Chapter 1348: Hire and fire

It was true when Jessa said she didn’t care how Priscilla was alive—after all this time, everyone believed Priscilla had died in childbirth. Wasn’t that the reason Penny had ended up in Jessa’s care?

Whatever the reason, Priscilla had no right to be a mother.

When Jessa calmed down, she quickly called Allison over to her home. She couldn’t call Lester, knowing he was busy with work. Besides, the news Jessa had would only worry her husband. So, she called Allison for one reason.

"I’m going to kill someone, Allison," Jessa announced the moment the front door opened. "Is Penny’s lawyer good enough to keep me out of prison?"

Allison’s brows shot up in surprise, her mouth slightly agape.

"Alright...?" she breathed out, blinking. "I see you woke up today and chose violence."

Sighing, Allison held up the basket she was carrying. "I brought you some fruit. Charles got them from a friend—these aren’t in season."

"Tch." Jessa clicked her tongue, watching the oblivious Allison step inside with a smile.

"I’ll just prepare this, and we can talk over some snacks." Allison hummed as she headed to the kitchen. But as she passed the living room, where Jessa was slumped on the couch, Jessa spoke again.

"That bitch just showed up in front of me."

Allison stopped in her tracks, turning back. Jessa rocked her head, giving her a knowing look.

"Yes, that one."

The smile on Allison’s lips faded as confusion flickered across her face. "You mean... that bitch?"

"Exactly. That lying bitch," Jessa growled through gritted teeth.

Allison’s plans to wash the fruit vanished. She rushed to the single-seater, set the basket on the table, and turned to Jessa squarely.

"How is that even... Jessa, are you sure?" Allison asked, frowning. "Nina’s mom—"

"She’s not Nina’s mother!" Jessa snapped, jabbing a finger between them. "Nina’s mothers are right here—us! That woman doesn’t deserve the title."

"But... didn’t she die?"

"That woman is a lying vixen," Jessa huffed, pressing her palm to her chest as if to calm her rising blood pressure. Leaning back, she let out another sharp exhale. "God forgive me, but I swear, I’m going to kill her."

"Are you really sure?"

"Allison, do you think I’d mistake anyone else for her?" Jessa scoffed. "I hate that vixen so much that if I could, I’d dig up her grave just to beat her corpse."

Allison’s brows knit together, her lips pressing into a thin line. The situation didn’t make sense. When she snapped her gaze back to Jessa, she asked, "And she just showed up at your door after all these years?"

"The nerve, right?"

"Why?"

"What do you mean, why?" Jessa scowled. "Allison, are you my friend or not? Where’s the sisterhood? I almost had a heart attack from anger, and you’re asking me why?"

"Jessa, I know you hate her, and she deserves it—she ruined everything." Allison sighed. "But isn’t this a little strange? We thought she was dead until today. If she faked her death, why reveal herself now?"

Jessa frowned, glaring at Allison. "She wants Nina back. That bitch doesn’t even know her daughter’s name—she called Nina Penny."

"What?" Allison’s breath hitched, eyes widening. "She wants Nina back? After all these years?"

"I would’ve killed her if she hadn’t run as fast as she could." Jessa spat on the floor. "Ugh, my neck hurts—I’m so angry."

Allison let Jessa vent, watching her in silence. Then, after a moment, she asked, "Jessa... where’s Nina?"

"She’s staying at her fiancé’s house," Jessa waved off dismissively. "She said she needed to take care of Finn while he recovers from that accident. Her place isn’t as secure as Finn’s, so they’re moving out today."

Allison exhaled in relief. "I see. Then I don’t think she’ll bother Nina."

"Huh?" Jessa arched a brow. "What makes you think that?"

"Jessa, if that woman showed up here so abruptly... I think she’s been watching you."

"What?!"

"Think about it. You’ve appeared on TV, and your restaurant is well-known. If you had moved, it wouldn’t have been surprising. But you didn’t. And that woman showing up here—on your day off? That’s not a coincidence."

A heavy silence settled between them. Jessa stared at Allison, her expression darkening.

Now that Allison mentioned it... Jessa rarely took days off. She was the head chef of Mama, the backbone of the restaurant. Not that she minded—she loved her work.

Cooking wasn’t the childhood dream she once had, but it had become her passion. No matter how exhausting it was, it never felt like just a job.

"That bitch..." Jessa scoffed, running her tongue along her inner cheek. "No wonder I’ve been feeling like I was being watched."

"Jessa, I think we should tell Charles and Lester."

Jessa shook her head. "No. Charles will make a big deal out of it, and Lester will just worry. My husband needs his pension—I can’t let him resign just a few years before retirement over this."

"But we need to tell them."

"No." Jessa’s eyes were sharp. "Allison, do you think your husband tells you everything? You might think he does, but I’m sure he keeps things from you to stop you from worrying."

Allison frowned. "Jessa, not telling them is a bad idea."

"We’re not just housewives with hobbies," Jessa said firmly. "We’re business owners. Didn’t you hear what your son-in-law said last night?"

Allison hesitated, conflicted. "Do you have a plan?"

Jessa smirked, leaning back. "Hah."

---

[PRIME GROUP]

After her morning meeting, Penny slowed down as she reached her floor. Deep lines appeared between her brows when she spotted a figure standing at reception.

"Excuse me?" Penny called out. When the person turned around, Penny’s brow twitched. "What in the world are you doing here, Patricia?"

Patricia blinked innocently, clutching a folder. "I’m applying for an assistant position."

"Huh?!" Penny gawked. "Patricia, as far as I know, we’re not hiring."

"Then what’s this?" Patricia held up a printed job ad.

Penny narrowed her eyes, leaning closer to inspect it. Her face contorted before she pulled back, looking at Patricia in disbelief.

"Nice try, Patricia," she laughed. "Next time, check your sources—there’s a watermark. One more reason why I’m not hiring you."

"Penny!" Patricia whined, rushing to stand in front of her. "Please! Just let me try, okay?"

"Why do you suddenly want to be my assistant? Do you even know what that means? You’ll be my slave—a lackey! Do you understand?" Penny emphasized in distress. "And how did you even get past security?"

Patricia pouted. "I showed them the job ad."

"Oh my God." Penny rubbed her temples, inhaling deeply. "I’m being overly stimulated. I need to calm down."

Then, casting Patricia a side-eye, she scoffed. "Get out. I’m not hiring you."

Just as she turned to enter her office, Patricia called after her.

"You have clients inside."

Penny paused.

"It’s your mom and aunt," Patricia added, rolling her eyes. "They’re here as clients. Just telling you so you don’t freak out."

Penny exhaled sharply, shaking her head. "Hah." She turned back slightly, looking at Patricia, who just saved her from another surprise.

"Hey."

"Hmm?"

"Stay there," Penny said flatly. "I’ll hire and fire you later."