They Want Me Back When It's Too Late (Jessica and Brian) novel Chapter 273

Chapter 273

Watching Sana stride away with fire in her step, Jessica couldn’t help but question herself.

She wondered, ‘Have I been too lenient with Madeline? Is that why the woman kept provoking me?‘

But the thought of publicly confronting Madeline and canceling her socially like Sana suggested made her recoil.

Not because she lacked the nerve, but because she cared about her reputation.

Making a spectacle over a man–her ex–husband, of all people–felt embarrassing. People would assume she was still obsessed with Brian.

With a sigh, Jessica decided to bide her time. She’d wait for Sana’s findings before taking any action.

The day slipped by quickly.

For once, Jessica didn’t leave work early. As she rode the elevator to the parking garage, she instinctively glanced toward her car. A sleek Mercedes she didn’t recognize sat parked nearby.

She moved closer, trying to peek inside, only to find it empty.

The realization hit her like a slap.

She thought, ‘Who do I think would be there? What am I hoping for? Get a grip, Jessica!‘

She scolded herself inwardly, jumping into her own car and flooring the gas. She needed to drive, to clear her head.

Meanwhile, after a grueling day at the office, Brian still had an industry mixer to attend. He waved off his secretary’s offer to set him up with a date and

left with Jackson.

As Jackson drove, a curt command came from the backseat. “Pull over.”

Jackson glanced in the rearview mirror. Brian, who’d been buried in his laptop since getting in the car, now stared out the window, lost in thought.

“Did you need something, Mr. Atkinson?” Jackson asked, already looking for a parking spot, ready to run an errand,

“Yeah, that grill joint looks decent,” Brian said casually.

“Sure thing, I’ll grab it.”

“Nah, I’ll go. You wouldn’t know her order.” Brian opened the door before Jackson could protest.

Jackson didn’t need to be told–this was for Jessica, as usual.

Before the car fully stopped, Brian was out the door, striding toward the grill joint.

It was peak rush hour, and a snaking line had formed outside. Hungry students in backpacks and office workers in suits were all waiting for a bite.

Brian frowned at the tang of sweat in the air but joined the queue anyway.

Dressed in a custom–tailored suit, wearing a diamond–studded Patek Philippe, his hair slicked back perfectly, he cut a figure more handsome than any A lister. His tall, imposing presence immediately drew every eye in the vicinity.

No one had to wonder, His entire demeanor screamed “not your average nine–to–fiver“.

“OMG, he’s gorgeous. Is a celebrity filming here?” a girl whispered.

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wed, 18 Jun GBR

Chapter 273

“Dunno, don’t see any crew,” another girl said.

“Not a celeb. I know all the hot young stars. But he’s better–looking than most,” the girl who had just spoken sighed dreamily.

“Love him that much? Go ask for his deets,” her friend teased.

“He’d never give it. Total unattainable heartthrob.” The girl hesitated, then watch

another girl march up with her phone.

“Hi, there, can I get your number, handsome?” A voice piped up beside Brian

as he

eyed the

queue

ahead.

“Sorry, I’m married,” Brian said curtly, barely glancing at the blushing girl.

Her face fell instantly, mumbling about “hot guys always being taken“.

Brian turned back, unfazed. He was next in line.

The two girls nearby caught the exchange and groaned.

“Guess that’s a no–go.” One turned to vent about her frustrations, only to find her friend filming with her phone. “What are you doing?”

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“Gotta film a quick video,” her friend chimed in. “Even if this hot random guy’s married, I need to find out who he is. Maybe posting it will blow give my account a follower surge.”

up

and

She had run an entertainment account for a couple of years, but her follower count was stuck–hence her habit of filming anything and everything.

“True, I should record too. Wait, why do you think he’s waiting in line for barbecue? Does he even like it?” the girl said.

“Unlikely. Dude doesn’t look like a street food kinda guy. Maybe he’s buying for his wife? Ugh, so freaking cute.” her friend said.

She pressed her cheeks dreamily. Since scoring him was impossible, obsessing over his “perfect couple” vibe would have to do.

“His wife must be stunning.” She was already deep in fanfiction mode,

Her friend, used to her wild tangents, just shook her head and kept rolling.

Nearby, a few other onlookers were also phone–cam ready.

Brian noticed the lenses but didn’t think they were on him.

Soon he reached the front of the line. He grabbed a plate, scanned the shop’s special flavors, then ordered two based on Jessica’s latest cravings.

By the time the food was ready, over 30 minutes had passed since he’d hopped out.

Reappearing at the car with a spicy kick, he tossed out. “Head to Metropolis Residences.”

He had to get the barbecue to Jessica before it lost its heat.

Jackson winced. “Mr. Atkinson, maybe let me deliver? The party’s start time is creeping up.”