Third Person's POV
"Why are there so many people?" Jessica was still puzzled.
Cedrick leaned back and analyzed calmly, "If my guess is correct, this must be another attempt to tarnish your reputation, and by extension, Leo's."
"How despicable!" Jessica clenched her teeth in anger.
Anyone would be furious to be manipulated like this, and Jessica was no exception.
Cedrick gently stroked her long hair and comforted her, "Don't be angry. I'll settle this score."
"How are you going to do that? You don't have any business dealings with them, do you?"
Jessica realized that Nebula Media had not only targeted her but also indirectly provoked Cedrick.
"Rest assured, I'll find a way to make them remember this lesson. Trust me."
Cedrick didn't think Jessica needed to know the specifics of the business world. He wanted to shield her innocence.
Jessica's lips curled into a smile as she nestled against his shoulder. "It feels great to have someone backing me up."
Cedrick let out a soft chuckle, his gaze filled with affection.
"From now on, I'll stand by you through everything. You won't have to face it alone anymore."
His hand lightly encircled her waist, pulling her closer.
"This is the benefit of having a husband, isn't it? They say marriage is a woman's second chance at life. I guess I'm pretty lucky to have you taking care of me like this," Jessica mused with a whimsical grin.
Cedrick lightly kissed her hair. "What's always on your mind? Never see you think about anything serious."
"I do think about serious things, but I usually keep them to myself!" Jessica retorted with a pout.
"Then share one with me. What's on your mind?" Cedrick's curiosity was piqued.
Jessica blinked her bright eyes and said thoughtfully, "My serious thoughts are about when I can marry you, when you'll formally propose, what we'll name our daughter or son, whether to give them a nickname for convenience..."
Cedrick burst into laughter.
It seemed her "serious" thoughts were all centered around him, which eased his concerns.
"Alright, I got it. Once I get the ring, I'll find the right time to propose," Cedrick said with a smile.
"I'm not pressuring you, am I?" Jessica sat up straight, feigning innocence.
Cedrick's smile deepened. "No one can pressure me when it comes to getting married."
"Okay, you decide." Jessica settled back into his arms, content and carefree. At this moment, she didn't want to think about anything else—being with him was all that mattered.
"Haven't eaten yet. What do you feel like?" Cedrick glanced at his watch, realizing neither of them had dinner.
"I want some juice." Jessica's gastroenteritis had improved, so she craved something light.
"Sure, let's get you some juice!" Cedrick immediately rolled down the window to instruct the driver.
Leo had also seen Jessica's update and called her.
She answered with a smile. "Boss, did you see the news too?"
"Are you sick? Feeling better now?" Leo asked in a low, concerned voice.
"I had an injection and am much better. Probably food poisoning—stomachache," Jessica explained honestly.
"Is Cedrick with you? Make sure he takes good care of you. If you're unwell, take a few days off," Leo said.
"Thanks, I'll be fine. I'll be back on set tomorrow," Jessica replied with a grateful smile.
"Take care of yourself. I'll handle the media for you. Since your relationship with Cedrick is out in the open, be prepared for the fallout," Leo warned.
"I've talked it over with him. If we can't hide it anymore, let's just go public. Sorry for the trouble," Jessica said, deeply moved.
"As your boss, no need for formalities. Gotta go!" Leo hung up.
Jessica sighed softly. "Our boss is really maturing and becoming more composed. Quite a change from the old him."
Cedrick glanced at her. "Why do I feel your relationship with Leo is more than ordinary? Did you two interact like this before?"
Jessica's eyes widened in surprise. "Are you... jealous?"
Cedrick turned away, gazing out the window, not answering. But his demeanor spoke volumes—he was indeed jealous.
Jessica burst into laughter, finding the man's jealousy oddly endearing.