They Want Me Back When It's Too Late (Jessica and Brian) novel Chapter 222

Chapter 222

“Do you truly appreciate Jessi?” Brian’s sudden question nearly cracked Madeline’s carefully feigned composure

“O–of course, Mr. Atkinson, Why would you ask that? Her smile stiffened.

Brian studied her strained expression, his gaze darkening. “Never mind. You can go.” Despite his growing suspicions, he said nothing further,

Madeline’s instincts screamed danger, but Brian’s icy demeanor silenced her,

She tried to reassure herself, thinking. It’s fine. He has noticed nothing all this time, so there’s no way he suddenly found out. And that question earlier? He’s just frustrated with the lack of progress. Maybe I should find a scapegoat!

But the thought of her dwindling savings made her hesitate

Unaware of her internal turmoil, Brian leaned back in his chale, eyes closed. The seeds of doubt had taken root. Replaying Jessica’s past warnings and

Madeline’s actions through this lens chilled him.

He thought, “Before Jessile, she fought over Madeline wearing one of her dresses. When I packed Jessi’s things later, I recognized it–the same outfit she wore when we first met. How did Madeline coincidentally pick that one?”

As Brian replayed Madeline’s past interactions with Jessica, every word now seemed laced with malice.

He couldn’t help thinking, “Madeline deliberately provoked Jessi at every turn. Even her dynamic with Jake was off. She would intervene during Jessi’s parenting, pretending to defend Jake while driving the wedge deeper between Jake and Jessi

‘When Jessi wasili never asked Madeline to visit. Yet she stillingered after delivering files. Why? What did she say?

‘She knew Jessi disked her. So why did she keep forcing contact? if she truly revered Jessi as she claimed, why not keep her distance?”

Suddenly, Brian remembered the time Madeline had called him during an emergency.

He wondered, ‘Madeline said she trusted me because of Jessi. But if that were true, why did she call me instead of Jessi first?

The more Brian pieced together, the more disgusted

d he grew. He thought, ‘How did I miss this? Madeline’s every move was calculated

Logically, Brian should’ve noticed this long ago and kept his distance. Yet every time something came up, Madeline would invoke her “bond” with Jessica, and each time, he had relented for Jessica’s sake.

Brian thought with a bitter smile, “If Jessi knew that was why I helped Madeline, she would laugh in my face

Brian’s eyes snapped open. He made a decision. Madeline’s actions displeased him and angered Jessica. Then, he could simply fire her,

As for a reason? He didn’t have solid evidence against her, but he had the right to do so. A severance would suffice.

Brian pressed the intercom and called Madeline in

“Mr. Atkinson.” Madeline hurried in, breathless.

No sooner had she stopped than Brian said flatly, Hand over your tasks within three days. You’re terminated.”

“Mr. Atkinson!” Madeline’s face drained of color.

“Objections?” Brian’s icy gaze swept over her.

“Why? What did I do wrong! Just because haven’t found the leak yet? That’s unfair!” Madeline’s voice cracked. She hadn’t expected Brian to fire her so suddenly.

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Chapter 222

“Fair?” Brian’s brow arched mockingly. “You think you have the right to talk about faimess?”

Madeline couldn’t process his sudden indifference. “But I deserve an explanation. I’ve worked hard since joined the company. Even if I didn’t bring any achievements, I’ve put in the effort. And now you’re suddenly-”

“Finance will add a year’s salary to your severance. Now, get out.” Brian had already wasted too many words on her. He didn’t want to drag this out When he disliked someone, even a single word felt more like a waste.

The mention of extra pay flickered Madeline’s greed, but she rallied. “This isn’t about money!” Compared to becoming Brian’s wife, a year’s wages meant

nothing

“To me, it is,” Brian said coolly, lacing his fingers.

As Madeline opened her mouth to speak, he sliced the air with his hand. “Enough. You claimed Jessi saved you. Now you’re free to repay her.” He knew Jessica would never take her in.

Madeline was left speechless, her throat tightening. She knew full well that Jessica would never buy her “repayment act

“Get out.” Brian dismissed her the moment she faltered. He couldn’t stand the sight of her another second,