Sensing Jessie's thoughts, Albert offered a bitter smile and reached for a cigarette without conscious thought. "I could use a smoke," he murmured softly.

Albert felt the need to unwind before proceeding. The memories he was about to delve into were far from pleasant.

Jessie turned her eyes away. “I'm not interested in your business," she asserted.

Albert gazed at her, a faint smile playing on his lips. “You're just mad at me," he observed.

Afterward, he quietly ignited a cigarette and inhaled deeply. At that instant, he appeared to regress into the carefree youth he was two decades ago.

However, the expression on his face was transient.

In the next breath, he resumed his facade as the CEO of Waston Group.

He regarded Jessie, her anger evident as she avoided his gaze, but he knew she was listening. He always knew her sentiments toward him.

Albert lingered in contemplation, a cigarette held between his fingers.

He hesitated as he recounted his marriage with Daisy, sparing no details for Jessie. His voice, rough with emotion, conveyed, "I tried to salvage it at first, but there was nothing there. We gave it a shot for a month or two, but it just wasn't happening. I'm sure she felt let down."

He chose not to linger on the negatives surrounding his late wife.

After all, Daisy was Jeslyn's mother.

Finally, in a hushed tone, he confessed, “Jessie, I understand our situation is more complex than my previous marriage, but I still long for a chance with you."

He regretted his decision long ago; but it was just the unfortunate reality that he was already tied to marriage.

Jessie sensed his thoughts.

She remained quiet for a moment before questioning, "What makes you believe I'd entertain the idea of being with you after your wife's passing? Albert, yes, you're wealthy and influential now, and money can be appealing, but I'm accustomed to my life. I don't need your wealth." As for emotions, I think the last thing we should be discussing is emotions."

She asked him to refrain from probing into her personal life any further.

The car lapsed into silence, with only the sound of their breathing filling the enclosed space.

After a minute or two, he abruptly seized her wrist and drew her into his arms. Jessie resisted vigorously, but her struggle was in vain, and she found herself falling on his lap.

Seeing her disobedience, he pressed her slender back.