Chapter 3 Disgrace To The Cooper Family

Chapter 3

Stepping out of the hotel, Jessica Cooper wrapped her scarf tighter around her neck, exhaling a long puff of white mist into the cold morning air. The chill pierced through her coat, but it couldn't match the icy weight pressing against her heart.

It seemed like she was riding a streak of bad luck.

Even drinking a glass of warm water lately felt like it got stuck in her teeth-nothing went down smoothly anymore. She had only attended that banquet because her father had pressured her. Yet instead of making useful connections or playing the role of the dutiful daughter, her reputation had been tarnished.

Humiliated.

Used.

Attending a banquet and running into a bastard... who could be more unfortunate than me?

A sharp gust of wind slammed against her cheek, forcing her to shrink deeper into her scarf. It was unbearably cold today, but not colder than the painful loss of her first time. That night haunted her like a nightmare-unwelcome and persistent.

Still, she reminded herself firmly: I'm 24. I'm an adult.

She would treat that night as nothing more than a ridiculous mistake, a slip-up born from intoxication and betrayal. Nothing more. From now on, she would focus on work and erase both that man and that night from her memory.

Instinctively, she looked up as she walked, her eyes catching on a massive outdoor television screen mounted above a commercial building.

"Mr. King is back to the mainland to explore new business opportunities..."

"Why has Mr. King chosen to return to the mainland now, when his Asia-based company is thriving?"

The screen showed a flurry of reporters surrounding a tall, elegant man. Microphones were thrust toward him, cameras flashing wildly, eager to catch every word or expression. But the man remained composed, indifferent even, his handsome face calm under the chaos.

He gave nothing away-only a faint smile as he nodded at the crowd, his silence commanding as much attention as any statement.

Jessica stood for a second, her gaze locked on the screen.

And then she looked away, quietly continuing down the street.

Behind her, a group of women-young and old-had gathered, whispering and sighing in awe at the man's flawless demeanor. But Jessica wasn't in the mood to join them.

She had more pressing things to take care of.

Ten minutes later, she stepped into a chemist shop and walked straight to the counter.

"I'd like a contraceptive pill," she said quietly.

The pharmacist nodded and handed her a small pack. Jessica paid without hesitation, then bought a bottle of water from the fridge nearby. Without waiting, she swallowed the pill right there inside the store.

It's over. Whatever happened... it ends here.

Half an hour later, she arrived at the Cooper estate.

Slap!

The moment she stepped inside, a heavy hand struck across her cheek.

Her head snapped to the side, her skin stinging.

"How dare you disgrace our Cooper family?!" her stepmother, Cynthia Jacobs, screamed.

Jessica stood still, face calm despite the pain. She didn't even bother replying. Instead, she walked past the furious woman and made her way upstairs.

She was already worn out-physically, mentally, emotionally. And now, Cynthia was adding her usual drama to an already ruined day.

As she entered her room, she peeled off her coat and collapsed onto the bed, closing her eyes just for a moment.

Later that evening, voices echoed downstairs.

Her father's voice-stern and loud-could be heard through the halls, deep in conversation with Cynthia.

Jessica rose from the bed, her face composed, every movement precise. With slow, regal steps, she descended the staircase, posture graceful and proud. She looked every bit like a queen surveying her subjects.

"Dad," she greeted softly.

But Mr. Cooper's face twisted in anger the moment he saw her.

"Young, graceful daughter I've raised for 24 years!" he roared. "Now tell me, how do we secure the contract from the Howard family?!"

Jessica blinked, but her expression remained unmoved.

"How can you sleep with another man when you're already engaged to someone?!" he bellowed, frustration pouring from his voice.

Her stepmother jumped in, voice shrill. "Who knows if you've caught a disease or not?!"

Jessica didn't flinch.

Instead, she calmly walked past them and picked up the porcelain teapot from the side table. Gently, she poured herself a cup of hot tea, her slender fingers wrapping around the delicate cup. She sipped it slowly, quietly.

A beautiful smile curved her lips as the bitterness hit her tongue.

Seeing her serene reaction, her father blinked in surprise, his tone momentarily softened.

"You like the tea?"

Jessica nodded.

"I had this pu-erh tea specially imported," he said, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. "Naturally strong. The newer ones are especially bold in flavor. I brewed it thick today... more bitter than usual."

Jessica took another sip, unbothered by the taste. In fact, she welcomed it.

She had already swallowed a more bitter reality today.

After her fourth cup, she set the empty teacup down.

"Dad," she said, looking up, "don't worry about the company. Leave it to me. I'll handle it."

Her father's eyes lit up.

"You? Can you?"

"If I can turn things around in two months," she replied calmly, "make me vice president."

Cynthia scoffed immediately. "No! Why? She's just a girl! What does she know about running a company?!"

But Mr. Cooper turned cold.

"She's my daughter," he said firmly. "And one day, the company will be hers."

A cold glint flashed in his eyes as his voice silenced any protest.

Jessica stood there, silent, watching the two selfish people in front of her.

She could read them both like a book-Cynthia's fear of losing control, her father's desperation disguised as anger.

With a quiet sigh, she turned and walked away.

Back up the stairs.

Back to her room.

And this time, she wasn't running away from pain.

She was walking into her purpose.

.