Written Off as Trash, I Activated My Hidden Queen Mode novel Chapter 402

Mark couldn't help but let out a short laugh. "Amber, I have to side with him here. It's perfectly normal for a young couple to be affectionate. You're the one who crossed the line."

"Mark!" Amber snapped. She didn't think she was the one in the wrong. In her mind, Nicole was the one doing the seducing.

"Sweetie, how could you say such things about Nicole?" Vivian added. "If anyone's at fault, it's Jasper."

"But Mom, she clearly—"

"It was me," Jasper interrupted. "I'm the one who couldn't control myself. I'm the one who tricked her into coming to my apartment because I wanted to seduce her. I wanted her to fall for me, to like me more, to throw herself at me. Amber, do you think I'm shameless? Do you think I'm some scumbag taking advantage of a girl? If that's the case, call the police and have me arrested. Why on earth are you attacking her?"

The room went dead silent. Mark, Amber, and Vivian all stared at Jasper, completely speechless.

Felix broke the tension with a dry cough. "Alright, that's enough. We're dropping this." He turned to his son. "Jasper, what about the work I assigned you?"

"I'll have the proposal on your desk tonight," Jasper replied. Despite only being a freshman, he was already learning the ropes of the family business and handling his own projects.

Back in his room, Jasper picked up a framed photo from his desk. A small smile played on his lips as he traced the lines of Nicole's face.

A knock at the door broke his concentration. He set the photo down. "Come in."

Vivian entered, carrying a tray. "I figured you wouldn't want to come down for dinner, so I brought it to you."

"Sorry for worrying you, Mom," Jasper said.

Vivian shook her head with a gentle smile. "Just focus on that project your father gave you. If you get stuck, ask Mark or me for help. Remember, you have to be strong if you want to protect the people you love."

"I know."

"One more thing," Vivian added, her tone turning serious. "Don't let your father see that Nicole is your entire world—that she comes before the Moore family."

Jasper looked at her, confused. "Why?"

"He wants a cold, calculated successor. He's impressed by your talent and your brains, but your devotion to Nicole is something he can't control."

Jasper nodded slowly, taking it in.

"Anyway, congratulations," Vivian said, brightening up. "You're finally getting what you've always wanted."

He gave a shy, boyish grin.

"But I have to remind you—you're both still young. Don't go overboard; keep a sense of propriety."

"I understand."

Seeing him so radiant brought a smile to Vivian's face. Marrying the person you truly loved... that had to be the ultimate happiness. "Look at you," she teased. "You're glowing."

"Mom... do you think Nicole will be happy being married to me?"

"Of course she will. I know the kind of man you are. And don't worry—I'll be a good mother-in-law. As for your sister, I won't play favorites just because she's my daughter. You have my word."

"Thanks, Mom."

"Now, eat your dinner."

"Jasper," she called out.

Her lips were the color of fresh roses, and for a moment, he found it hard to breathe. He recovered just enough to hand her a bouquet of flowers.

"Thank you!" she said, cradling them with a bright smile. "Wait for me a second, let me go put these in some water."

"Sure."

As he watched her walk away, Jasper felt a sudden tightness in his throat.

He wondered if the two little rascals were still coming—and if they weren't, would they even bother with the aquarium? Only Nicole had this power over him, making him lose his cool and forget his composure so easily.

"Jasper, I'm ready!"

His heart skipped a beat as she reappeared. "Where are the boys?"

"Nicole!" Frederick and Kenneth came running up behind her.

"Sorry, we're a little late," Frederick said with the gravity of a tiny adult. "But we promised we'd come, so here we are."

"Let's head out then," Jasper said.

When they arrived at the aquarium, Jasper picked Kenneth up and took Nicole's hand. Frederick took her other hand, and from behind, they looked exactly like a happy family of four.

They made their way to the dolphin show.