The Second Act 391

Posted by AdminM, ? Views, Released on December 16, 2024

Chapter 391

Cece clenched her fists tightly, a fierce pause in her expression as she watched, her gaze fixed intently on the couple..

She saw in Jackson’s eyes a light she had never seen before.

Cece thought, Jackson must like Oneida… That light in his eyes only appears for her!

Once, Cece had believed she was someone special to Jackson.

He had brought her from Cinderhill Village to the city of Jeahron, where she lived in a big house and ate delicious foods. In the beginning, he had been kind to her.

Cece reveled in that thought.

But now, she thought, ‘Jackson, despite being so aloof, was so good to me. I thought I was the only woman who could get close to him apart from Oneida… But now I understand, from the very start, there’s only ever been one person for him— And that’s Oneida. His treatment of Oneida is unique. They love each other so much… And here I was, foolishly dreaming that Jackson could fall for me… and for this misunderstanding, Jonas deceived me.

The more Cece thought, the more desolate she became.

She pondered, ‘But what if I’m not ready to give up? And what about Oneida finding Jonas? How did she manage to wake Jackson up? I can’t even contact Jonas anymore. He must’ve realized that I surrendered his secrets and cut ties with me!

Lost, Cece didn’t know how to move forward.

Despite everything, it seemed she still harbored feelings for Jackson.

Seeing Oneida and Jackson’s loving manner, Cece was filled with seething jealousy.

Cece wondered, ‘What should I do now?‘

Cece felt she needed to come up with a plan…

*****

Meanwhile, Jackson and Oneida had entered the dining room.

Neither had eaten breakfast and both were feeling the hunger pangs.

Jackson arranged the silverware for Oneida and then proceeded to prepare her meal with care.

Oneida ate well.

Jackson, however, was content just watching her, his gaze tender and lingering, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Eat up… you’ve been saying you’re tired.”

Hearing the implication in Jackson’s words, Oneida coughed abruptly, almost choking on her food.

Quickly, Jackson poured her a glass of water and brought it to her lips, “Have some water.”

Without using her hands, Oneida drank from the glass held by Jackson’s steady hand.

After taking a sip, Oneida’s cheeks nonetheless began to redden.

“This

guy

has the nerve to say that. It’s all his fault…,‘ Oneida thought.

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09:31 Mon, Dec 16

Chapter 391

Oneida cast a sideways glance at him, “Why are you staring at me? Aren’t you hungry?”

“Is it wrong for me to want to watch you?” Jackson’s lips curved slightly as he spoke in a deep, resonant voice.

Hearing this, Oneida met his gaze fiercely, unyielding in her response.

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Oneida locked eyes with Jackson, the man with handsome and profound features, and with a smile twinkling in her eyes, playfully said, “Then I will take my turn to gaze at you.”

She did want to look at Jackson.

His face, peerless in its beauty, was one she’d seen countless times, yet it never ceased to amaze her every time she laid eyes on him.

Oneida thought to herself, ‘Can I continue to look upon this vibrant face forever?‘

That thought jolted Oneida back to reality, and the smile on her face faded slightly.

She wondered, ‘What am I even thinking? Jackson is going to be fine. He’ll live a long, pain–free, and happy life… He has to.

Jackson noticed the change in Oneida’s expression and his brow creased with worry. “What’s wrong, Ida?”

“It’s nothing,” Oneida replied, shaking her head gently.

“You seem off,” Jackson noted astutely, having sensed the nuances in Oneida’s demeanor.

But since Oneida seemed reluctant to discuss it, Jackson didn’t press further.

“There’s nothing wrong…” Oneida murmured in defense, “I’m just… you know, being a woman, emotional sometimes…”

At that, a hint of amusement flickered across Jackson’s eyes. “Alright, my emotional woman.”

As he spoke, Jackson piled more food onto Oneida’s plate with a doting tone. “Being emotional is fine–I’ll just spoil you.” Oneida’s heart skipped, stunned by his unexpectedly touching words.

Oneida thought, “To think Jackson would say something that moves me like this… It turns out, I too can be the one who is cherished.‘

Without another word, Oneida turned her attention to the food, her heart filled with both sweetness and a slight sour tug.

She thought, ‘Being with Jackson is happiness… however, with the poison of Water Death still lurking in his body… What if it suddenly strikes one day?‘

It was an outcome Oneida couldn’t bear to imagine.

And so, she knew she must quickly obtain the key to the treasure vault of Paragon Group…

*****

In the afternoon, Jackson left the Garrison Mansion to take care of some matters, while Oneida skipped her classes to stay at home. Her mind was far too preoccupied with academics.

Unbeknownst to him, to Jackson, it seemed as if everything was normal.

But Oneida knew the truth about everything–she couldn’t pretend to be oblivious.

She had to act fast.

09:31 Mon, Dec 16

Chapter 391

Even if it meant offending the entirety of the Paragon Group, she was willing. For Jackson, she would risk it all.

Oneida was perched on the sofa in her room, about to call Simon, when her phone preemptively burst into life.

A call was coming through. Elizabeth also called.

Glancing at the screen, Oneida was surprised to see it was Edmund calling.

Oneida quickly picked up, her voice laced with anxiety, “Edmund, what’s happened?”

A call from Edmund out of the blue surely meant something significant was afoot.

Edmund said, “Oneida, can you come home right away…”

“What’s the matter?” Oneida asked reflexively, her brow furrowing with concern.

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“Uncle Mateo and the others have turned up, wanting to take over the Quakersville villa for themselves,” Edmund explained, his voice heavy with frustration.

‘Mateo and the others had gone to Quakersville?‘ Oneida thought.

She hadn’t expected them to be so impatient.

Mateo’s family had coveted the Quakersville villa for quite some time.

The last time, they had nearly snatched it from Lucas‘ grip.

And now, with Tatiana losing her wits and Lucas away seeking treatment, only Jennifer and Edmund were left at home…

They most certainly would not miss such a prime opportunity.

“I’ll be there right away.” Oneida gritted her teeth, her declaration resounding with determination.

The visit to Paragon Group required careful planning; resolving the Chaser family first before tackling that task wouldn’t delay her…

Not wanting to waste a moment, Oneida quickly left the Garrison Mansion and rushed non–stop to the villa in Quakersville

At the villa’s entrance, all was eerily still, as if nothing had happened.

Oneida approached silently, reaching the front of the great hall.

It was here she heard the grating sounds of argument.

“A child like you living in such a big house is simply wasteful,” Mateo’s deep, resonant voice was saying, “And besides, this villa was ours to begin with. I’m merely taking back what’s mine!