Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption-Chapter 211: What again?

With the Allen Group back in the headlines, embroiled in turmoil—thanks to Desmond’s message to the media. Alfred found himself in a tight spot.

"How could he shield the Old Man from this news, especially when it concerned his grandson—Davis?" He thought to himself.

By habit, the Old Man always read the news himself, asked to be read to, or watched it on TV. Either way, he never missed a day. And when something was hidden from him, he was quick to notice and even quicker to dig deeper.

Alfred knew there was no way to solve the problem if the Old Man got wind of it.

He cast a subtle glance at Linda, summoning her attention. As she adjusted the Old Man’s position on the bed, gently laying him back and tucking the blanket over him, she caught Alfred’s silent cue.

Once the Old Man had closed his eyes to rest, Linda followed Alfred out of the ward.

One of the guards standing nearby raised a brow. "What’s wrong?" he asked, his tone cold, eyes flicking between the two.

"There’s no problem," Alfred replied calmly. "But you have to make sure he doesn’t go through the news today—for his own safety."

The guard and Linda frowned in confusion.

"A rumor just broke. Davis has been declared dead and as his grandson, I don’t know how well he will take it," Alfred revealed with a dry smirk.

Linda and the guard exchanged glances, then gave a brief nod. "Understood."

After discussing a few additional precautions, Alfred left. He felt a momentary sense of relief, especially after Desmond had been denied access earlier.

Still, he wasn’t entirely sure he could trust those guarding the Old Man. But whoever sent them—they hadn’t shown any hostility yet. For that, he was grateful.

Unbeknownst to him, one of the guards made a swift decision. He stepped aside, pulled out his phone, and dialed a familiar number.

~Noveria~

Jessica was reviewing business files when her phone buzzed. Seeing the caller ID, she sighed. "Something’s wrong again." She muttered under her breath.

Rubbing her temple, she answered. "What happened?"

A male voice came through. "Boss, there’s trouble."

"Be specific."

"There’s a rumor going around—Desmond leaked news that Davis is dead. It came from one of the media outlets tied to him. No one from the Allen family has spoken up. Desmond hasn’t denied it either."

Jessica went silent.

"Is anyone watching Desmond? What did he do today?" she asked, mind racing.

She knew Desmond well. He only stirred the pot for two reasons: to create chaos or to cover something up.

The caller shuffled papers on the other end. "He’s facing a scandal. The board and shareholders are turning against him."

Jessica’s eyes narrowed. "That sounds like him. Contact the hospital technical team to disconnect his TV. Make sure the Old Man doesn’t see or hear the news through any form."

"Yes, boss."

She hung up and leaned back in her chair, eyes closed. Davis rumored dead... She had to act fast. Not just to protect the truth, but to buy Davis time—time to recover and meet the Noveria shareholders before everything unraveled.

An idea sparked.

She picked up her phone and dialed Elliot Raven.

He picked up on the first ring, almost as if he’d been waiting. "Miss me already?"

"Were you ever forgotten?" she replied coolly.

"I thought maybe I just came back to mind."

"Help me fix something."

"What’s up?"

"Desmond leaked word that Davis is dead. I want it countered—officially."

"That’s it?"

"You sound too free. Want me to give you more work?" she asked with a smirk.

He chuckled. "Fine, fine. But I’m losing my health at this rate. Don’t you care?"

"Your calling," she said, tone dry.

They spoke a little longer before ending the call. Jessica remained seated, eyes fixed on the air in front of her.

Then the door creaked open. Davis walked in, his hair wet, towel in hand as he dried it.

Her posture straightened immediately. He walked over, placed a hand on her shoulder. Her body tensed—then slowly relaxed.

"What happened?" he asked.

Jessica spun around in the chair—and froze.

There he was, half-naked, towel wrapped loosely around his waist, another slung over his shoulders. Broad shoulders. Firm chest. Chiseled abs. Long, toned legs. The sight left her stunned and flushing red.

She quickly averted her gaze, breath hitching. "Do I call him a seductress at this point?" She mused.

"Why aren’t you wearing your clothes?" She asked struggling to compose herself.

"Am not naked either" he said. Jessica felt her memory of Davis refreshed over and over. frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓

Davis, catching on her subtle reactions had a smile on his lips.

He leaned down slowly, one hand braced on the armrest, effectively trapping her with the desk behind. "So? Is your husband handsome?" he whispered in her ear, his breath teasing her skin.

Her ears twitched. "Can... you... step back? Let’s talk," she stammered, eyes darting anywhere but at him.

What is wrong with me lately? She scolded herself. I’m flustered by everything he does. This isn’t like me!

"We can talk like this—or would you rather I carry you so I don’t have to keep standing?" he smirked, winking.

Jessica didn’t need clarification. He rarely kept his hands to himself once things escalated.

"That won’t be necessary. We’re fine like this," she replied quickly.

"Are you sure? My leg still aches. Do you really want me standing like this?" he asked softly, brushing a kiss on her forehead.

The fresh scent of his shower gel surrounded her.

Before she could react, he captured her lips in a deep kiss. When he finally let go, both were breathless.

"Davis Allen! You’re a hooligan!" she cried.

"Wrongly accused! My leg hurts. I just needed some relief," he grinned, still resting his hand on her chair.

"So, tell me, why were you so dazed?" he asked, pulling up another chair and dragging her onto his lap.

Jessica took the towel from him and began drying his hair. "Desmond leaked news of your death. Probably trying another tactic since the Old Man countered the last one."

Davis nodded. "It’s fine. Without any proof, it’s recoverable."

Jessica gave a light nod. "How many more days to finish things here?"

He closed his eyes, thinking. "Ten days should be enough."

Their trip had taken a turn. They had initially come to check on the branch, but the poor state of things had forced them to stay and fix what they could.

"That’s fine," she murmured, brows drawn in thought.

"Madam," Davis said suddenly, "can we stop talking business now?"

Jessica frowned. "What again?"

"I’ll show you."

Before she could respond, he lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed.

"Davis, wait—I’ve got things to do!"

"Don’t worry. You have a full day tomorrow. Tonight, we rest." He smirked, laying her down and sliding in beside her.

He pulled her into his embrace, his hand beginning its mischievous journey.