At her words, Albert fixed a deep, unreadable gaze on Jessie.

Eventually, he released his hold on the glass.

Jessie took the glass and downed it in one go. The liquid's passage down her throat evoked memories of a painful past.

She was puzzled by Albert's return to Duefron.

Having settled in Heron, his return now baffled her.

Unable to puzzle it out, Jessie let the thought go... Finishing her drink, she gently asked Marcus, "Could I have another, please?"

Marcus, however, shook his head and put the bottle away.

He then smiled and said, "Maybe next time. You wouldn't want to upset Melissa, right?"

Melissa, as expected, gently patted Jessie's shoulder, warning, “You really shouldn't drink. We don't want you ending up sick or back in the hospital."

Jessie nodded in agreement at Melissa's words.

Eventually, the kids’ banters brightened the mood. During the meal, Marcus and Albert delved into some business talk.

Meanwhile, Melissa and Jessie had their own catch-up.

Out of the blue, Albert softly inquired, “How have you been all these years?"

Jessie was taken aback by the question.

At the table with seven, six pairs of eyes were trained on her.

Feeling a touch shy, Jessie answered softly, "Pretty good. I've taken up a new language Lately— Hungarian, to be exact."

Throughout, Albert gazed at her with unwavering focus.

Pulling back, he offered a smile. "Impressive! I'm quite envious.

You've got freedom, no ties to restrict you-must be nice to travel the globe as you wish."

Jessie averted her eyes, murmuring with a slight smile, “And I'm envious of you, Mr. Waston. A charming wife, and an adorable daughter, it seems idyllic... Oh, my apologies. I didn't mean any offense."