Chapter 7 Man in the Photos

The day's weight hung heavy on Jessica as she trudged back to her apartment, each step dragging with exhaustion. Selene had finished her shift earlier and had already picked up Arthur from kindergarten. "Back already?" Selene's voice was bright with curiosity. "How was your first day? Did everything go okay?" Jessica shot her a sharp look. "Why didn't you tell me Vertex is the Hensleys' company?" Selene's eyebrow arched in surprise. "So, you met Charles, huh? What's he like? Is he as handsome as they say?" Jessica's eyes narrowed. "What does it matter? He's Hugh's uncle!" Selene waved her hand dismissively. "So what? Vertex isn't some place you just stroll into. You should be glad you got the job. Who cares if he's someone's uncle? You think he's going to make trouble because of Hugh?" Jessica frowned, her irritation growing. That wasn't what bothered her. She wasn't afraid of Hugh or Charles. She simply wanted nothing to do with the Hensleys or their tangled mess. Just then, Arthur waddled into the room, clutching his stomach with both hands. "Mommy, my tummy hurts." Jessica's heart skipped a beat. She rushed to him, kneeling down to press her palm against his small belly. "What happened? Did something at kindergarten upset your stomach?" Arthur shook his head weakly, his face pale and sweat dotting his forehead. "I don't know." Jessica knew him well—if it wasn't serious, he wouldn't have complained. "I'm taking you to the hospital right now," she said, her voice firm. Selene's expression mirrored Jessica's concern. She grabbed the car keys in a flash. "I'll get the car." They rushed to the hospital, Arthur's discomfort evident with every passing minute. The doctor examined him thoroughly before turning to Jessica. "You said you returned from Mecria yesterday?" "Yes," Jessica confirmed, nodding. "That's the cause. It's a mild case of stomach upset from the change in environment. Nothing too serious—just a little stomach ache and diarrhea. I'll give you some medication." Relief flooded through Jessica. "Thank you, doctor." After receiving the prescription, Jessica headed to the pharmacy, while Selene stayed behind to keep an eye on Arthur. As Jessica made her way back, something caught her eye. A figure. She turned toward the opposite corridor. Her breath caught. There, across the distance, stood Rhea. It had been five years, yet Jessica recognized her instantly. The woman who had stolen her wedding, her fiancé. How could she ever forget? Rhea conversed with a man in a white lab coat, their words lost to the hum of the hospital's corridors. But their gestures—the subtle touches, the way they leaned into one another—spoke volumes. To anyone watching, it could easily pass for something more than just a conversation. Had Rhea betrayed Hugh? Jessica's gaze sharpened as she studied the man. That face—so familiar. Her heart stuttered. It was him. The man from the photos. The scandal that had haunted her wedding day. A chill ran through her. She moved to approach him, her steps swift, but then a shadow blocked her path. "Jessica?" The voice was rich, smooth—a deep tone that halted her in her tracks. She looked up, and there, standing before her, was Charles. His face was so like his son's, it sent a momentary jolt through her. For an instant, she nearly forgot what she was doing. But her mind quickly refocused. She tried to push past him, her eyes darting toward the hallway, desperate to catch sight of the man and Rhea. But they were gone. Vanished. Charles watched her, brow furrowed. "Who were you looking for?" Frustration surged through Jessica. They'd gotten away. She took a breath, forcing her composure back. He was her superior, after all. Rudeness wasn't an option. She lowered her gaze, masking her turmoil. "Just someone I thought I saw." Charles noticed the prescription in her hand. "You're not feeling well?" Jessica kept her eyes averted. "It's my son. He wasn't feeling well, so I brought him to see the doctor." She glanced up briefly, then added, "What are you doing here, Mr. Hensley?" The mention of her son seemed to stir something in Charles's memory. He recalled the boy from the airport—the stubborn, proud look on his face. Something about it felt familiar, like a puzzle piece clicking into place. He studied Jessica, his suspicion growing. "What's wrong with him?" The question slipped out before he could stop it. Jessica didn't hesitate. "Just a little stomach trouble from the change in surroundings. The doctor gave him some medicine." Charles's lips curled slightly in amusement. "Tell him to lay off the ice cream and he'll be fine." Jessica lifted her gaze, drawn to the subtle curve of his smile. Damn it. The way his lips quirked—he looked so much like her son in that moment. She couldn't tear her eyes away. Charles leaned in, his breath warm against her ear, his voice a low, dangerous murmur. "You know, looking at a man like that … can be very dangerous."