Rebel 37

 

Chapter 37 Defiance 

Jessica turned her head at the sound of his voice. Was he truly defending her? 

Jane’s face froze. Apologize to Jessica-and that little brat? 

No, it wasn’t possible. Her pride wouldn’t allow it. If she did, she’d never be able to show her face in public again. No, this was out of the question. 

Charles, however, appeared unmoved. He didn’t seem to notice the storm brewing in her eyes. His gaze shifted toward the boy, calm and unbothered. “She apologizes, and you let it go. Deal?” 

Arthur’s brow furrowed. He leaned back, pretending to deliberate. Finally, with an exaggerated sigh, he grudgingly agreed, “Fine.” 

Jessica watched the father and son exchange glances, a silent understanding between them. Were they doing this on purpose? Deliberately cornering Jane? When had they become so in sync? 

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Jane’s voice cut through the air, trembling with barely contained fury. “What makes you think I should apologize?” 

FEVE 

Arthur didn’t flinch. Without missing a beat, he pulled out the phone, his tone serious and measured. “Hello? Is this the police? I need to report a kidnapping 

… 

” 

Jane’s heart stopped, her eyes widening as the words sank in. She lunged forward, snatching the phone out of his small hands with a jolt of panic. Her face was a mask of cold fury, her eyes hard with frustration. “I apologize! I apologize, okay? Just stop it!” 

She glared at Arthur, her gaze seething with rage. This little brat is sharp and unrelenting. If he wasn’t being taught this by Jessica, then he must’ve inherited it from Charles. 

Arthur didn’t seem the least bit rattled. He settled next to his mother, crossing his arms, his expression cool and collected. “So, what now?” 

Jane’s chest felt tight, her breath shallow with anger. She could feel her blood boiling, a heat rising that threatened to explode. This was too much. That little brat was pushing her to the edge. 

Jessica stayed quiet, letting her son take charge. The last time Jane had slapped her, it had been an unjust blow. An apology from Jane today didn’t seem so terrible in comparison, did it? 

Jane’s eyes flicked between Dom and Charles. Both were silent, their gazes unreadable. It was clear now- they were allowing this child to walk all over her. No one was stopping it. 

Her fists clenched. This brat had barely stepped foot into the family house, and already he was acting like this. How much worse could it get? 

After what felt like an eternity, she gritted her teeth and muttered the words she never thought she’d say. “I’m sorry.” 

Dom’s voice was as cold as ice, slicing through the tension. “Alright, that settles it.” 

Charles turned to Arthur with a knowing smile. “Arthur, from now on, you’ll call her ‘Aunt Jane.”” 

Jane immediately shot back, her voice sharp and brittle. “No. I don’t think I deserve it.” 

She had done everything to keep Jessica out of the family, but now? Now, she was going to become her 

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sister-in-law? 

The realization hit like a slap in the face. The thought made her blood boil. 

Jessica couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen Jane like this. The woman who had always carried herself with such regal disdain now looked completely undone-shaken, vulnerable, and furious. 

Jane’s composure finally cracked. Her gaze locked onto Charles, her voice dripping with disdain. “You really plan to marry a woman like her? Don’t forget, she betrayed Hugh. She’s not a good woman.” 

Charles’ expression flickered for a moment, something passing through his eyes, but it was gone in an instant.”That was all in the past. Besides, she’s the mother of my child now.” It was only natural that he would marry her. 

Jane’s anger flared, but her heart sank. Charles had been completely taken in by Jessica. It didn’t matter what she said he wouldn’t listen. The bitterness inside her only grew. 

She turned to Dom, her voice filled with disbelief. “Dom, you’re really allowing Charles to marry a woman like this?” 

Dom shot a brief, icy glance at Jessica. He couldn’t accept her as a daughter-in-law, but she was the mother of his grandchild. He couldn’t let his grandson grow up without his family. 

The silence between them deepened, heavy and suffocating, like an unspoken agreement he hadn’t come to terms with.. 

Jane’s patience snapped. Frustration bubbled to the surface, her words sharp and filled with venom. “Fine, fine… Just wait. One day, when she’s the one cheating on you, you’ll understand how regret tastes!” 

Jessica’s blood ran cold at the words. She’d held back for too long. Now, the memory of the wedding came crashing back, fueled by the information Rhea had shared. 

It had been Jane-Jane who’d allowed the scandalous photos to leak. Jane who had ruined her name. And now, Jane was accusing her again? 

“Ms. Sparrow, take back what you just said. I have always been faithful to Hugh,” Jessica’s voice sliced through the tension, her eyes locking onto Jane’s with a chill that could freeze the air. 

Jane’s lips curled into a mocking sneer. “Faithful? You have the nerve to say that? Should I remind your past? Of the mess you made all those years ago?” 

you 

of 

Jessica’s eyes burned with fury. “You know better than anyone, Ms. Sparrow, who released those photos to ruin me. You did it, didn’t you?” 

Jane froze. The cold precision in Jessica’s gaze hit her like a blow. A jolt of panic surged through her. Was Jessica starting to piece it all together? Did she know the truth? 

A chill settled over Jane. Her silence grew heavy, and the room felt like it was closing in on her. The air was thick, suffocating. 

She dared a glance at Dom, who was watching her with a peculiar expression. She could feel the weight of his gaze. She couldn’t afford to say another word-especially not with Charles now backing Jessica. One wrong move, and it would all unravel. 

The tension was broken as the housekeeper entered, her voice a welcome distraction. “Dinner is ready.” 

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Jessica noticed the sudden quiet that fell over Jane. So, Rhea had been right. Jane had been the mastermind behind the wedding fiasco. 

Dom rose, his movements deliberate. “Are you hungry? Come eat with Grandpa.” 

Arthur, ever the rebel, wasn’t about to make it easy. He held onto his mom with one hand, Charles with the other, and looked up at Dom with a slight frown. “Dad, we’re hungry. Can you take us to the dining room?” 

Charles offered a small smile, his voice soft but firm. “Sure.” 

Dom glared at the boy, but there was nothing he could do. With a grunt, he turned back to Jane, his expression hardening. “Will you stay and eat before you leave?” 

Jane, her temper frayed, was beyond caring. 

“I wouldn’t want to disturb your happy reunion,” she spat, her voice thick with bitterness, her words laced with mockery. 

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