Actually, Jessica had figured it out in the car.

“Michael is in a tough spot himself,” she said.

Chris nodded. Since it was the Wilder family’s reputation on the line, and he and Jessica were just partners, he didn’t need to get angry on Michael’s behalf.

Since that was the case, he stood up and was about to leave, but Jessica quickly stepped forward to stop him.

“There are so many journalists outside, and there must be some near the front gates as well. If they don’t see you returning home with me, they’ll definitely speculate. During the collaboration phase, you need to stay with me.”

“You!”

He frowned at Jessica, and she smiled lightly. “It’s just a collaboration. Are you scared?”

What was there to be scared of? He was a man, and it wasn’t he who was going to suffer.

So, Jessica started dealing with work, while Chris was ordered to stay in the office. He made a few phone calls to some teachers, starting with an apology.

“Chris, the exchange program in Desland is precious. They can’t keep waiting for you. Is there something going on over there? How about I give you a hand?”

His trouble was still dealing with her problems at work. Chris glanced at Jessica and lowered his head. “No need, I’m fine. It’s just some family matters, nothing to worry about. What did the hospital say?”

“They’re happy for you to stay at the hospital. Besides, the Wilder Group invested in the hospital because of you. If you stay, it’s likely that the funding will continue. They said if you come back, you won’t be on probation anymore. They’ll directly promote you to attending physician. What do you think?”

“Anything is fine. I’ll follow your arrangements.”

“Alright, I’ll tell them.”

There weren’t many medical geniuses, and Chris, being one of the best, had hospitals competing for him before he even graduated. The salary and benefits were excellent. However, Chris had married Jessica without a second thought, and wasted these years.

Even if he couldn’t go abroad, he still needed to stay far away from Jessica.

During the meeting, all the shareholders were attacking Jessica’s private life, even bringing up her being a woman.

“What? At least I haven’t betrayed my husband. Today, Chris showed up to prove it for me. Did you not like to see that? I think you know more about a messy private life than I do, Mr. Hickey.”

“You!”

The man who had been the harshest in his criticism was Mr. Hickey.

Jessica smiled faintly. “I know what you’re all thinking, but don’t forget, this is the Wilder Group. Even if you kick me out, it would only mean my mother continues to run the Wilder Group, and at worst, my sister can take over. Even if my entire family were wiped out, there’s still my husband. As for you? You can stop dreaming.”

“Yes, this is the Wilder Group, but it’s also the result of our lifetime of effort. We can’t just watch it get ruined in your hands. What exactly is going on with you and that He family kid?” Mark Light was still being objective. He cleared his throat and said, “In our position, it’s inevitable that we have to play some games. Even if you have something going on, it’s none of our business, but the company’s interests must be considered!”

Jessica waved her hand irritably. “It’s not what you think. There’s nothing between me and Michael.”

Chapter 28

+25 BONUS

Mr. Hickey wouldn’t let it go. “Because of your personal issues, the company lost several business deals. What do you have to say about that?”

“Say?” Jessica gave Mr. Hickey a humorous look, then raised her hand. Shannon immediately placed a folder into her hand.

“You haven’t been home recently, have you?”

“What?”

Seeing that Mr. Hickey didn’t understand, the other shareholders were also confused. Jessica looked at the document and said, “You bought a villa in River Crescent. That’s where you’ve been living recently. But from what I know, Mrs. Hickey is staying at Imperial Bay. The security guards have said repeatedly that you’re living with your wife. I’d like to ask, which wife are they talking about?”