In that moment, everything started to make sense. He understood why Jessie refused to teach Albert's child and why she kept her distance.

Yet Albert, despite his status, was willing to entertain her.

They had a history.

And Albert, having lost his wife, clearly wanted to revive their old flame.

The expression on Axell's face was unmistakable.

Jessie followed his gaze, her face draining of color upon seeing Albert behind her.

Her eyes met Albert's, who returned her look.

After a moment, Axell gently took her hand. “Shall we go greet my other colleagues?" he whispered.

Jessie nodded slowly.

Later, she couldn't recall how she left the banquet. When she finally came to her senses, she found herself in Axell's car, rain pelting the windshield as the wipers rhythmically swept back and forth, distorting the neon lights of the city ahead.

"Have you ever been involved with him before?"

Axell's voice wavered. It was a difficult question for him to ask, knowing he was no match for Albert. Axell had glimpsed Albert's impressive resume in the restroom earlier.

A former race car driver turned president of Waston Group. Axell couldn't compete with that. Compared to Albert's illustrious life, Axell felt like a blank canvas, having achieved little.

"He was married before," he added when Jessie remained silent.

Jessie's voice was low hoarse as she finally replied, "It was before his marriage."

With those words, Jessie felt a suffocating weight settle over her.

The car fell into a heavy silence. It was evident how deeply Axell was affected by this revelation. He cherished Jessie, basking in her beauty and vivacity. With her, he felt the years of hard work were worthwhile. He even envisioned a future where she would be known as Mrs. Calderon.

But reality dealt Axell a harsh blow.

Jessie had a history with Albert, and it seemed lots of people knew about this. Axell couldn't help but wonder how others would perceive him. How should he carry himself in Albert's presence? And what if Jessie were to rekindle her relationship with Albert, despite his devotion?

Even if Axell refused to acknowledge it, he couldn't deny the vast disparity between himself and Albert.