Chapter 719: Shut Up
After hanging up, Jack texted Stephen that Roxanne had agreed to a meeting. He then switched off his phone and went to sleep.
The next morning, Stephen saw Jack's message. Roxanne's affirmative response lifted the weight he'd been carrying for days. He realized Lucian was likely attacking Hightower Group because his daughter had offended Roxanne. Securing her forgiveness, he believed, would resolve the crisis.
Great relief washed over him. At breakfast, he almost reprimanded his daughter for her lateness, but he needed her cooperation. He swallowed his words.
"I've arranged a meeting with the woman you offended," Stephen said tersely. "Apologize to her in person."
Jessica stared at her father, incredulous. She felt she'd done nothing wrong. She knew the Hightower and Damaris families were close, and she'd met many prominent medical professionals, but she'd never heard of Roxanne. Even after witnessing Lucian's support of Roxanne, she doubted her skills and ability to collaborate with the Damaris family. She'd expected her father's understanding, not this grounding. Confined to the house for days, she was now expected to apologize.
"No way," she retorted. "I did nothing wrong."
Stephen slammed his fork down, furious. "Regardless, you will apologize. Otherwise, you're no longer my daughter!" He glared at her, then stormed upstairs.
Jessica watched, shocked and resentful. This was the first time he'd ever exploded at her, and it was because of Roxanne. What made her so special? Remembering Roxanne's interaction with Jack, her anger intensified. She lost her appetite, slamming her fork down.
"Ms. Hightower—" the housekeeper murmured, concerned.
Jessica snapped, jabbing a finger at the housekeeper. "Even you want to control me? Shut up!"
The housekeeper flushed, silent until Jessica stormed upstairs. She then cleared the table without a word.
Back in her room, Jessica seethed, remembering her father's words. Apologize to that bitch? Impossible! she thought. But I have to meet her.
The thought of seeing Roxanne again filled her with disgust.