She feigned indifference. "You offered willingly. I didn't coerce you," she replied.

Albert offered a meaningful remark. “Jessie, as long as you're happy."

Jessie felt she was no match for Albert.

Sooner or later, she would be consumed by him in this house, both physically and emotionally.

Consequently, over the next two weeks, she consistently made excuses about feeling unwell, avoiding visits to the villa to give Jeslyn language lessons. Strangely, Jessie remained unaware of how Albert explained her absence to Jeslyn. Surprisingly, Jeslyn didn't react with anger but instead comforted Jessie, saying, "Dad mentioned that women often feel unwell for a few days every month. You just need some rest.”

Jessie felt an urge to strangle Albert.

After ending the call, Lettie asked awkwardly, "Was it about Albert's daughter again?"

Jessie nodded in affirmation.

Lettie paused before commenting, "It seems she's quite attached to you. Doesn't she know anything about you and her father? Jessie, children grow up too, you know."

Jessie pondered for a moment before softly saying, "She..."

Jessie hesitated but finally confided in Lettie about Jeslyn not being Albert's real daughter.

Lettie was taken aback by the revelation.

She never expected Albert to be so generous as to raise a child for his wife, who had betrayed him, and to treat the child as his own daughter. Lettie found herself caught in a whirlwind of complex emotions. Yet amidst her confusion, she could comprehend why Jessie had accepted Albert so readily. Even though Jessie didn't explicitly articulate it, Lettie understood her daughter well. Jessie had been distracted when she returned that day, and Lettie sensed that something significant must have happened between her and Albert.

As they conversed, the doorbell rang.

Jessie had assumed it was Albert, being his cheeky self, but to her surprise, it was a graceful lady who stood at the door when she opened it.

The woman turned out to be Albert's mother, Helen.

Jessie stood on the doorway in a daze.

Helen gently and affectionately stroked Jessie's head as she spoke.

"Hello, Jessie. Won't you invite me in for a seat? I've come to invite your mother for coffee today. I heard she's from Heron and has a taste for good coffee."

Jessie promptly ushered Helen inside.