Chapter 262

Jameson was fuming but had no outlet for his anger. He could only swallow it.

Unexpectedly, someone arrived to ease the embarrassment. It was Tim, Danielle’s father, and Danielle was with him.

Danielle’s expression shifted slightly as she watched Jameson and Tim chat amiably. When her gaze landed on Ross, she didn’t greet him, but her trained medical eye noticed his pallor. She wondered, "Is he sick?"

Ross met her gaze calmly, though his grip on the golf club tightened imperceptibly.

Danielle looked away, standing quietly beside Tim.

Soon after, Tim introduced Danielle to Jameson.

Jameson said smoothly, “We’ve met before. Danielle attended my daughter’s birthday party.”

Danielle offered a polite but distant smile, unfazed by Jameson’s attempt at familiarity. Still, she added, “Dad, that is Sheary’s brother, Ross Jean.”

Tim studied Ross–handsome, refined, exuding quiet nobility.

Ross smiled, “Hello, Mr. Shelly.”

Tim nodded amiably and shook his hand. “Good to meet you.”

Seizing the moment, Jameson feigned ignorance about their breakup. “Danielle, how are things between you and Ross these days?”

Ross stiffened, and Danielle pressed her lips together.

Tim blinked. He thought, "Wait, Ross was dating my daughter? Since when?"

Danielle kept her tone even. “We’ve already broken up.”

Jameson pretended to be shocked. “Why? You two seemed perfect.” He turned to Ross with mock disapproval. “Was it that scandal with the actress? Did you upset Danielle?”

Tim’s opinion of Ross instantly soured. He thought, "This guy looks like a gentleman but plays the field?"

A cold glint flashed in Ross’ eyes.

Danielle said flatly, “Mr. Jean, Ross and I parted amicably. It had nothing to do with that.”

She thought, "Technically true, but it still stung. Did he have to pick someone who looked exactly like his ex for that stunt? Is that innocent, delicate girl really his type?"

After leaving the Jean residence, Shermaine didn’t rush back to school. Instead, she called Joshua. “Where are you?”

“Bradley has located Zack. I’m heading there now,” Joshua replied. He had been about to call her when he was surprised to receive her call first.

He thought, "It’s daytime. She’s supposed to be in orientation where phones aren’t allowed. Why’s she calling me now?"

“Give me the address. I’m coming too,” Shermaine said.

Joshua paused. “Where are you now?”

Shermaine replied, “Jean residence.”

Joshua was surprised. “Why did you go back there?”

“Jameson spiked Ross’ coffee with something," Shermaine explained bluntly. "It gave him hives. I came back to treat him.”

“How’s he now?” Joshua frowned. Jameson drugged his own son. He wouldn’t hesitate to hurt Shermaine if she crossed him.

“Better, but he’s still running a fever,” Shermaine sighed. Though the hives had faded, Ross should’ve been resting instead of chasing business deals.

“If he needs anything, tell him to call me,” Joshua offered. “I’d be happy to help.”

Shermaine chuckled, “No need. He’s got me.”

For some reason, Joshua felt a pang of jealousy.