Without hesitation, she reached for her phone and dialed Albert. It was late, and Albert, though in another city and fresh from a meeting, hadn't yet turned in for the night.

He regarded his phone's screen for a moment before answering in a voice both soft and weary, "What's going on?"

Jessie, bypassing a conversation, handed the phone to Jeslyn, who was in no mood to speak and retreated to a corner in defiance. At a loss, Jessie relayed to Albert, “Elsie sent Jeslyn over."

Under the cloak of night, Albert's voice, rough yet comforting, carried over the Line.

"And why would Elsie do that?"

Jessie's patience snapped. “How should I know? Albert, your daughter's with me now. Shouldn't you be reflecting on your own actions rather than questioning me?"

In stark contrast to Jessie's frustration, Albert's response was marked by serenity.

He even allowed himself a chuckle, pondering aloud, "What's got you so riled up at this hour? Trouble in paradise? If that's the case, feel free to share. I've navigated those waters before."

Jessie remained silent after his remarks, the phone pressed to her ear, enveloped in her own thoughts. Sensing the shift in her mood, Albert softened his tone, offering an apology, “Jessie, my intentions weren't to upset you."

“and what exactly were your intentions?" she pressed, after a pause that seemed to carry her thoughts.

"I need someone to take her off my hands. This arrangement isn't working."

Albert took a moment before responding, his voice thoughtful, “Alright. I'll arrange for someone to come by."

Jessie's tension eased at his assurance.

Meanwhile, Albert ended the call, massaged his temples, and turned to Emma with a firm directive, “Get a car ready. I need to head back to Duefron."

Emma, taken aback, reminded him, "But you have a critical meeting here at ten in the morning."

Albert met her gaze squarely, his resolve clear. "The situation in Duefron demands my attention just as much."

Jessie ended the call and glanced at the little girl dressed in black standing in the dim corridor.

Jeslyn was occupied with counting mosquitoes, her feet tapping the floor in frustration as she muttered, “There are too many mosquitoes."

Jessie set her phone down and pondered momentarily. “Let's head downstairs for now. Your father will arrange for someone to collect you shortly."

Jeslyn let out a snort. "Do you really trust him? The TV called people like my dad profiteers. You can't rely on anything a profiteer says."