Chapter 7

"it can wait pa." Jessica said

"I feel so much better princess.” Joseph said gently.

His gentle smile soothed Jessica worries.

Joseph's recovery was a blessing.

His voice is weak but reassuring .

“Come closer." He whispered.

Jessica leaned in, holding his hand in hers

“We should cancel the marriage arrangement with the Millers."

Jessica's eyebrows furrowed.

 "Pa, I understand your concerns, but now isn't the time. Liam just saved your life."

Joseph's expression look intense.

 "That is exactly why we should reconsider. I don't want you to bound to someone out of obligation."

"We can't go back on our promise, especially after Liam's help. It would be ungrateful and dishonorable." Jessica insisted.

Joseph sighed, his eyes clouding. "I owe Liam a debt, but that doesn't mean you must marry him."

Jessica's jaw harden.

"I understand your concern pa but I've already promised Liam a one-year trial. I'll fulfill my commitment, Grandfather.” 

Her calling him grandfather means end of discussion.

Joseph's eyes met hers, hoping for understanding.

"Promise me you will always put your happiness first."

Jessica nodded, though her thoughts is filled with uncertainty.

“Very well. If you are sure that is what you want, you have my full support.” he said.

“Being a wife is a job on its own, you have obligation to fulfill.” he advised.

“I will do what is necessary pa.” Jessica replied.

“You have to….”

“Pa! If you continue to meedle, I will divorce him.” She interrupted him.

“That is not important right now, you need to focus on your recovery.”

Joseph expression softened,he raised his hands up to surrender. “i promise, no more interference. Your happiness is more important.”

-

Liam, after washing his hands overhears a conversation between Gabriel and Christopher.

Gabriel's raised voice carried through the door.

“Fuck! your incompetence ruined our plan.”

“Joseph's survival is likely the end of everything!"

"I did all I could Mr Armstrong, The Tame Head curse…."

"Tame Head curse?" Gabriel Interrupted.

"Stop giving silly excuses! You  should have never underestimated that man."

Gabriel's voice turned bitter. "I should have predicted that mutt will ruin our plans."

Gabriel's anger boiled over. "Our plans, our future, is on the verge of being destroyed!"

Gabriel said in frustration. 

"Someone is targeting the Matthews family and Miss Matthew is aware. She probably brought Liam in for protection." Christopher said.

“Who?” Gabriel said 

“That i am not sure but she has been cautious for the past few days and even double their security.”

Gabriel’s determination hardened. "I have  marry Jessica, and secure the Matthews empire."

TMO's crisis open opportunity Their partnership with Healthy Land…"

"Pharmaceutical giants." Gabriel interrupted Christopher.

"Yes.” 

Christopher continued. "If successful, TMO's future is assured and the Matthews family will succeed. But..." 

He paused.

"My brother, Anthony, is one of joshua grants trusted men. One warning from him the partnership will fail. TMO will be ruined."

 "Forcing Jessica's hand to Marriage, our ticket out."  He completed.

Excitement could be heard in Gabriel’s voice.

"Exactly. With TMO on the brink, Jessica will have to find a way out. Which is you." Christopher said 

Gabriel’s voice intensified filled with happiness.

"Ensure Anthony sabotage the partnership. Our future depends on it."

_

 Joseph, tired from the conversation, falls asleep. 

Jessica stepped out of Joseph's hospital room.

 Relief washing over her, she is glad her grandfather was alive.

She spotted Cynthia in the hallway.

"Cynthia, have you seen Mr miller?" Jessica asked.

“Miss Matthew.” She stood up.

"He is around around here somewhere." Cynthia replied. "I saw him walk into the man washroom."

Jessica's expression turned serious.

"TMO's partnership with Healthy Land is approaching, We need to prepare press releases and a celebration banquet."

"Yes ma."

Cynthia nodded, bringing out her jotter.

“Where is David?” He went to the villa to pick clothes for Mr Matthew.

"Okay.”

“I need to back to the office now, you stay and makes sure no one goes in except Mr miller.”

"Another thing, I need you to take Mr miller shopping. His current dressing does not suit our company's image."

Cynthia nodded. "Luxury brands?" She replied 

"Yes. Ensure he is well groomed, He  could use an hair cut.

"Also, arrange a fitting residence, a comfortable one."

Cynthia scribbled notes. "Yes ma. Do you have any dress code requirements?”

"Classic, elegant," Jessica replied. 

"Reflecting and embodying TMO's professionalism."

Cynthia smiled. "I will attend to it promptly.”

"I entrust it to you.” Jessica said and left.

Liam returned after a few minutes

Cynthia’s expression turned cold. 

Liam open the door to the Matthew's ward and could not find Jessica.

“Where is Miss Matthew?” He asked Cynthia.

“She left.” She replied coldly.

"You were entrusted to me and you are under my supervision."

Liam nodded, unbothered.

Cynthia saw this as an opportunity to claim superiority. 

"Understood? You follow my instructions."

“Okay.”

“We need to go shopping.”

“Okay.”

Liam's submission sparked a cunning glint.

"I expect your full cooperation when we get there.” Brittany ordered, her tone firm.

“We need to groom you to be someone who is fit to works at TMO”

Liam kept quiet. His compliance to her request satisfied Cynthia. She delighted in pushing him around.

"We should leave now."