoned her shirt, revealing a black lace bra.

Her youthful body exuded beauty and allure.

She reclined on the bed, shutting her eyes. “Isn't this what you want, Albert? Stop pretending with me."

She was being stubborn, and tears welled in her eyes.

A comforting presence enveloped her, devoid of possessiveness. Albert offered a gentle embrace.

With one hand, he fastened her shirt, the other securing her waist to still her movements. Once she was presentable, he enveloped her in his arms, his expression and voice filled with pain. "Jessie, enough."

Jessie lay in silence.

She remained still, tears silently streaming down her cheeks. She felt drained, knowing it wasn't right to be held in his arms now.

“Release me. Don't bring shame upon me or your wife."

With a turn of her head, Jessie averted her gaze, overwhelmed with embarrassment.

It had been Jessie who first harbored feelings for Albert, and he had eventually reciprocated. She had waited for him for three long years, only to see him marry someone else. Jessie resented him and refused to accept it.

In a soft voice, Jessie questioned, "Albert, if I lose to Melissa, I'll accept it. But why marry a stranger? Are you determined to keep me miserable for the rest of my days?"

“No, "

Albert murmured. "I don't want you to be unhappy, Jessie..."

He couldn't bring himself to say the words, “I love you."

Perhaps he never would.