At that moment, the study door slowly creaked open.
Jessica stepped out first. Her face was expressionless, her eyes cold as they settled on Desmond. Davis followed closely behind, his expression dark and unyielding. The noises from the hallway wasn't drowned on them, they heard it all.
Desmond sneered. "Finally decided to show yourselves?" His gaze flickered past them. "Where is he?" He queried, his gaze calculative.
Jessica looked at him for a while "What do you think?" She chimed. She would have waited to hear the more of what this man would want to say further but the old man needed rest and with their constant babbling—it is an impossible feat.
"What have you and your husband done to my father?" Desmond queried coldly walking up to her step by step.
It is clear he didn't put Davis in his eyes. Jessica met his gaze head-on, a challenging smirk playing on her lips.
Seeing her smile made Desmond blood boil in rage. "She is the reason why things are going haywire? Davis had long given up when the family failed him but it seems I miscalculated by forcing this marriage", he mused.
"You dare to smile after the atrocity you just committed?" He snarled.
Jessica raised her brows, a questioning look donning her beautiful face. She felt her memory refreshed over and over again on what the true definition of shameless is. Noting her silence Desmond felt he had hit the mark.
"Am I wrong?" He pressed on.
He needed an answer before going into that room, and he must prove himself a good son thinking of the good of his father otherwise, how will he convince this people around him to surrender to him. Although, it is already a done deal but it is of essence to take the necessary steps.
"I must put my word, if my father loses a hair on his head, I will not finish with and I must make sure you pay the price you deserve through law." He threatened icily.
The family members nodded in agreement. How can one be seriously sick yet instead of been sent to the hospital, he is locked up in the house.
Jessica smile widened, "Is that all you've got?" She chimed. It is baffling how one can be ranting about his father yet could only speak big...
"Am a law abiding citizen" he retorted.
Jessica nodded, her hand folded across her chest, her presence towering at the door "Then I am sorry to disappoint you", she sneered.
Desmond's smirk faltered lightly and before he could retort, Davis's voice spoke, his tone low but firm. "Your plan failed, Desmond."
A flicker of panic and disbelief flashed in eyes and he trembled slightly but he gathered his composure quickly.
"Plan?" he repeated, feigning confusion. "I don't know what you're talking about." He concluded, his gaze resting on anywhere but Jessica and Davis.
Jessica tilted her head slightly, taking note of his expression which he thought he masked well and a cold smile playing on her lips. "Don't you?" She queried, her gaze on him intimidating.
The tension was palpable, the hallway had long gone silent as every pair of eyes was locked onto the confrontation.
Desmond let out a sharp laugh hoping to mask his nervousness. "Then why blocking the door, even now?" He turned, addressing the gathered family members. "Mark my words—something is being covered up in there."
Jessica stepped closer. "Then by all means," she said smoothly, "go in and see for yourself."
For the first time, Desmond hesitated. His breath hitched lightly, his fist clenched was sweaty. His eyes darting around the faces of the people inside.
Jessica held his gaze, unblinking. "You seem so certain of the old man in dire condition. Why don't you confirm it?"
Jessica spurned on her heels and walked into the study. Ethan sighed with relief as he followed them in not without casting a mocking glance at Desmond.
Desmond hand clenched and unclenched as he struggled to calm his fury. He cannot step back now...
"I think I have to check on my father and ensure they aren't playing games with me." He said halfheartedly while cursing Jessica.
Slowly, he strode into the study doors "Where....". His words died in his throat.
There, in the dimly lit study, Elder Allen was sitting up.
Jessica was still beside him, a glass of water in her hand. Davis, expression unreadable, watched Desmond with sharp eyes.
For a moment, silence filled the room, Desmond's mind reeled. He had been so certain Elder Allen would still be unconscious—or worse.
But now, the old man was awake, his gaze steady despite the lingering weakness.
Jessica smirked slightly. "What was that about negligence, Uncle Desmond?"
Elder Allen shifted in his seat, his eyes narrowing. "Why the commotion?" His voice, though hoarse, carried authority.
Desmond swallowed hard, struggling to regain his composure. "I—I was worried about you, Father," he said quickly, masking his frustration with forced concern. "We thought something had happened."
Elder Allen's gaze lingered on him for a beat too long, his expression cloudy. He had heard it all.
Though, he collapsed unexpectedly but his resuscitation had been carried out with an efficiency he had never witnessed but had heard people talk about —the efficiency of the mysterious and ever elusive Doctor.
He sighed helplessly "No need for the worrying Desmond. I am alive."
Desmond clenched his fists at his sides. He can't believe this. Though he is still weak, Desmond noticed he is complexion is much more better than before.
Desmond masked his irritation and feigned a relieved smile. "That's wonderful news, Father. We were all worried about you."he replied stepping closer to the bed.
His voice carried the perfect balance of concern and respect, but Jessica didn't miss the flicker of unease in his eyes.
Elder Allen gave a slow nod, his expression unreadable. "Davis and Jessica will be staying here tonight. The night is already far gone. My situation had already exhausted everyone of you." Elder Allen said.
He still has an unfinished discussion and letting them go, he never know when another plot or episode will strike. —will he be lucky to survive.
A thought flashed across his mind. "Jessica?"
Desmond's breath hitched. Staying here? His fingers curled into his palm as he struggled to keep his expression neutral. This wasn't part of his plan. If they stayed overnight, what is the old man planning?
"That's a great idea," Pamela chimed in, oblivious to the growing tension. "Davis, Jessica, I'll have the maids prepare the guest room."
She had just stepped into the study when she heard the instruction, she really want to meet Jessica and the old man keeping her gave her an opportunity.
Jessica, who had been observing Desmond's reaction carefully, let a small smile play on her lips. "There's no need for a guest room. Alfred had the maids clean up Davis room".
Davis arched a brow, amused by the bold statement, while Desmond nearly lost his grip on his composure. "Do you stay in the same room?" He asked.