She Was Never Just the Wife novel Chapter 85

Chapter 85 Jasper’s Choice

Late at night, the hospital corridor was lit by harsh white lights.

Jasper broke out in a cold sweat as Celia stared at him with those eerily calm eyes. He tried to speak, but his throat felt blocked, and he couldn’t make a sound.

“I… I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Jasper finally managed, his voice dry and shaky. “Lainey was being nice, bringing some chicken soup for Seamus to help him get better. Who could’ve known, with his age, he’d suddenly…”

“Chicken soup?” Celia repeated, a cold smile appearing on her lips. “What kind of chicken soup would make his digoxin levels shoot up to three times the normal?” Then she took a step closer, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Jasper, do you think I don’t know medicine, or do you think I can’t find out the truth?” Jasper was forced to take a step back, his face turning from pale to ashen. Images from yesterday flashed through his mind.

Yesterday afternoon, it was at the Ross Residence.

Jasper was in a company meeting when his phone suddenly vibrated. He saw a live stream notification: the opening ceremony for the reconstruction project in Kenyelle, broadcast worldwide. He was about to swipe it away, but then he spotted someone

familiar.

That familiar silhouette and that calm and steady presence attracted him…

He tapped into the stream, in time to see Eddie unveil the statue, hear them call her ” Rose Angel,” and listen to the legendary tales of “Dr. Rose” saving countless lives.

Jasper’s hands began to tremble.

‘Dr. Rose? The woman was hailed as a genius in the international medical world and revered as a goddess by the Eastetillian tribes… Is that really my daughter, Celia?‘ Jasper thought, stunned.

He quickly started calculating. ‘If this is true… If Celia really has that kind of status and influence… Just imagine how much the Ross Group could benefit. International partnerships, government support, and a boost to our reputation…‘

He almost burst out laughing. ‘The daughter I’ve always ignored, the one I only ever saw as a tool for marriage alliances, has been hiding something this big all along!‘

Then, the butler from the Ross Residence called. “Jasper, Seamus wants you to come back right away. He says it’s urgent Successfully unlocked!

Jasper frowned, but still drove back to the Ross Residence. On the way, he called

Chapter 85 Jasper’s Choice

Lainey and told her to come over, too. “Seamus might want to talk about Celia. You should come and listen.”

When Jasper got to the Ross Residence, Lainey was already there, holding a nice insulated flask. She wore a loose beige dress and had a gentle smile on her face.” Jasper, I made some chicken soup for Seamus to help him get his strength back.”

Jasper nodded, didn’t think much of it, and went straight to the study.

Seamus sat in a mahogany chair in the study. Even at eighty–seven, his eyes were sharp as ever. In front of him was a tablet, paused on the live stream from Kenyelle.

“Did you see it?” Seamus asked, his voice aged but powerful.

Jasper managed a smile. “Dad, I never imagined Celia would-

“There’s a lot you never saw coming,” Seamus cut him off, his gaze sharp as a blade. “I called you here for one reason: from now on, don’t think about scheming against Celia.”

Jasper blinked in surprise. “Dad, what are you saying? Celia’s my daughter. If she’s successful, as her father, shouldn’t I get some credit, too…?”

“You think you deserve to be called her father?” Seamus sneered. “You know exactly how you’ve treated her these past twenty years.

“Now that she’s finally useful, you want to cash in? Listen up, Jasper. So long as I’m breathing, you won’t get a single thing out of Celia.”

Seamus slammed his hand on the table. “The Ross Group was built up by Celia’s mother, and you nearly destroyed it.

“Celia’s achievements are all her own, and they’ve got nothing to do with you or the Ross family. If you try anything shady, don’t blame me for cutting you off for good!”

Jasper’s face flushed red and then turned pale. He never thought Seamus would lay it out so harshly.

“Dad, that’s harsh… No matter what, I’m still Celia’s father. You can’t erase blood…” Jasper argued.

“Blood?” Seamus’s glare turned icy. “Have you ever acted like a father to her? After Mireya left, how did you treat that kid? Now she’s got some value, and suddenly you care about blood?”

Jasper was left speechless, rage simmering inside. ‘The old man wants to cut me off completely!

‘With Celia’s status now, if I could just use her, the Ross Group could rise again. But he‘ s hell–bent on shielding her and won’t let me get even a scrap!‘

“That’s all I’ve got to say,” Seamus waved him away, looking exhausted. “Get out. And remember to stay away from Celia.”

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Chapter 85 Jasper’s Choice

Jasper walked out of the study with a scowl on his face.

In the living room, Lainey came over and asked softly, “How did it go? What did Seamus say?”

Jasper yanked at his tie in frustration. “What else could he say? He warned me not to mess with Celia! Said everything she’s got has nothing to do with the Ross family!”

Lainey’s eyes flickered as she held the insulated flask. “Honestly, Seamus… Isn’t it good thing that Celia’s doing so well?

“Anyway, I finished warming up the chicken soup. Should I take it in to him? He’s getting old, and a little nourishment might do him good.”

Jasper’s mind was in turmoil, and he replied absentmindedly, “Go ahead.”

Lainey nodded obediently and headed for the study with the flask. She paused at the door, glancing back at Jasper with a look he couldn’t quite read.

About twenty minutes later, Lainey came out of the study, and the flask was empty

now.

“Did Seamus drink it?” Jasper asked.

“Yeah, he had a big bowl,” Lainey replied with a smile. “He complimented my cooking.”

Jasper wasn’t in the mood for any of this. His head was still spinning from Seamus’s ruthless words. He waved her away, annoyed. “Alright, let’s go.”

The two of them left the Ross Residence. Barely ten minutes after they’d left the gate, Jasper’s phone started ringing like crazy, and the butler was frantic. “Jasper, something’s wrong. Seamus has collapsed. We’ve already called for an ambulance.”

Jasper’s memory retrieval ceased at this point.

Jasper stared at Celia’s cold, unforgiving eyes, his throat tightening. Now, thinking back to the way Lainey looked at him when she walked out of the study, he realized there was something smug and scheming in her gaze.

Last night at the hospital, Lainey pulled Jasper into the stairwell, her hand resting gently on her belly. “Jasper, I’m pregnant. It’s been over three months, but I couldn’t bring myself to tell you.”

Jasper froze. “Pregnant? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“I was scared… scared that you wouldn’t want the baby,” Lainey whispered, her eyes welling up with tears. “Jasper, this is your son. Howard’s not really capable, and Celia’s never been close to us. This child… he might be our last chance.”

She pressed herself into Jasper’s arms, her voice trembling. “What happened to Seamus… was an accident. But I did it for us, for our family. I heard Seamus is

Chapter 85 Jasper’s Choice

planning to leave all his Ross Group shares and assets to Celia.

“What are we supposed to do? What about the Ross Group? When our son is born, what will we have left for him?”

Jasper stiffened all over. “You… What did you do to Seamus?”

“Nothing special. I just slipped a little something extra into the chicken soup,” Lainey said, her voice icy. “Don’t worry, I covered my tracks, and there’s no way they’ll find out.

“As long as we both insist it was regular chicken soup, no one can prove a thing.”

She lifted her gaze, locking eyes with Jasper. “Jasper, you have to make a choice.

“Are you going to side with Seamus who’s always looked down on you and wants to cut off your last chance, or are you going to choose me and our unborn son?”

Jasper stood there, frozen like a statue.

Lainey’s hand gently brushed his face. “Seamus is old and already in poor health. No one would question if he suddenly got sick.

“Once he’s gone, you’ll be the primary heir, and everything will be yours. And if you want Celia’s help, you’re still her father, and blood is blood, right?”

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