After a prolonged silence, Lettie emphasized, "Regardless, Jessie, you are not permitted to have any further involvement with Albert."

Jessie nodded in agreement.

Jeslyn sniffled and asked quietly, "May I go inside and have some bug spray? I'll leave when my father comes to pick me up."

Jeslyn was young but perceptive.

She sensed Lettie's dislike and perhaps even hatred for her.

Jeslyn felt disheartened and wished to leave as soon as possible. As Elsie had taught her, forced actions seldom yielded agreement.

Jessie noticed the small bumps from mosquito bites on Jeslyn's arms and legs. Feeling sympathy, she pleaded with Lettie, “Please let her in. It's chilly out here at night."

Initially reluctant to agree, Lettie relented when Jeslyn sniffled.

Lettie huffed. "Tell her family to pick her up quickly."

Lettie harbored a strong aversion to Jeslyn's presence. Every time Lettie laid eyes on Jeslyn, it reminded her of the pain Jessie had endured because of Albert. Therefore, Lettie opted to feign heading to bed as soon as she entered the room, avoiding any interaction with Jeslyn altogether.

Jeslyn and Jessie locked their gazes for an extended moment.

Jeslyn observed the apartment for a while before commenting, "It's quite tiny, isn't it?"

Jessie, mindful not to indulge Jeslyn, fetched a bottle of mosquito repellent and sat Jeslyn down on the sofa. She grabbed one of Jeslyn's legs and sprayed the content onto it. "It's not as spacious as your room, is it?"

Jeslyn replied truthfully, "No, it's not even as large as my bathroom."

Despite her urge to kick Jeslyn out once more, Jessie suppressed her frustration.

With her legs no longer itchy, the soft glow of the lights and the plushness of the sofa enveloped Jeslyn in an inexplicable comfort.

Once Jeslyn felt at ease, her impudent streak resurfaced. She rested her chin on her hand and remarked, “Elsie mentioned that you used to reside in a grand mansion as well. This place is so tiny; you must find it quite uncomfortable living here. Well, I hereby grant you permission to be my mother, and then you can live in a big house with me."

Jessie pondered for a moment before adding, “I promise to treat you well and never mistreat you."

Jessie tightened her hold.

But Jeslyn's pride prevented her from crying out. She simply stared at Jessie with watery eyes.