Chapter 254
Jessica knew there was no way out.
After telling Leanna to wait in the courtyard, Jessica hurried back to Algernon and knelt
down before him.
“Finally realize your mistake?” Algernon harrumphed, his mind sharpening a little as old memories surfaced.
“I know I’ve disappointed you, Grandfather, but I don’t think I was wrong.” Jessica lifted her head, meeting his gaze with unwavering determination.
She added, “Grandfather, when I promised you not to display my martial arts in public, it was because you grieved and feared I’d meet the same fate as Father and Mother. But I’ve grown up now, I must protect not only Brother and you, but also our family and the hundred thousand troops of the Yates Army.”
She shuffled forward on her knees, took Algernon’s cold hand, and pleaded earnestly, “Grandfather, please forgive me.”
Algernon had so much to say and so many questions to
but in the end, he only heaved a sigh.
Algernon asked softly, “Things between you and Waldo aren’t working out, are they?”
Jessica cast a sideways glance at Ted.
Ted hurriedly said, “Miss, I didn’t say anything.”
Algernon sighed helplessly, “If you and Waldo were on good terms, with him protecting our family, would you really need to defend our home yourself?! may be old, but I’m not senile.”
Jessica looked at her grandfather and asked, “Grandfather, are
e you angry with me? Waldo and I just weren’t meant to be in this life.”
Algernon looked at her, her expression calm, her eyes clear and bright.
After a moment, he chuckled and said, “That brat just doesn’t deserve our Jessica! Enough. I’m old now. Whatever you want to do, just do it. You’re even wiser and more level–headed than your mother ever was. I trust every decision you make is the right one.”
“Thank you, Grandfather,” Jessica replied gratefully.
After bidding farewell to Algernon, Jessica stepped out with a light heart.
Even Leanna could tell that her spirits had noticeably lifted.
“Come on, Leanna,” Jessica said cheerfully, “let’s go pack up your things for the move.”
Leanna lived in a modest row house not far from the Yates residence.
Jessica knew this type of low–rent apartment, the conditions were less than ideal. Only behind her own closed door could she find a little sanctuary to
call her own.
“It’s… not the nicest place, Jessica, so I hope you don’t mind. But it does get quite peaceful after dark,” Leanna said, not the least bit embarrassed, her cheerful demeanor made it clear she was someone who could find joy in simple living.
“I only regret not persuading Grandfather sooner to let you return to the Yates residence,” Jessica said with remorse, “But who could have known back then? You ended up waiting alone for six long years.”
During that period, Jessica accompanied Garbisch to the battlefield under Waldo’s command. Though she never fought on the front lines herself, as the army’s strategist, she spent most of her time stationed at military camps.
Looking back, she realized she truly had failed to look after Leanna.
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12:07 Thu 12 Jun
Chapter 254
“It’s Uncle Dayton’s portrait!” Jessica hurried over and gazed at the lifelike painting of Dayton, a lump rising in her throat.
“He was… so handsome back then,” she murmured, her voice growing hoarse.
Leanna smiled and said, “Of course Dayton is handsome. None of the men in the Yates family are anything less than striking. Just look at Garbusch, so tall. and dashing, every bit as impressive as his father was in his prime.”
However, the smile at the corners of Leanna’s lips gradually faded.
She looked at Jessica, hesitating as if she wanted to say something but stopped herself.
In the end, she couldn’t help but ask softly, “Is Garbisch’s health… really beyond hope?”
