There was a light tap on the door before it eased open. Jessica lifted her eyes, and they locked with Davis, who had stepped into the room. "You’re back," she greeted softly. Davis gave a slight nod, but his expression seemed distant, heavy with something unsaid. Jessica’s brow furrowed. "What is the problem?" she asked, sensing his unusual demeanor. Davis sighed and lowered himself onto the bed beside her. Jessica shifted closer, her gaze searching and probing into his face. "You need to see your grandmother," he said quietly. Her heart skipped. "What happened?" she asked, her chest tightening in trepidation. "Bernice and Cassandra have been sanctioned for their evil acts." "Jessica blinked, startled. "Sanctioned? What kind of sanction?" Her heart raced as she held his gaze, needing clarity. "Their ties with the Santiago family have been severed. No doubt Grandma must be feeling terrible about it," Davis explained. His voice carried resolve, yet the weight of the decision was clear in his tone. He might have insisted on justice for his wife, but he wasn’t blind to the toll it had taken on Lady Matilda. After he left the pool and returned to the banquet hall, Lady Matilda had been out of sight. Without much thinking, he was certain she had returned to her room. Jessica’s thoughts raced. "Is this because of the incident at the pool?" she asked. "Partly. But more than that...it’s the law of the Santiago family. One does not plot another’s death. Being found guilty of such an act means their bond must be broken, no exceptions." His tone was serious, almost solemn. "Jessica exhaled slowly. "What a heavy law." Her gaze softened with concern. "Do you think she’ll be alright?" her voice laced with worry. Davis shrugged lightly. He couldn’t say for certain, but he knew one thing: he didn’t regret his choice. If the same situation arose again, he would still choose to protect Jessica, get revenge for her, no matter the consequences. "I think we should go see her before I leave," he said after a pause. Jessica’s eyes widened. "What? Before you leave? Aren’t we going together?" Davis drew her into his arms, his hand patting her shoulder gently, his voice low and coaxing like one soothing a child. "We should have, but right now the situation doesn’t allow it." "Why not?" Jessica asked, her brow knitting tightly. The unease in her chest grew. It Couldn’t be what she feared right? That she was meant to stay behind in the Santiagos’ residence at the end of the banquet? How could she come for a banquet and end up living in the Santiagos’ family? It is definitely mission impossible. "Baby," Davis said softly, "Grandma Matilda just lost two people she once held close. With her health and her bond with Bernice, do you think she wouldn’t feel grief? You need to stay with her for now." Jessica rubbed her temples, weighing his words. "What if I visit her tomorrow instead?" "That wouldn’t be right," he countered gently. "And besides, I’ll be leaving for the summit." Jessica froze. Her gaze snapped to him. "The summit? You said you weren’t going." "I thought it through during the banquet," Davis admitted. "With you staying to spend time with Grandma, it wouldn’t sit right for me to remain idle. I might as well use the chance to attend and return sooner." Though he had already said he wouldn’t be going for the summit, if he could convince Jessica to stay back here in the Santiagos’ residence, maybe he would be more at peace knowing she was safe. The explanation was logical, but it left Jessica’s spirit sinking. She had already come to terms with him not traveling, and now...this sudden change unsettled her deeply. "Then you stay back while I come to pick you when I return." Davis answered. "Don’t you think we can travel together? I need a change of environment," she pressed. Davis exhaled slowly. This was a good suggestion, but then with a heavy stomach and no proper arrangements for an emergency, wouldn’t that be planning the impossible? Davis shook his head, his eyes softening. "Baby, you aren’t fit for traveling now. If it was a few months back that idea would have been better." Jessica clicked her tongue in mild frustration. She wanted to protest, maybe even throw a tantrum, but she had been the one urging him to attend the summit in the first place. It felt as though she had cornered herself, carefully hitting her feet with the stone. Taking a slow breath, she forced herself to regain her composure. But recalling how important it was for the Allen Group and his growth, she took a deep breath. "When are you coming back?" she asked. "After the summit. I will be going with Ethan." Jessica studied him carefully. There was no doubt he had other plans. "Does that mean you are...?" "What?" he queried with raised brow, pretending not to have known what she meant. "Does that mean you are leaving today?" Davis hesitated, then rubbed the bridge of his nose in guilt. He had made this decision without properly informing her. "I’ve already asked Ethan to book the flight. We leave in four hours." Jessica gasped. "Ah! Four hours?" Davis nodded. "While I am away, you have to be careful. Don’t just go out without your guards. I know you always find ways of avoiding the guards... Maintain a healthy diet. Don’t stress yourself so much." While he continued to dish out instructions, Jessica kept silent. Several thoughts swirled through her mind as it continually drifted elsewhere. If the summit began tomorrow and he was only leaving now, there was a chance he might not return as quickly as he promised. Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs novel~fire~net Noticing her silence, Davis leaned close and pinched her nose lightly. "Are you listening?" "Ouch!" Jessica slapped his hand away, glaring playfully. "You’re already nagging like Deborah." He smirked. "Well, I nag for your own good." "I heard you," she replied dryly. "I’ll try my best. But I won’t be staying here with the Santiagos...I’d rather return to our estate, please." She spoke firmly, her tone leaving little room for argument. It wasn’t that she couldn’t stay, but the thought of adjusting herself into their household unsettled her. Her picky appetite, her moods, the tension after Bernice and Cassandra’s expulsion, everything screamed discomfort. At least in her own home, with Deborah managing her meals, she would be at peace. She might reject a meal and it would be counted as throwing a tantrum at the Santiagos’ home. At some point she might even counted as a spoiled princess? Or maybe mocked to be living a life she couldn’t afford. Conclusively, the Santiagos would see her as the reason why Bernice and Cassandra were cut off by the Matriarch, without recalling their evil deeds. "No, at this time, she couldn’t possibly remain in the Santiagos. Davis is right, she would have to visit her grandmother, but then living in... that’s a no, no." Davis rubbed his forehead helplessly, then relented with a sigh. "Alright.".