Chapter 7: Returning with the Child

Quentin Reed furrowed his brow, filled with disapproval. "Your physical condition has greatly deteriorated. Coupled with the prolonged use of sedatives, a collapse is inevitable."

Alexander Smith remained silent, having heard such words many times before. However, there was little he could do. He couldn't sleep, even with the aid of sedatives; it didn't guarantee sleep every time. Whenever he closed his eyes, he would recall Jessica Turner's gaze before she jumped into the river—so desolate and desperate. The memory of her pain and despair haunted him, making it difficult to breathe.

Regret?

Yes, regret!

Every day was filled with regret. If time could reverse, he would ensure she never experienced sorrow and would never give her the opportunity to leave him.

Three days later, at the Seaside City International Airport.

A man and a woman walked side by side through the VIP exit. The man had distinct facial features, tall and upright with a refined and warm demeanor. The way he looked at the woman beside him was tender and affectionate, enough to melt hearts.

The woman was also exceptionally attractive, with a well-proportioned figure. Behind sunglasses, a delicately exquisite face was revealed, complemented by long, slender, and fair legs—undeniably eye-catching.

Onlookers mistook them for celebrities and eagerly took out their phones to capture the moment.

Knowing Jessica Anderson disliked being photographed, Michael Clark quickly put a duckbill cap on her head, indulgently pressing down the brim. He whispered, "Shall I take you to the hotel first, or do you want to go straight to my home?"

Without hesitation, Jessica Anderson replied, "To your home. I don't have much time."

Michael Clark knew she was concerned about Robert and eager to return to M Country. If it weren't for him mentioning the black market in the country having seen Qianbai Grass, she wouldn't have agreed to come back, also intending to show Natalie her leg.

Of course, he had his ulterior motives—to introduce her to his family while showing Natalie her leg.

In the car sent by his family, Jessica Anderson took off the duckbill cap and sunglasses, asking Michael Clark, "Where is the black market that has seen Qianbai Grass? When can you take me there?"

Robert had congenital weakness, prone to illness with the slightest exposure to cold. He was also more susceptible to allergies, unable to consume many things. Qianbai Grass was a crucial ingredient in the prescription provided by her master for Robert's recuperation, and it couldn't be found overseas. Despite efforts to locate it through contacts in the country, there had been no progress until now. This was the first time she had received news about Qianbai Grass, and she needed to get it as soon as possible.

Michael Clark smiled, "You can rest assured. I promise you. The next black market opens in seven or eight days. I'll arrange for tickets, and we can go together."

Jessica Anderson frowned. Seven or eight days? He could have mentioned it earlier; there was no need for her to come so soon, causing her to be separated from Robert for such a long time.

However, since she was already here, what more could she say?

Having flown through the night, Jessica Anderson dozed off in the car, only waking up when they arrived. Michael Clark woke her up.

Drowsily rubbing her eyes, she asked, "Have we arrived?"

Michael Clark chuckled, wanting to reach out and pinch her cute, straight nose. He had never seen her in such an adorable and lovely state.

However, before he could make his move, Jessica Anderson pushed the car door open and got out, not giving him a chance for such an intimate gesture.

Standing in front of the mansion, several times larger than an ordinary villa, Jessica Anderson raised an eyebrow and asked Michael Clark, "Is this your home? It's quite spacious."

Michael Clark laughed softly, "Compared to the estate we bought in J Country, it's still far behind."

Jessica Anderson shrugged, not saying more, and walked directly into the gate with Michael Clark.

Inside the lavishly decorated hall, members of the Smith family had been waiting for quite some time.

"Grandpa, Dad, Mom, elder brother, Natalie, let me introduce you." Michael Clark greeted his family first and then turned to Jessica Anderson, introducing, "This is the Anderson doctor I've mentioned to you, also the love of my life."

After saying that, he looked at Jessica Anderson, only to find her face was not looking well. Her expression was cold and indifferent, as if she had seen someone or something extremely repugnant.

Just as he was about to ask what was wrong, Alexander's father urgently exclaimed, "Alexander, what's wrong with you?"

Michael Clark turned to look at his elder brother, only to see the typically calm and composed elder brother staring at Jessica Anderson with bloodshot eyes, a gaze both infatuated and crazy, mixed with disbelief, surprise, and fear.

Alexander Smith locked his gaze on the woman before him. Despite the significant changes, she was Jessica Turner—his Jessica Turner. There was no room for error. He dared not blink, fearing it was an illusion, and that she would disappear if he looked away.

He dared not speak, fearing it was a nightmare, and that he would wake up if he uttered a word.

He dared not approach, fearing it was a delusion. The moment he moved, she might drift away.

His eyes were red at the corners, and his mouth opened and closed repeatedly. Finally, he uttered two heavy and hoarse words, "Jessica Turner—"

His heart, silent and cold for five years, now pounded like a drum. The frozen blood in his veins instantly revived, surging with warmth.

After five years, for the first time, he felt like a living person.

With a cold face, Jessica Anderson, without glancing at the emotionally distressed Alexander Smith, focused her annoyance on Michael Clark. "Aren't you surnamed Clark?"

Michael Clark looked bewildered, "Huh? I am surnamed Clark, also surnamed Smith here. I am Michael Smith."

In her mind, Jessica Anderson cursed, not bothering to say anything more, and turned away.

Michael Clark was about to chase after her, but Alexander Smith's reaction was faster. The two of them briskly approached, attempting to grab Jessica Anderson's arm.

Unexpectedly, Jessica Anderson dodged to the side, evading Alexander Smith's hand, then seized him, executing a swift shoulder throw that forcefully slammed him onto the polished marble floor of the Smith mansion.

Everyone was stunned, and Mrs. Smith reacted the fastest. After a scream, she rushed to Alexander Smith, pointing at Jessica Anderson and scolding, "Jessica Turner, have you gone mad? Haven't you harmed Alexander enough? If you want to die, why don't you die cleanly? Why did you come back?"

In just a few sentences, a tremendous amount of information was conveyed.

Jessica Anderson didn't want to argue with her. She calmly said, "I am Jessica Anderson. Jessica Turner died a long time ago," and turned to leave once again.

Alexander Smith tried to get up and chase after her but was tightly held by Mrs. Smith. "Don't go. What's so good about this woman? Have you lost your mind?"

When Alexander Smith broke free from

Mrs. Smith and rushed outside the Smith residence, he only saw the shadow of the black car disappearing into the distance.

The driver stood bewildered on the side, with two license plates lying at his feet.

Trembling, Alexander Smith took out his phone and quickly dialed George Miller's number. "George Miller, hurry, help me find her. She's back."

Inside the Smith residence, Michael Clark listened to his mother's tearful accusations, his mind in chaos.

So, Jessica Anderson was the woman his elder brother had never been able to let go of all these years. It turned out they had been in love five years ago.

Thinking of Robert's somewhat similar face to his own, he believed it was fate, a destined connection between him and Jessica Anderson.

But unexpectedly, it was a blood relationship. Robert was his nephew!

Mrs. Smith continued to accuse, "This woman is a seductress. She not only harmed Alexander but now wants to harm Michael. I won't let her off."

Michael Clark hastily interjected, "Mom, what are you talking about? Jessica Anderson hasn't harmed me. I have been pursuing her all along, and she has never agreed to be with me. Regarding elder brother's matter, it's not Jessica Anderson's fault. Elder brother went too far, forcing her to the point of jumping into the river. How can you not distinguish right from wrong?"