They Want Me Back When It's Too Late (Jessica and Brian) novel Chapter 231

Sana instinctively shielded her eyes, snapping, “Who the hell drives like that?”

The next moment, a familiar voice came from the car parked beside them. “Sorry, Ms. Gardner. I didn’t realize you were here.”

Sana lowered her hand and looked up. It was Jackson, Brian’s assistant, leaning out of the rolled down window with an apologetic expression.

“You alone?” Sana asked, glancing toward the back seat. Then, she was surprised that Brian wasn’t there.

Jackson smiled politely and nodded. “Yes, Mr. Atkinson had something come up, so he asked me to bring lunch for Mrs. Atkinson.”

“Don’t call me that,” Jessica cut in coldly. “Brian and I are divorced.”

Jackson hesitated but acquiesced. “Sorry, Ms. Grant. Mr. Atkinson made the soup himself. Please try it.”

Jessica’s gaze was cold as she eyed the insulated container. “Take it back. Tell him not to send you or anyone again.” With that, she got in the driver’s

seat.

Jackson moved to follow, but Sana blocked him.

Ignoring them both, Jessica floored the accelerator and sped out of the parking lot.

Left with no choice, Jackson pulled out his phone and reported, “Mr. Atkinson, she refused and requested no further visits.”

Brian, waiting outside the parking lot, frowned as Jessica’s familiar Porsche sped past him. “Just head back for now.”

“The soup…” Jackson hesitated.

“Handle it… No, bring it to me,” Brian sighed, deciding to taste it himself for possible improvements.

Jackson moved to get into his car with the insulated container in hand.

“Hold up,” Sana called out, blocking his path. “Has Mr. Atkinson done anything wrong lately?”

Jackson blinked. “Ms. Gardner, you’ll need to be more specific.”

“Anything that pissed Jessi off,” Sana snorted. Somehow, she sensed Brian was the root of Jessica’s recent turmoil.

“Absolutely not,” Jackson replied without hesitation. “Mr. Atkinson would never intentionally upset Ms. Grant.”

He thought, ‘Brian didn’t even dare deliver meals personally anymore, fearing his presence might distress Jessica. He wouldn’t risk worse.‘

Sana scoffed, “You’ve got quite the faith in him.”

Jackson offered a polite smile and, when no further questions came, got in his car.

Watching him drive off, Sana pulled out her phone and called Wesley, updating him on Jessica’s deteriorating state.

Jessica drove home at a sluggish pace after nearly running a red light, her exhaustion making even the simplest tasks perilous.

Brian trailed behind, his concern deepening with every minute.

Half an hour later, Jessica stepped through her front door with Pancake in her arms. “Mom, I’m home.”

“Perfect timing. Dinner is ready,” Stella said warmly as she walked up to Jessica, then noticed the puppy. “Oh? Where’d this little one come from? You

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Chapter 231

want to keep a pet?”

“Yeah. Sana’s friend had too many puppies, so she brought me one. It was too cute to pass up,” Jessica said, lifting Pancake. “Look, Mom. It’s adorable, right?”

“Yeah, it looks so well–behaved. I’ll pick up a pet bed tomorrow,” Stella chuckled, already mentally rearranging the place for Pancake..

“No need. Sana got everything ready,” Jessica replied, hoisting the bag.

Stella immediately took over the bag and went off to set things up. “Should I put the dog bed in your room?”

Jessica hesitated. “No, put it out here.” Her sleepless nights might disturb Pancake.

Stella didn’t ask further and simply nodded, urging her to have dinner.

Jessica made her way to the dining room. Despite the spread of her favorite dishes, she could barely take a few bites.

“Food not to your taste?” Dereck noticed she had only eaten a few bites, setting down his fork.

“No, it’s not that. I’m just not hungry today.” Jessica shook her head, not wanting to worry her parents. She picked up her fork again and continued eating.

“Alright, don’t eat if you’re not up to it,” Dereck frowned, heart aching at her strained chewing.

Jessica’s gaze dropped, guilt flashing across her face.

“Leave her be,” Stella interjected softly.

Dereck glanced at Jessica once more. Finally, he sighed but held his tongue.

“Mom, Dad, I’m done. I’m going upstairs,” Jessica said abruptly, fleeing before her composure cracked.

“Rest well,” Stella called after her, staring at the barely touched plate. She sighed, “What’s going on with her?”

Dereck said nothing, but the worry in his eyes spoke volumes.

Upstairs, after a grueling day, Jessica crawled into bed post–shower, her eyelids heavy with exhaustion. But sleep offered no refuge. She jolted awake from a nightmare at midnight, shaken and unable to fall back asleep.