Billionaire's second love

Chapter 5

Jessica stepped into a hair salon after watching Ming leave. Despite the stylist's gushing praise and eager suggestions, she politely but firmly chose to chop off her long raven locks. A satisfied grin played at her lips as she saw her new ear-length bob in the mirror.

Since Albert had told her to be "obedient and well-behaved," it was only fair she give him an attitude adjustment in return. After all, quid pro quo was the foundation of their relationship.

Albert had invited Jessica to dinner. Though she'd have preferred a simple bowl of noodles at home rather than a fancy French cuisine, her desire to show off her new hairstyle won out.

The upscale Western restaurant oozed sophistication. Jessica had barely taken a few steps when she spotted Albert chatting with someone on the terrace.

In the past, Albert had carried himself with the arrogance of a young master from a prominent family. But since wresting control from his antagonistic father, he'd become razor-sharp - like an unsheathed sword thirsting for blood, increasingly at home in the cutthroat business world.

Albert was clearly not discussing business, his posture far more relaxed than usual. As Jessica approached, she overheard their casual conversation:

"Yang's clever. Using a performance agreement to get you involved at this stage. $3M dollar is no small investment, but if he works hard and reaches 70% after-tax net profit in three years, could be worthwhile... You in?"

"Rather not get involved in the Yang family's mess," Albert replied nonchalantly. "But if money can buy someone's future loyalty, trust me, there'd be no shortage of takers."

"Everyone knows you gotta lose to gain, but having the means and guts to put up that kind of money - tsk tsk, you think everyone's like you, Albert?"

Albert merely smiled at his friend's flattery, saying nothing. When he spotted Jessica standing behind the glass door, his gaze lingered on her newly shorn hair. The smile vanished from his face, replaced by clear displeasure.

Jessica saw his reaction and responded with a slight upturn of her lips, raising her hand in greeting.

Soon, the two men outside wrapped up their chat. Albert's friend, who had met Jessica twice before and knew of their relationship, offered a warm hello.

After he left, Albert's scrutinizing gaze fell upon Jessica, as if trying to see right through her. His eyes were full of biting frost.

Jessica remained unperturbed, allowing him to look his fill, showing not a hint of guilt or retreat.

"When you said earlier you couldn't take my call, I suppose you were getting your hair cut?" Albert demanded. "I thought this was something you should have discussed with me first."

"It really wasn't convenient at the time," Jessica replied honestly. "As for discussing it, I didn't see the need. If you agreed, I'd cut it anyway. If you disagreed, I'd have to spend who knows how long convincing you before I could cut it. Since I was going to cut it regardless, skipping some steps in between didn't seem like a problem."

"After all, I'm the one dealing with the hassle and time spent maintaining long hair, not you. Besides, I was tired of long hair and wanted a change of style to go with a change of mood."

"Moreover, doesn't this look good?" Jessica rose slightly on her toes, leaning closer to Albert to show off her new style. "I think it looks quite nice."

Jessica's short hair showcased a different kind of beauty. Albert couldn't deny its appeal, but his mood remained foul.

This foulness manifested in his demeanor as he strode ahead, face dark and steps quick, showing not an ounce of gentlemanly consideration for his girlfriend - despite his original plan for a romantic evening.

Jessica followed at an unhurried pace, making no attempt to placate him.

When they sat down at the table, the atmosphere grew even more tense and frigid, causing a nearby waiter to worry this couple who had reserved the lovers' seat might break up on the spot.

"Jessica, lately you seem to enjoy testing my patience," Albert said bluntly once they were alone, having cancelled all the romantic gestures he had previously arranged.

Jessica remained silent. The truth would be unpleasant to hear, but she had no desire to placate Albert with lies at the moment. So she simply sat quietly, her gaze fixed on the gleaming silver cutlery, not uttering a word.

To Albert, Jessica clearly looked hurt by his earlier actions, her downcast expression seeming pitiful and wronged.

He was not incapable of softening, but as soon as his eyes fell on her suddenly shortened black hair, any tender feelings vanished, replaced by unshakable irritation and displeasure.

Albert despised any of Jessica's actions that fell outside his "control."

Unless he gave tacit approval, every unexpected change from her set off alarm bells in his mind.

Allowing her to pursue her career in City D had already been the result of Albert's utmost compromise. But judging from the outcome, it was clearly not the right decision, especially as it didn't align with his interests and needs.

So, as he had done many times before, he spoke up: "If you're dissatisfied with how I do things now, then let's break up. After that, whether you're pursuing freedom or going through some belated rebellious phase, I won't interfere. How about it? Want to break up?"

"Breaking up" was a phrase Albert often had on the tip of his tongue. Jessica had grown sick of hearing it. However, she knew Albert's true nature all too well. For all his talk of magnanimity, if she were to actually agree right now... Well, suffice to say, Albert certainly wouldn't be the one to suffer.

Continue to be obedient or break up cleanly - these were the two options before Jessica. For someone who rarely acted on impulse and prioritized reason over emotion, the answer was obvious.

In the stagnant silence, Jessica finally deigned to look up. Her gaze, filled with apparent resentment, met the man across from her as she enunciated each word: "I don't want to break up."

Clearly, she had chosen the right answer. This response greatly pleased Albert, who at last wore a look of smug satisfaction. He finally deigned to bestow a smile upon Jessica, who had willingly bowed her head.

He moved from across the table to sit beside her, not only ordering her favorite dishes but also adopting a coaxing tone. To all appearances, they had reconciled.

However, Albert's words whispered in her ear remained crystal clear to Jessica even as she prepared for bed that night:

"No more acting on your own, understood?"

Jessica had agreed readily and promptly at the time. As Albert was drifting off to sleep, she brought up her meeting with Ming earlier that day, murmuring in his ear as if in casual conversation:

"I was chatting with Ming today. I heard his friend pursued a girl over a bet. Don't you think that shows questionable character? Now that she knows the truth and dumped him, he's full of regrets and won't leave her alone. His character is really awful. You should associate with him less in the future. I don't like that kind of person..."