Chapter 42: Chapter 42

Chapter 42

Jeremy had only walked a few steps when he saw Jessica approaching him.

“Jeremy, what happened to you?”

Jessica asked, hurrying forward when she saw him limping.

These past few days, she felt that Jeremy wasn’t as open and affectionate with her as before, guessing he was still upset about the recent incident where he had been used as a scapegoat for bribing a judge.

To regain Jeremy’s trust, Jessica had specially brought him to this resort, inviting a bunch of friends along.

“Jeremy, where did you hurt yourself?” Jessica moved to support him.

“It’s nothing.” Jeremy replied, feeling a warmth in his heart upon seeing Jessica’s concern for him,

He mused, ‘Why can’t Ashley be as concerned about me as Jessica is?”

Recalling what had just happened, Jeremy still felt irritated. “I just ran into Ashley.”

“Ashley?” Jessica was surprised after hearing him. “Ashley is here too?”

Jeremy nodded in affirmation. “Yeah.”

Jessica’s eyes twinkled, and she smiled innocently, “That’s great! Let’s invite Ashley to join us! I haven’t seen her in so long. I really miss her!”

Hearing this, Jeremy was moved.

He thought, Jessica is really considerate and sensible. This is how the family should be. How distasteful the things Ashley said earlier about the Ramos family being like foul–smelling stones in a cesspool are!”

Jeremy had been feeling guilty toward Ashley these past days and had amiably agreed to her return to the Ramos Villa but was met with resistance each time.

He thought, ‘It seems Jessica is the most understanding and the most suitable to be my sister. As for what Ashley said about Jessica not being the one who saved me, was it just nonsense?”

Jessica excitedly asked, “Jeremy, where is Ashley? I’ll go find her!”

He replied, somewhat sarcastically, “No need. She has signed with Royal Entertainment and has climbed the social ladder, She is living the high life now! She doesn’t care about us anymore!”

“Jeremy, don’t say that…”

“Let’s not talk about her anymore, Jessica, Jeremy said, not wanting to dwell on the subject.

Jessica detected Jeremy’s indifference toward Ashley from his tone, and a secret triumph flickered in her expression.

Jessica then thought smugly, ‘That’s more like it. The Ramos family should all revolve around me. They should cherish and care for me like a treasure. Why bother about that worthless Ashley!”

“Okay, Jeremy, let’s head back then!” She said.

With an obedient and understanding look, Jessica continued, “Jeremy, your birthday is next month, but my friends and I decided to celebrate it for you today in advance.”

Jeremy was pleasantly surprised and smiled, Jessica, with you just remembering my birthday, it’s already enough for me. You don’t need to go to all that trouble.”

She insisted, “No way. In my heart, Jeremy, you are like my real brother! It’s only right I prepare

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Chapter 42

something special for my brother’s birthday.”

“Jessica, stop talking about real or not real siblings. In my heart, you are my real sister, understand?”

“Yes, I understand, Jeremy!” Jessica said, her eyes brimming with tears of gratitude.

Watching her easily content and pure–hearted demeanor, Jeremy couldn’t help but think, ‘If only Ashley could be as understanding as Jessica…”

The resort had beautiful scenery, and guests could enjoy outdoor barbecues by the crescent–shaped

lake.

Jessica had specially arranged an outdoor gathering with elegant long dining tables adorned with white embroidered tablecloths and prepared an array of delicate pastries.

The friends Jessica brought to the resort immediately started speaking highly of her when they saw Jeremy and Jessica return.

“Jeremy, Jessica made all these pastries herself, just to celebrate your birthday in advance!”

The group of friends, consisting of men and women from affluent circles, frequently socialized with Jeremy and Jessica, considering themselves part of the elite.

“Jeremy, you’re so lucky to have such a wonderful sister! Unlike mine, who always just argues with

mel”

“Hahaha, Jessica is famously considerate and sensible. You can’t envy that!”

“Jessica, why don’t you also consider me your brother? I want to experience having a caring little sister like you!”

“Stop it, stop it!” Jeremy waved them off proudly. “That’s enough. Jessica is my sister, and none of you can claim her!”

Jessica smiled gently, “Okay, Jeremy, please have a seat and try the pastries I made for you.”

Jessica gently guided Jeremy to a chair and placed a piece of his favorite flavored cake in front of him. “Jeremy, this is your favorite flavor.”

Since it wasn’t his official birthday yet, the cake wasn’t a birthday cake.

But having Jessica personally make snacks for him warmed Jeremy’s heart like a gentle spring

breeze.

Just as he was about to take a bite, he saw Ashley and Joseph walking toward them, chatting and laughing.

The crescent–shaped lake was a famous spot in the resort.

Ashley, led by Joseph, spotted Jeremy and his group with just a glance.

After a brief glance, she indifferently shifted her gaze away and continued walking with Joseph to the lakeside, where they sat down at a table with the resort’s special coffee and snacks.

Seeing this, Jeremy’s brows furrowed in displeasure.

He thought irritably, ‘Not only has Ashley blocked my numbers, but now she completely ignores me in person, too. It’s like she doesn’t even see me. She really doesn’t consider me as family anymore!”

Jessica’s friends also noticed Ashley. “Hey, isn’t that Ashley? And who’s that with her? Mr. Fox?”

“Yes, that’s Josephl Ashley has recently signed with Royal Entertainment. Joseph is her boss!”

“She seems quite capable, able to make it into Royal Entertainment.”

“As if, Can she even compare to Jessica?”

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Chapter 42

“Exactly, Jessica treats Jeremy with such devotion. Can Ashley do that? Of course not!”

“That’s why there’s a difference between one sister and another!”

“Jessica is better, although not biologically related. She grew up in the Ramos family and has become a refined lady. Ashley is no match for Jessica!”

As Jessica listened to these praises and the disparagement of Ashley, she couldn’t help but feel smug.

Yet, amidst her smugness, Jessica couldn’t help but feel envious, thinking, ‘Ashley has actually signed with Royal Entertainment. And Joseph, the second heir of the Fox family, is so good to Ashley. But it doesn’t matter. As long as I keep the Ramos family on my side, their fortune will be mine, and Ashley won’t get a cent.

Then, the group of friends continued to flatter Jessica arid belittle Ashley.

While Jessica was secretly reveling in her triumph, she suddenly heard Jeremy’s cold rebuke. “Enough, stop talking nonsense!”

His reprimand silenced the group, leaving them exchanging puzzled looks.

Jessica couldn’t help but frown in irritation.

She pondered, ‘Why is Jeremy defending that wretch Ashley again?”

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