Just as Jessie was about to tease Jeslyn, the door creaked open.
Lettie inquired, âJessie, why are you outside at night? Who are you talking to?â
In the next moment, Lettie was taken aback.
Lettie spotted a child squatting at the entrance of the corridor.
Although the childâs features were not clearly visible, Lettie could discern that she came from money.
Lettie couldnât help but ask, âWhoâs that kid?â
Jessie skillfully sidestepped the crucial details and replied, âSheâs a child Iâve tutored before.
â
Immediately after that, the girl stood up and assumed a respectful posture.
âHello, Maâam.
My name is Jeslyn Waston, and my father is Albert Waston.
â
Lettie was shocked.
Coincidentally, the voice-activated light illuminated the corridor, revealing Lettieâs pale complexion.
She gazed at Jeslyn.
Though accustomed to indulgence, Jeslyn was also perceptive.
She cautiously moved back, pressing against the wall, her expression turning timid.
Lettie whirled around to face Jessie, snapping, âJessie, have you lost your mind? Youâre seeing Axell now, yet youâve brought this child home? Havenât you endured enough because of Albert?â
Tears welled up in Lettieâs eyes as she cried, âYouâre causing me too much pain.
â
Jessie rushed to explain, âMom, itâs not what you think.
Elsie, who used to look after me, sent the child here.
I havenât been in touch with Albert.
â
Lettie remained unconvinced by Jessieâs explanation and pressed on, âIf you havenât been in touch with him, why would Elsie send the child to you? Doesnât the child have a mother?â
Jeslyn interjected quietly, âMy mother died.
â
A subtle tension hung in the air.
After a prolonged silence, Lettie emphasized, âRegardless, Jessie, you are not permitted to have any further involvement with Albert.
â
Jessie nodded in agreement.
Jeslyn sniffled and asked quietly, âMay I go inside and have some bug spray? Iâll leave when my father comes to pick me up.
â
Jeslyn was young but perceptive.
She sensed Lettieâs dislike and perhaps even hatred for her.
Jeslyn felt disheartened and wished to leave as soon as possible.
As Elsie had taught her, forced actions seldom yielded agreement.
Jessie noticed the small bumps from mosquito bites on Jeslynâs arms and legs.
Feeling sympathy, she pleaded with Lettie, âPlease let her in.
Itâs chilly out here at night.
â
Initially reluctant to agree, Lettie relented when Jeslyn sniffled.