Albert glanced back.

Jeslyn, evidently bored, was absorbed in a comic book and paid no attention to their conversation.

Albert turned to Jessie and noticed she was removing her damp stockings, revealing her slender feet.

“Why are you still wearing such thin stockings in this cold?" he asked in a low voice, his tone tinged with concern. "They're not only thin but also not the easiest to remove."

Jessie's cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

She glanced nervously at the rearview mirror. “Lower your voice. What if Jeslyn hears?" she whispered.

Albert offered a knowing smile.

The day before, Jessie had dressed in thin stockings to go with her dress. Albert had helped her remove them that evening, a memory Jessie seemed hesitant to revisit.

“Are those from last night? They're probably not wearable anymore,” he teased lightly.

Jessie's face grew even redder. "This is a new pair!" she asserted.

Albert ceased his teasing, clicked his seatbelt into place, and changed the subject. “Let's head home. I asked the servants to keep the snow in the yard untouched. You could make snowmen with Jeslyn or have a snowball fight."

Jessie shot back playfully, “I don't want to play!"

“But I would love to see you play," Albert replied with a smile.

Though it was a simple exchange, Jessie found herself blushing again.

She turned her face away, feeling uneasy.

Albert watched her for a moment, his gaze affectionate and tender.

Then, he started the car, and they drove off towards home with Jeslyn still engrossed in her comic book.

When they arrived home, they found Lettie busy in the kitchen alongside the servants. Albert suggested she take a break. "The servants can handle cooking. You should rest!"

Lettie glanced over, continuing her task with a sigh. "Back when I was affluent, I spent my time at social events, parties, and musicals. I enjoyed it then, but now, I find doing something practical at home more fulfilling."

Albert didn't press further and led Jessie and Jeslyn upstairs.