Chapter 247 Be Brave
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“This is all the support money I have paid back to your family over the past two years, piece by piece. This notebook records nearly every expense I had while living with them. When I left, I took nothing, not even a cent. I even overpaid by one hundred thousand. I do not owe your family a single cent anymore.”
Jessica placed the notebook and the transfer slips carefully on the table. She stood slowly. Her gaze was sharp and steady, locking onto Marcus with unshakable determination.
“I, Jessica Sweeting, am ending my adoption with the Johnsons. I am done with them for good.”
Zane had met Jessica before. He knew the girl’s fiery courage and her fearless heart.
When Anneliese had gone missing, Jessica had stormed through the entire club searching for her. She had barged into a room and beaten the sc*mbag who pushed Anneliese around until he was knocked out cold, then she kept beating him until he woke up just to beat him senseless again.
But now, facing Marcus, she seemed almost like a different person. Marcus had seen plenty of women and children broken by long–term abuse. He understood why she behaved this way.
Healing from trauma is never simple. For Jessica to stand here so firm was already her showing immense bravery.
Zane noticed her hands gripping the notebook so tightly that the pages bent under her fingers. He stood slowly, stepping forward.
“Mr. Johnson, if you refuse this arrangement, I have no problem filing a lawsuit as Ms. Sweeting’s attorney.”
He turned toward Jessica and lifted one corner of his lips into a faint, confident smile.
“Ms. Sweeting, would you consider hiring me?”
Jessica turned her head slowly. Her lips twitched into a stiff, controlled smile.
“Will there be a discount?”
Zane did not expect her to joke under these circumstances. He blinked, then laughter slowly filled his eyes.
“Alright, I will give you twenty percent off.”
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Chapter 247 Be Brave
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Marcus watched them with dark, stormy eyes. He felt something unfamiliar, a strange mix of frustration and helplessness. His prey had slipped completely from his control.
Compared to Jonathan’s pressure, Zane’s influence was sharper, more dangerous.
The Shaymans were a family known for legal power. Zane, even at his young age, had built a solid reputation in the legal world. He had never lost a case.
If Zane truly became Jessica’s lawyer, no one could predict what he might uncover. At worst, Marcus could end up in serious trouble.
Finally, Marcus slumped in his chair. “Do I have a choice? You’re not letting me leave until I say yes.”
He glared at Jessica. “If you will leave the family, then I will watch closely to see what fate has in store for you.”
He slammed his cup on the table. His face darkened as he stormed out.
Joel and Zane followed him without hesitation.
With Marcus agreeing to the terms, the termination papers and the change of address could be finished today. That would avoid any further complications.
Jessica froze in place. Her expression was blank and dazed.
Anneliese stepped forward and wrapped her arms around her. “Jess, congratulations. You are free. From now on, we will both live better lives.”
Jessica leaned against Anneliese’s shoulder. She hugged her back tightly. She wanted to nod, but the tears came first, unstoppable.
When they stepped out of the private room, only Zane stood a short distance away in the hallway, smoking.
He carried a dangerous presence. Every line of his face, every movement of his body suggested quiet strength and a controlled threat. He was tall and broad.
Even in a suit, he looked like an enforcer from the streets rather than a lawyer.
He crushed his cigarette against a stone pillar, flicked the stub into a trash bin, and strode toward them.
Jessica’s eyes were red and swollen from crying. She froze for a moment.
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Chapter 247 Be Brave
Anneliese squeezed her hand gently and tilted her head with a teasing smile.
“Mr. Shayman’s a nice guy, huh? Never thought he’d be the type.”
Jessica lowered her gaze, but she could hear the playful teasing in Anneliese’s voice.
She bit her lip and murmured, “It is mostly because of Mr. Fullbuster.”
Anneliese smiled and watched Zane walk toward them. She thought perhaps it was not entirely because of Jonathan’s favor.
Jonathan had handed this matter to Joel. Zane had no instructions from him.
Even if Jonathan had asked for Zane’s help, dedication varies from person to person.
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Anneliese honestly thought Zane was a good man. She could sense a small spark between him and Jessica.
“Where is Mr. Callahan?”
Jessica stayed silent, her eyes downcast. Anneliese turned back to Zane.
“He had some urgent matters at his company and left early. He asked me to apologize on his behalf.”
Anneliese quickly waved her hand.
Zane continued, “Marcus is waiting in the parking lot. Leave the rest to me. Should I take Ms. Sweeting to the post office?”
Anneliese’s face lit up. “That would be perfect. Jess, you’re in Mr. Shayman’s hands now.”
She nudged Jessica lightly. Jessica finally looked up.
“Thank you for your help,” she said quietly.
Zane nodded. “Let’s go.”
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Chapter 248 Alone Time
