The following morning, Jessica woke up earlier than usual. Her mind was really bothered. She had thought of various ways to make the perpetrator pay for their evil deeds. She went to prepare breakfast, and lunch for the kids. By the time she was done, it was time to wake them up. So she went and woke them, and prepared them for school.
She decided to do everything by herself today so she could ease her mind a little.
"Mom, you woke up very early today," Gabby said. "Are you sure you don't need more sleep? I know I need more sleep."
"Nice try Gabriel. School is waiting for you. And so is Aunt Angela." Jessica smiled. Gabby shrugged.
"Worth a shot." He murmured to himself.
"Momma, can I have only jelly and no peanut butter today?" Abby asked sweetly.
"Sure honey." Jessica granted, rubbing her hair. Abby giggled happily.
"Hey. I always ask if I can have more cheese instead of veggies and you say no. Abby asks for jelly and you say 'sure honey'!"
Jessica laughed. "Gabby. Oh alright, I will grant your wish. But it's for only today. No greenies, more cheese. Just today."
"Yes!" Gabby cheered. "Race you to the dining, Abby!"
The kids ran towards the dining area where their meals had been served.
Angie patted her shoulder. "You're doing a great job, Jess. I don't think I could handle so much energy all at once. I would rather have my kids separately."
Jessica laughed at her friend. "Well, I didn't get to choose. But regardless, I will live up to the task given me."
"Sure sure. What a brave proclamation. I hope you get triplets next."
"Oh no!" Jessica immediately refuted. "No way that's happening. I'm okay with these two, thank you."
Angela laughed her way out. Once the twins got to the door, Gary opened it and was just about to step in.
"Oh.. hey Abby, Gabby. I see you're ready for school."
"Yes. Bye mom." They chorused. Angela took them out, leaving just Jessica and Gary in the house.
"I made bacon and cheese." She offered. "Care?"
"No thanks. I grabbed something on my way. Let's get down to the main deal." Gary sat, opening his laptop, and turned it on.
"Before we begin, I do hope you remain strong. You are not going to believe what I found." Gary said, shaking his head.
Jessica froze. "What..?" She asked hesitantly. "What did you find? Don't keep me in this killing suspense."
Gary signaled for her to sit beside him, then he turned the screen toward her. "Here, read it yourself."
"I'm not reading anything, Gary. Just say it already." Jessica groaned.
Gary stood up from his seat. "Listen carefully, Jessica. I know you might not want to believe this. But I will ask you to think carefully and critically. If you want to know the entire truth about your father's company, there is one person you should ask."
Jessica frowned. "Who?"
Gary sighed. "I'm sorry, Jessica. But the person is none other than Edwin Turner. The father of your children."
Jessica's heart made a huge leap to her throat, and she gasped for air. This was even more heartbreaking than the bet she got to know about.
"What?" She asked shakily. "You're lying, right? What has Edwin got to do with my father?"
"I don't know, Jessica. But with all evidence, Edwin had a hand in it. I will forward you the proof. You can go through it yourself."
"No.." Jessica muttered. "It can't be."
"I'm afraid he is. Well, I have to go now, Jessica. I have a meeting to meet up with. I'm sorry about this."
He watched her for a few minutes when she wasn't saying anything, he left. Jessica fell to the chair which she had previously sprung up from.
"Edwin, you bastard!" She yelled in anger.
She quickly took her phone and dialed her father. He didn't answer. She dialed her mother. She answered.
"Mom, where's dad?"
"He's here. Any problem?"
"No, no. Can I speak to him?"
"It's fine, he can hear you. Speak."
"Uhm, Daddy. Good morning dad."
"My princess, how are you? And how are the kids?"
"We're a fine dad. I just want to confirm something from you." Jessica said in the calmest tone she could muster.
"Oh." Her father said. "Alright, dear. Ask."
"What is your relationship with Turner Group of Companies?" Jessica asked casually.
"Er.. we weren't in a cordial relationship. It's more of a competitive relationship."
"Hm. How competitive?"
"It was very much. Regardless of the fact that we weren't in the same business line. They just didn't appreciate the fact that the business was growing so well."
Jessica nodded, humming slowly. "Was it just the Turner Group of Companies?"
Her father hesitated a bit. "No. The Reid family was involved as well. They and the Turners were very much against me. But Princess, why are you asking? Did you find something?"
"Er, not yet dad. I'm still trying to connect the dots. I will call you when I have figured it out. Okay?"
"Okay, princess. Be safe, okay?"
"Yes dad. Bye mom!" She dropped the call. So, The Turner and Reid families were together in this? What exactly must have gone wrong? She sat down to think.
Her phone beeped with a new email. She went to get her laptop to check it from there. It was proof that Gary had sent it to her. She could indeed see it pointing to Edwin. But, how?