Albert remained silent, his look at Jessie laden with unspoken thoughts.

Then Jeslyn drew near, resting her head on Albert's arm before whispering, “Dad, I don't know much about my mom." She then turned to Jessie and asked, “Have you ever met her? I've heard she was stunning. Is that right?"

Indeed, Jessie had met Jeslyn's mother firsthand.

Moreover, she had even received a slap from her!

Yet, all that was in the past, and she couldn't take out her frustration on such a sweet child, who bore a resemblance to Albert.

Nevertheless, Jessie wasn't keen on Jeslyn getting too close.

Hence, Jessie asserted with a firm expression, "No, I've never met her."

Jeslyn's face fell with disappointment at this.

Later, she voiced with a tinge of sorrow. "My mom's gone, so you won't get the chance to meet her."

Jessie was left speechless by her words.

Then, Jeslyn looked up at Jessie once more, tears brimming in her innocent eyes. To Jessie, the little girl seemed so delicate and endearing.

Thus, they locked gazes for an extended moment.

Suddenly, Jessie realized Albert was watching her too, his eyes filled with fondness. She quickly averted her gaze, flushed with discomfort.

She inwardly chastised herself for her timidity, believing she had moved past these feelings.

Albert was merely a part of her life for a brief period. He'd chosen another, fathered a child, and was now a widower. How could she still find herself unsettled by him?

Reflecting on this, Jessie turned her attention to Melissa, resuming their conversation. Suddenly, Kiana came up and embraced her, gazing at Jessie warmly.

Climbing onto her lap, the little one pleaded with Jessie to read her a picture book.

Truth be told, Kiana had never clung to her like this before.

It was merely a show for Jeslyn's benefit... Observing this, Marcus shook his head, smiling wryly.

Predictably, this upset Jeslyn greatly.