After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 656

Jackson heard footsteps outside his door, but they didn’t come any closer. Only then did he glance up at Mandy.

She was taking in every corner of his office, eyes wide with awe, like she’d just stepped into another world. There was something innocent about her wonder, as if she hadn’t seen much beyond her hometown.

Mandy’s clothes were simple, nothing flashy. She didn't have the effortless elegance Deborah always seemed to carry, but she didn’t need it. She was young, beautiful, and her natural charm shone through no matter what she wore.

For a second, Jackson felt like he was looking at Deborah from years ago. He remembered when Deborah had just started working, her face still glowy with youth, her wardrobe plain but neat. He had been drawn to her right away. She became his secretary, and as they spent time together, one thing led to another. Eventually, they became lovers.

Jackson stood up and walked over to Mandy, leaving his desk behind.

“What’s your name? Which cousin are you of Deborah’s?” He remembered Deborah mentioning she had several cousins.

His voice startled Mandy. She snapped out of her reverie and looked up at him. She thought he had a sort of steady maturity that made him seem trustworthy, but he also looked surprisingly young for a man of sixty. In fact, he seemed no older than forty, maybe even younger than her dad.

“Mr. Lane,” she started, her voice a little shy. “I’m Mandy, the youngest cousin. Deborah is my older cousin. When we were kids, she’d always look after me. We’ve always been close.”

Jackson gave her a warm smile. “Take a seat. Want some water?”

Her voice was small and shaky, and Jackson could tell she wasn’t exaggerating about her situation.

He remembered someone had convinced Mandy to come to Cabinda but then left her to fend for herself, telling her to use up all her money and phone credit before reaching out to Deborah for help.

When Jackson heard she hadn’t eaten since the night before, he immediately stood up and headed to the breakroom. He came back with two plates of pastries.

“Mandy, have a snack. Deborah always likes to nibble on something when she visits, so I keep the breakroom stocked with pastries and drinks. Eat something to hold you over. In a bit, I’ll take you home for a proper meal. I’ll call Deborah now and tell her to pick up some extra groceries.”