“Zane, you’re finally here.”
The moment Jessie’s wrists were freed from the tie, she threw herself into Zane’s embrace. In her 25 years of life, she had never had anyone she could truly rely on. But starting today, she finally had someone. Zane was the one she could count on for the rest of her life.
“I’m here now. No one can hurt you anymore.”
Brandon was now on the floor as his leg had been shot through. Blood poured out, and he was in such excruciating pain that he couldn’t even form words.
It took a moment for Phillip and Liliana to come back to their senses. They recognized Zane.” M–Mr. Stafford, why are you and Jessie…”
Even Phillip, a titan in the business world, found himself intimidated by Zane.
Zane was notoriously merciless in the business world. He was ruthless and cold–blooded, showing no mercy even to his own family if they ever crossed the line.
Zane shielded Jessie behind him, his eyes narrowing sharply. “Jessie is my fiancee. All she wanted to do was come here to see her parents. Yet, while I wasn’t by her side, she was treated like dirt. So, tell me should I hold the Hickman family accountable for this or the Kerr family?
As he spoke, Zane calmly raised his foot before pressing it down right on Brandon’s bullet
wound.
Brandon’s anguished screams filled the living room. “M–Mr. Stafford…”
Jessie frowned at the noise and tugged at Zane’s arm. “Don’t get involved with trash like him.
He’s not worth it.”
Letting out a soft grunt in response, Zane removed his foot, shooting a cold, contemptuous glance at Brandon.
Anna was completely dumbfounded. She had stolen Brandon in hopes of living a better life, yet Jessie had gone and found someone even better.
Just why? Why was Jessie always so damn lucky?
“Mr. Stafford, you probably don’t know this, but Jessie has always had a crush on Brandon. Are you sure she’s with you for love?” Anna spoke through gritted teeth.
Any man would get jealous upon hearing that their woman used to love someone else, especially someone as proud and powerful as Zane. To solidify her claim, Anna dragged the
Chapter 15
rest of the Hickman family into it. “Dad, Mom, you both know how much Jessie loves Brandon, don’t you?”
Liliana’s face froze for a few seconds before she chimed in, “It’s true. Jessie has always liked Brandon since she was little. It’s something everyone in the family knows.”
Zane’s gaze visibly darkened.
Thinking that her words were having an effect, Anna continued with a smirk, “Jessie, I know you’re upset about what happened between me and Brandon, but you shouldn’t be toying with other people’s feelings.
“Mr. Stafford, I’m sure Jessie didn’t mean to. Please don’t hold it against her for the Hickman family’s sake.”
Phillip, putting on the airs of someone who was owed respect, scolded Jessie, “Jessie, hurry up and apologize to Mr. Stafford! Do you want to bring down the entire Hickman family with you?
Phillip was convinced Jessie had pulled some stunt to fool Zane, and now that Zane knew the truth, he’d definitely be furious. So, he wanted Jessie to beg for forgiveness as quickly as possible.
The air around Zane turned glacial. He lowered his gaze to look at Jessie. “So these people are your so–called family.”
Jessie masked the sorrow in her eyes. She should’ve cut ties with such parents long ago. She never should’ve hoped that they’d ever treat her like family.
“I’m sorry you had to see this. This is the kind of family I come from. Even my own parents don’t like me. I guess I really am a failure.”
Jessie’s words made Phillip’s and Liliana’s hearts clench. At the end of the day, Jessie was the Hickman family’s only biological daughter.
But since Jessie had never been as likable and Anna knew how to charm them and scheme from
a young age, Phillip and Liliana came to despise their real daughter with time.
With a frown, Liliana couldn’t help but try to explain, “Jessie…”
