Jeslyn just stared back, refusing to speak.


    If you wont talk, lll have to send you back immediately, Jessie warned sternly.


    After Jessie had said her piece, Jeslyn looked up at her with thoserge, watery eyes that seemed to plead for sympathy.


    Jessie, however, was not moved to pity.


    She reached out and tugged at Jeslyns ear, dering, Im calling your father this instant.


    But hes on a business trip, Jeslyn protested weakly.


    Hes away on business, then. So he sent you to me instead? Look here, Im not the one to be your constant guardian.


    Elsie directed me your way, the youngster retorted. Told me youd be willing to look after me. So she was only lying about that. No sooner had the words left her mouth than Jeslyns eyes filled with tears, and she began to weep.


    Jessie fixed her gaze on Jeslyn, observing as the tears made their escape.


    It was bold, Jessie thought, for Jeslyn to show such vulnerability.


    The sight kindled a fire of frustration in Jessie, pushing her to the brink of phoning Albert. Yet, the mention of Elsie stayed her hand.


    In the end, there was nothing for it but to contact Elsie directly.


    The call connected. Elsie, caught amidst her ride on an electric bicycle, phone in hand, feigned confusion. Im sorry? Miss Green, could you repeat that? Its terribly noisy here, and your words are getting lost in the wind.


    Jessie spent a good while trying to convey her message.


    Elsie imed the wind was too fierce, muffling Jessies words. She added, offhandedly, that she was visiting her hometown for the time being.


    After ending the call, Elsie pressed on, pedaling her electric bicycle towards her home.


    The reason behind sending Jeslyn to Jessie lingered on her mind.


    Earlier that day, she had glimpsed Jessies boyfriend, cozying up to a young girl and her family.


    From her hidden vantage, Elsie feared for Jessies emotional well- being and decided Jeslyns presence might somehow ease the looming heartache.


    In Elsies eyes, Jessie deserved someone better, certainly not a disloyal partner.


    Despite her bicycles dwindling battery, Elsie pedaled with determination at the thought of Jessie and Albert getting back together.


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    Meanwhile, Jeslyn, perceptive beyond her years, noticed Jessies reluctance to host her.


    With a mix of defiance and sorrow, she suggested, Why not call my Dad? It seems no one wants me anyway.


    Jessie, masking her own frustrations with a scoff, retorted, Think I havent got the nerve?