Chapter 723: Shocking News

Although initially surprised by Roxanne's words, Jack quickly found them reasonable. From their first meeting, he knew she wasn't one to shy from a challenge. He admired her resolve, a look reflected in the rearview mirror as they navigated heavy traffic. They arrived at the restaurant on time, but Jessica was absent. An uneasy silence settled between them.

"I'll call," Jack suggested, raising an eyebrow as they sat down.

Roxanne nodded, a sense of trepidation growing. Jessica answered immediately.

"Jack, have you arrived?"

"Yeah," Jack grunted, putting the phone on speaker. "Where are you?"

Jessica, speaking from a nearby café, apologized, "So sorry. I'm stuck in traffic. I thought I'd be early."

Their skeptical glances met. While dubious, they couldn't fault her excuse; it was rush hour. Even Roxanne's nearby home had taken almost half an hour. Hightower residence would naturally take longer.

"All right," Jack said grimly. "No need to rush. Drive safe."

Despite a flicker of contempt in her eyes, Jessica maintained a cordial tone. "I'll probably be stuck awhile. No need to wait. I'll have them serve you."

Jack was about to refuse when the waiter arrived with their food. They accepted implicitly. "We'll wait," Jack replied.

Jessica hummed in acknowledgment, ending the call and immediately making another. Unaware of her actions, Jack and Roxanne assumed she was genuinely delayed. They stared at their untouched food, a shared sense of unease hanging in the air. Jessica’s absence and a growing suspicion lingered. Roxanne scanned the surroundings, finding nothing amiss, but couldn’t entirely shake her unease. They discussed their partnership, waiting. Unseen, a camera flash repeatedly illuminated the trees outside.

Back at the café, Jessica finished her coffee as her phone blinked. She answered.

"I have the pictures," a voice stated.

Jessica raised an eyebrow. "Then I'll await your shocking exposé tomorrow."

"Me too," the man replied solemnly.

Jessica ended the call.