Not a single word came from Corinne. Ever since she married into the Becker family three years ago, nothing she had done managed to win Patricia's approval. To begin with, the way that marriage started had already put her at a disadvantage.
There was nothing she could say to justify herself, and at this point, she no longer cared to try.
Without hesitation, Lucy raised her hand slightly and spoke with calm authority. "That's enough. Everyone, take your seats."
With a gentle smile, Jessica complied, then settled beside Ryland as though it was the most natural thing in the world. She poured him a glass of warm water with practiced ease. "Ryland, you had quite a bit to drink last night. Start with some water."
Only then did Corinne realize something was off. The seating in the estate had always been fixed, and though the dining room leaned toward understated elegance, an extra chair had somehow appeared right next to Ryland.
Her expression remained composed, but irritation twisted inside her. If he and Jessica were truly so devoted, then why was Ryland still avoiding the divorce papers? Did he really intend to drag this sham out for another month simply because he could?
She—his wife—was still present, and they were already getting so intimate?
With that thought, she slipped her hand beneath the table and pinched his thigh hard.
"No need. Ryland came home this morning, and I took good care of him already. He's perfectly fine now." As she spoke, she lifted her chin just enough to expose the faint hickey along her neck.
Jessica's face lost its color at once.
Ryland's hand stilled for a brief second, though his expression remained unreadable. He pushed the glass back with quiet composure. "Yeah, I'm fine now."
Jessica's expression only worsened.
Then Conrad Becker, Ryland's father, stepped in to break the tension. "You were drinking last night? Was it because of the Zenith project?"
Even after stepping away from daily operations, he continued to keep a close watch on Prime Group.
Conrad added, "That project takes priority next quarter. There's no room for mistakes. Whatever technical problems you're dealing with, get them handled as soon as possible."
No sooner had he finished than Jessica spoke up. "While I was abroad, I connected with a specialist in that area. He'll be arriving in Winard soon, and we've already spoken. I can set up a meeting for Ryland and help secure the technical support he needs. Don't worry. With Ryland in charge, everything will run smoothly."
A hint of surprise crossed Conrad's face. "Ryland talked to you about the project?"
Jessica kept her composure, her smile steady and refined, though her eyes briefly shifted toward Corinne as if it were unintentional. "Ryland puts a lot on his shoulders. When things get overwhelming, he sometimes confides in me. I also share updates from overseas so he can see the bigger picture. Corinne's busy with reporting. She's always out in the field, so she doesn't really have time to focus on things like this."
Corinne gave an exasperated roll of her eyes. If Jessica wanted to show off, that was her business. Still, Jessica clearly could not resist belittling her while doing that.
After a brief pause, Corinne leaned gently against Ryland's shoulder, her tone turning sweet on purpose. "Honey, I had no idea she was this capable. In that case, why not bring her into the company and let her use those skills for us? After all, we funded her time overseas. It's only fair she gives something in return."
Then she looked at Jessica, blinking with deliberate innocence. "You wouldn't mind, right?"
Playing considerate was never something only Jessica would do.
The smile on Jessica's lips nearly faltered. She had been expecting Ryland to step in for her, yet his focus lingered instead on the way Corinne had spoken. Something unreadable passed through his eyes as he glanced at her before catching himself.
When he still didn't speak, Jessica quickly adjusted. "If Ryland's fine with it, then I'd be glad to help."
She picked up the serving utensils and placed some vegetables and mushrooms onto a plate. Then, without breaking her rhythm, she shifted the conversation and slid the plate toward Corinne. "Please, have a taste of this. It's light, nutritious, and great for breakfast. Ryland never cared for it before, but I convinced him to try it once, and now he's grown fond of it. Since then, he's made sure it's always on the table."
Corinne's eyes stilled on the plate. It had always been her favorite. Every time they returned to the estate, it was served. She used to think Ryland had it prepared because he remembered what she liked. Clearly, she had been mistaken.
How ridiculous. The realization struck harder than expected, and Corinne no longer bothered to hide it. She had a bite, placed the unfinished mushroom slice back on the plate, and then pushed the plate to Jessica.
Corinne carried on as if etiquette meant nothing. Resting her chin lightly on her hand, she met Jessica's gaze with disarming sincerity. "You've gone through so much trouble. It's only fair I return the gesture. You should try some too. You wouldn't refuse it, right?"
Jessica's face turned even paler. Her fingers curled tightly, trembling slightly as if she were forcing herself to keep her composure.