After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 193

“So, did you score a free dinner?” The voice behind Jesse was cool and even. He didn’t have to turn around to know it was his cousin, Melissa. She was the CEO of the Mason Group, while Jesse was still just the Vice President. He knew he had a way to go before he could truly take over from her.

“She’s not into you,” Melissa said, still looking toward where Isabella’s car had just disappeared. Earlier, she’d disguised herself as a waitress to slip into their private dining room and get a good look at Laura.

Laura was the girl Jesse had fallen for. And Melissa was the one who made sure Jesse had those so-called chance encounters with her.

The two cousins were the same age, only six months apart, and had basically grown up side by side. They weren’t siblings by blood, but their relationship was even closer than most real siblings. Melissa wanted so badly for Jesse to take over the family business so she could finally do what she wanted with her life. Carrying the family legacy was exhausting, and she was ready to let go.

“Let’s go home.” Melissa reached over, took the jacket from Jesse’s hands, and draped it over his shoulders. “You two aren’t there yet. She’s not going to take your coat.”

She started walking ahead of him. Jesse hurried to grab an umbrella from one of the bodyguards, then rushed forward to hold it over Melissa.

“Melissa, I really do like Laura,” he said quietly.

“I know. That’s why I’m helping you,” she answered, her usually sharp features softening for a moment. “She’s a good person.”

After they got into the car, Jesse spoke up. “Melissa, Ethan doesn’t feel about Isabella the way everyone thinks.”

Melissa’s cool gaze flickered. “I know. But that’s his business, not ours.” She paused, then added, “One day, Ethan’s going to regret all of this.”

She was just waiting to watch Ethan eat his words. Melissa believed that if you gave Isabella a few years, she’d completely transform and become a star in the business world. Living together day in and day out, Ethan was bound to fall for her eventually. Everything he was doing now, he’d have to answer for one day.

Melissa secretly loved seeing karma catch up with people. She didn’t let Jesse get involved with Ethan and Isabella’s mess. She wanted Ethan to keep making his mistakes, so that in the end, when the truth finally hit, the fallout would be truly satisfying. Someone like Ethan deserved a wake-up call.