Chapter 862
Jenny said, "Rowan, I was wrong." Tears welled in her eyes.
Rowan, momentarily taken aback, looked at her thoughtfully. "What do you want to tell me?" he asked.
Jenny hadn't anticipated such a cold response, especially given the stark contrast to his past demeanor. A pang of sadness struck her. "Rowan, must we be like this? Why are you so cold? We've known each other for so long, and you never used to be." She paused, then added, "You must have heard about my accident. Why haven't you visited me?"
Rowan frowned. "Haven't you forgotten what I said before? And isn't there someone else?" His former sympathy for her tears was replaced by impatience.
Jenny, far from naive, sensed this impatience. No one was with her. She suspected rumors were circulating, likely spread by his fiancée, Minerva. "Who told you that? Why would you think that? You know I have feelings for Joe. How could I be with someone else? But now I realize Joe and I can never be together. He's married, and I should let him go," she said, tears flowing freely. Her distress was palpable and heartbreaking.
Rowan frowned. "After leaving your place that day, I saw someone on your balcony."
Jenny's expression changed. Rowan had seen someone—Edwin, who had visited her that day. Even from that height, Rowan likely hadn't seen Edwin's face clearly. Nervously, she clenched her fists. "That was my uncle. He came to Jipsburg to borrow money. You know my family is poor and lives in a rural area. I didn't want them involved, or you, for that matter."
Rowan's expression softened as he listened. Jenny understood him; he had always harbored feelings for her. Lowering her guard, she continued, "Rowan, I've finally realized you're the one who's always been there for me. My feelings for you go beyond friendship…"
Vera had no intention of returning to the café. After browsing the mall, she decided to leave. It wasn't her usual shopping destination, but its proximity to the Gardner Group was convenient. Standing before the Gardner Group building, she gazed up at it. Skylar worked there, holding a prominent position due to Alexander's high regard. Her antique restoration skills were nearly flawless. The more Vera learned of Skylar's abilities, the more overshadowed she felt.
As she was about to leave, a familiar voice called out, "When you get back, let me host a welcome dinner. How about fondue?"
Vera turned to see Skylar and Natalie emerging from the mall, chatting and laughing.
Natalie nodded enthusiastically. "You're the only person who truly understands me. While I'm gone for three months, you're not allowed to make any new best friends. Only me, understand?"
"Okay, I get it. I'll follow your rules," Skylar replied, smiling.
"Me too. Put your mind at ease," Natalie added.