Olivia pretended to be alarmed: “That… that wouldn’t be right? She’s not only your wife but also my professor… how could I slap a teacher…”
“Then let the bodyguards do it,” Maxwell’s tone was gentle, yet his words were cruel. “That way it won’t affect you.”
Jessica’s pupils constricted in disbelief as she stared at this man who had once sheltered her from wind and rain: “Maxwell, do you realize what you’re saying?”
But Maxwell wouldn’t even spare her a glance, gesturing to the bodyguards behind him: “Do it.”
Two tall bodyguards immediately seized Jessica, pinning her against the wall.
“Slap!”
When the first slap landed, Jessica heard a sharp ringing in her ears.
She hazily recalled that rainy night years ago when Maxwell stood before her, telling those who bullied her: “Anyone who touches a hair on her head will live to regret it.”
“Slap!”
The second slap shattered her memories, blood seeping from the corner of her mouth, staining her pale lips.
Through her blurred vision, she saw Maxwell gently covering Olivia’s eyes, whispering something in her ear that made the girl playfully punch his chest.
When the tenth slap fell, Jessica could no longer feel the pain. She slumped to the ground, hearing the suppressed gasps of students
around her.
Through the haze, she watched Maxwell tenderly tell Olivia: “Let’s go. I’ll take you to that Japanese restaurant you love.”
The students in the hallway whispered among themselves: “God… Professor Reid is so pitiful…”
“How could Mr. Reed do this…”
“That girl is disgusting, she clearly slapped herself!”
Jessica leaned against the wall, slowly standing up.
Her face burned with pain, each step feeling like a knife cutting into her.
But what was this pain compared to the wound in her heart? That gash was raw and bleeding, as if someone had torn it open with
bare hands.
She had thought that even if Maxwell had strayed, he would at least honor their past feelings.
But he actually had people slap her ten times in front of so many witnesses, all for Olivia’s sake.
The autumn wind stung her face as she left the building, making her wince in pain.
Back home, she stood before the mirror, looking at her disheveled reflection: her face swollen grotesquely, blood still visible at the
corner of her mouth.
12:06
His ‘Harmless‘ 10–Year Fling? My Secret Divorce Papers Say Goodbye Forever!
7.7%
Chapter 3
She suddenly laughed. As she laughed, tears fell in large drops.
It took Jessica three days to heal the wounds on her face before returning to teach as usual.
Just as she entered the office, the administrator called: “Jessica, Olivia Grant skipped several mid–term exams. As her advisor, you need to look into this situation.”
Only then did Jessica open Olivia’s Instagram-
Her latest update showed a photo of Maxwell with her at an auction, a priceless diamond necklace around her neck, captioned: [Mr. Reed says this necklace suits me perfectly~]
Scrolling down revealed more photos of them at various high–end venues: private yachts, Michelin–starred restaurants, equestrian
clubs…
Jessica dialed Olivia’s number.
The other end was filled with loud music, Olivia’s voice laced with amusement: “Hello? Professor Reid?”
“You missed your mid–term exams,” Jessica kept her tone professional. “The administrator asked me to check on your situation.”
“Oh, that,” Olivia laughed lightly. “It’s just a few exams, right? You have a good relationship with the administration–can’t you just
record some grades for me?”
She paused, her tone dripping with smugness: “If that’s really a problem, I can have Mr. Reed donate a few buildings to the school,
and the matter will be forgotten, right?”
Maxwell’s deep laughter came from the background: “Having fun?”
“Very much” Olivia responded coquettishly, then said to Jessica, “Professor, if there’s nothing else, please don’t interrupt our fun.”
The call disconnected.
Jessica gave a self–deprecating smile, put down her phone, and didn’t pursue the matter further.
Returning home that evening, she spotted Maxwell in the yard teaching Olivia how to drive.
“Hold the steering wheel firmly, don’t be nervous,” he stood beside the driver’s seat, leaning close to Olivia, his voice impossibly gentle. “Don’t be afraid, I’m here.”
The scene stabbed at Jessica’s eyes.
Once, he had taught her to drive just like this.
Back then, she had been clumsy and nearly hit a guardrail, but Maxwell had only laughed and pinched her cheek: “What are you afraid of? I’m right here.”
But now, he was saying those exact same words to another woman.
“Try it yourself,” Maxwell stepped back.
Olivia bit her lip. “I… I’m afraid I’ll hit someone…”
“It’s fine,” Maxwell ruffled her hair, “I’m here.”
Only then did Olivia confidently press the gas pedal.
And then, she deliberately swerved straight toward Jessica!
12:06
His ‘Harmless‘ 10–Year Fling? My Secret Divorce Papers Say Goodbye Forever!
9.0%
Chapter 3
“Crash!”
Jessica was thrown backward, landing hard on the ground.
Blood pooled beneath her, staining the pavement.
Through the haze of pain, she vaguely saw Maxwell rushing over.
But his first action was to embrace the panic–stricken Olivia: “Are you okay? Are you frightened?”
Jessica lay in a pool of her own blood, consciousness gradually fading.
When she next awoke, she was already in the hospital.
You’re awake?” Maxwell stood by the bed, his expression calm. “The doctor says you’ve broken several ribs. Don’t go to school for the
next few days. Rest and recover.”
Jessica tried to speak, but the pain in her ribs made it almost impossible to make a sound. She could only stare at him with reddened
eyes.
“Olivia didn’t do it on purpose,” Maxwell continued. “She’s just learning to drive and got nervous.”
“She… did it… deliberately…” Jessica forced out each word through clenched teeth, the pain excruciating. “I was… so far away from
her…”
Maxwell’s brow furrowed, his eyes flashing with impatience. “Jessica, what exactly do you want?”
