Even if Axell proved unreliable, it didn't mean Jessie had to go back to Albert. Despite his wealth and status, Albert understood that he was now simply in no place to love her.

Sure, Albert could exert control over Axell and coerce Jessie, but he refrained from doing so.

Albert believed he still loved Jessie.

He had previously hurt her deeply, hence, even if he desired to be with her, he had to set her free to find her happiness, which lay with Axell.

A bitter smile graced Albert's lips.

He reached for the blanket beside him and tenderly wrapped Jeslyn in it. When Jeslyn stirred awake, she discovered it was her father. She obediently nestled against his shoulder and softly murmured "daddy."

Clearly, she was still half asleep.

Albert caressed her head tenderly. "Go back to sleep. I'm here."

Jeslyn shut her eyes.

Although she appeared to drift back to sleep, Jeslyn mumbled after a while, "I want to stay here. The bed smells nice. Dad, when will I have a mom?"

Albert remained silent.

He gently pressed his face against hers, preparing to carry her away.

However, after taking just two steps, he noticed someone standing at the door.

It was Lettie.

Throughout the years, Lettie had scolded her daughter on multiple occasions, yet she had never clashed with Albert.

Lettie's expression darkened.

Lettie instructed Jessie, "Look after the child for a bit. I need to have a word with Mr. Waston."

"Mom!"

Jessie murmured, "It's a misunderstanding. I rarely interact with him."

Lettie's voice rose with agitation. "Do you dare say he feels nothing for you now? If he truly felt nothing, he wouldn't allow Elsie to continue working at his house, let alone send his child here. Jessie, don't be naive. He's only trying to manipulate you into becoming the mother of his child. Let me be clear, Jessie, no matter who you marry, you can't be with this old man and become that child's stepmother. Have you forgotten how his wife treated you? It was his wife who bore this child. Doesn't it disgust you to even look at the child?"