Jessica saw how cautiously he was speaking and couldn’t help but laugh. “Why would I be angry? I didn’t want you going abroad because our relationship still wasn’t stable. Once we remarry, if you want to pursue further studies, I won’t stop you. But this is just a business trip—it’s a job assignment, I can understand that.”

It was rare to see Jessica so understanding. Lately, she had changed so much that even Chris barely recognized her.

Chris felt relieved and finally smiled.

In truth, Jessica thought the timing of the trip was perfect.

Thanks to their efforts, the Hall family had finally agreed to let Michael return home—and they were even holding a birthday party for his daughter. The invitation had already been delivered to the Wilder Group.

The card specifically requested Jessica to bring her husband along.

But Chris obviously wouldn’t want to see the Hall family. If she intentionally left him out, it would seem like she and Chris had serious problems.

Chris going on a business trip was the perfect excuse.

Jessica quietly let out a sigh of relief.

“No need to prepare Mr. Green’s suit—he’s going on a trip. He’s leaving tomorrow.”

After entering the study, Jessica video-called Shannon. “He’ll be gone for ten days, just enough to miss the Hall family’s banquet. Pick a good gift for Jordan—make sure it’s expensive and flashy, but ultimately impractical.”

“Got it.” Shannon was browsing gift options. “I saw a diamond princess dress, all the diamonds are hand-inlaid. It’s priced at 600 thousand. Sounds exactly like what you’re looking for—expensive and flashy.”

Jessica didn’t hesitate at all and nodded. “That’s the one.”

If she was going to send a gift to the Hall family, she wouldn’t hold back. The more expensive it was, the more it would look like she cared about Michael and Jordan.

The banquet was that night—and some very important guests were expected to appear.

Chris had felt Jessica agreed a little too quickly and even seemed a bit happy. He didn’t understand why and didn’t bother to ask. He went to the kitchen, poured himself a cup of tea, and just as he reached the study door, he heard Jessica speaking in her video call with Shannon.

“Yes, I’m worried Chris will overthink it. I also don’t want him to meet members of the Hall family—none of them are decent. They ruined our wedding, and now they’re still trying to humiliate him. His business trip is perfect—saves me the trouble of making up excuses.”

“Charge the 600 thousand to my personal account, not the company’s.”

Chris stood there for a while before finally understanding why she had agreed so quickly.

But Jessica was right—he truly didn’t want to see the Hall family.

Once the conversation inside stopped, he knocked and entered.

“Go to bed early. My flight’s in the morning—I’m heading to sleep now.”

“Okay, I’ll go back now.”

Jordan’s birthday party also served as proof of Michael’s return to the Hall family—it was bound to be grand.

What Jessica hadn’t expected was that the entire Hall family would stand at the entrance greeting guests, just like at a wedding ceremony.

Chapter 58

As soon as she arrived, they pulled her up to stand at the entrance, forcing her to meet a long stream of people alongside them.

Michael didn’t say a word. He just stood beside her, smiling.

“A den of wolves and tigers.” Indya chuckled, arms crossed as she stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Shannon. “Isn’t this just another way to make Ms. Wilder publicly acknowledge her relationship with Michael?”

Shannon was on her period and had been craving sweets. She had eaten several pieces of cake before the banquet even started.

Her mouth was full of cream.

“Knew it was all a trap. She had to come. What did Calum say?”

Indya replied, “Said the woman hasn’t left the hotel since early morning. Didn’t even order breakfast. But yesterday afternoon, she went to the international shopping center and bought a dress.”

“Michael isn’t ruthless enough. If it were Jessica, that woman would never have made it back to the country.”

“You think everyone’s like our boss?” Indya sighed. “The only weed she ever left behind was Michael—and now he’s back to haunt her.”