Chapter 64

Jenna rubbed her temples,the persistent headache from several sleepless nights pounding behind her eyes.

She had run out of the essential oils Marissa recommended and hadn't had time to replace them.

Watching Bryson order his assistant to keep monitoring Marissa intensified her headache.Her frown deepened,and with a hint of irritation,she asked,"Bryson,what's with all this attention on Marissa?She's just the adopted daughter of the Fletcher family!If Evelina finds out,she'll be upset. You're married to her now,so focus on your wife, understand?"

Her tone softened as she continued.When Jenna wasn't upset,her demeanor was calm and approachable.

"You're reading too much into it,"Bryson replied with a faint smile."I'm married to Evelina.The only reason I have my assistant keep an eye on Marissa is that she's Evelina's sister.Nothing more."

He handed his suit jacket to his assistant,his eyes scanning the parking lot.

Among the scattered people,Marissa was nowhere in sight.He lowered his gaze,suppressing the irritation building inside him."Let's go,"he said flatly.

Jenna knew that look.Whenever Bryson didn't

want to answer,he'd change the subject—just like noW.

She glanced around,not spotting Marissa,and felt a small sense of relief

"Bryson,did you hear me?"she pressed."You must never betray Evelina.She is far superior to her in every way."

Her voice carried genuine worry that her son might get involved with Marissa.

"Mom,how can you think that of me?"Bryson's tone hardened,his expression darkening.Evelina had cared for him selflessly during his darkest time —he could never betray her.

Jenna hesitated,catching the shift in his expression.She said quickly,"I just don't want you to lose your senses like so many men do.Evelina's been good to you—don't let her down."

"Then stop overworking her,"Bryson said sharply as he opened the car door,gesturing for her to get in."We have servants.In the Fletcher family,she never had to lift a finger.If her mother finds out how you're treating her,it'll turn into another argument."

Jenna slid into the seat,biting back a retort.When she saw her son's face darken again,she raised her hands in surrender."Alright,alright,I get it.I'll treat her better."

She almost blurted out that Evelina hadn't grown up pampered like Marissa,who used to personally prepare medicine for Bryson,but she stopped herself.

Bryson was sharp;he'd piece together the truth immediately.

"Anyway,"Jenna said instead,"don't give other girls too much attention."

"Relax,I'm loyal to my wife,just like my father is to you,"Bryson said with a light smile,clearly done with the topic.

Jenna forced a small laugh.The truth was,his father had been seeing other women behind their backs.

In the front seat,the assistant stayed quiet while

the Hardy family's chauffeur was behind the wheel. Minutes passed,but the car didn't move.

"What's going on?"Bryson asked,checking his watch.

He hated delays.Since regaining his eyesight,he couldn't stand being idle at home,often visiting the company instead.

"Mr.Hardy,I'll check it right away,"the driver replied,stepping out to inspect the car.

"Didn't you check it before we left?"Jenna asked impatiently."Hurry up,please."

A pounding headache throbbed behind her eyes. She hadn't slept well in days and just wanted to get home and rest.

The driver circled the vehicle,crouched down for a closer look,and quickly realized what was wrong. Straightening up,he reported through the open window,"Mr.Hardy,all four tires are flat."

Bryson's brow furrowed.He glanced outside."How did that happen?"he asked,his tone sharp.

The driver was just as baffled.The tires had been perfectly fine when they arrived—so how could all four suddenly go flat?It was far too coincidental to be an accident.He furrowed his brows,recalling his

brief absence.

"Mr.Hardy,"the driver said cautiously,"I'm sorry. About ten minutes ago,I went to the restroom."

Ten minutes ago?

Could it be...

The assistant glanced cautiously at Bryson through the rearview mirror.Wasn't that when Marissa appeared?

Bryson's expression darkened instantly as the same thought crossed his mind.

So,Marissa came all the way to the hospital just to slash his tires?

Unbelievable.

Bryson snorted in derision.

So this was how Marissa planned to get his attention?

He had to admit,she'd managed to pique his curiosity.

"What exactly is going on?"Jenna asked,her brow creasing in confusion.

"Nothing,"Bryson replied casually,though his mind replayed the image of Marissa's confident,radiant

face as she walked away.

"What is really going on?"Jenna pressed,glancing between him and the driver.

"The tires were deliberately slashed,"Bryson said flatly before pushing the door open and stepping out of the car.He turned back to his mother."Mom, I'll take a cab to the office.Wait here—Dad said he'd come pick you up."

"What?Hold on,Bryson,"Jenna called after him, but he had already moved past the car,his long strides carrying him down the street without looking back.

The assistant quickly got out of the car as well. Before following Bryson,he leaned toward Jenna with a respectful nod."Madam,I'll go with Mr. Hardy."