Claimed by the Man I Shouldn't Love

"I didn't! Who says I'm scared? Jessica, you think anyone's gonna believe your nonsense now?" Chloe looked flustered under Alan's gaze, but she wasn't stupid-without solid proof, she didn't believe Jessica could stir up much trouble.

Jessica's heart twinged with pain-Chloe had hit a nerve. The truth of that kidnapping years ago... even if she said it now, would he believe her? But since he loved his ex-fiancée so deeply, she doubted he'd ignore what she had to say.

She shook the press badge in her hand. "I could honestly care less about your wedding. I'm just here to ask Mr. Knight how he plans on explaining his dealings with the Yorqan family."

The reporters around them, still reeling from the whole "Jessica came back from the dead" bombshell, suddenly snapped to attention at this explosive news.

The Yorqan family was infamous in finance-predatory, ruthless, gobbling up companies like it was nothing. Generations of hard work from various families had been destroyed by them. And now Alan was involved with them?

The journalists surged forward like sharks smelling blood. Was Knight Corp teaming up with the Yorqan family to take over Helvaria's major companies? If that got out, they'd become the most hated name in the country's business world.

Alan's eyes locked sharply on Jessica. The contract with Sultan had just been stolen-and here she was stirring the pot right after? No doubt about it-she was the thief.

"Don't listen to Jessica! Alan would never do something like this!" Chloe threw herself in front of him like she was ready to defend him with her life.

"Oh really?" Jessica's voice was light, but her words cut deep. "Well, I'm pretty sure that contract is with the Commercial Crime Bureau by now. Tell me, Mr. Knight, how're you feeling about that?"

Alan's lips pressed into a razor-thin line. It was a long beat before he finally spat out, voice like frost, "You've got a death wish."

Jessica let out a low laugh. "Already died once. Forgot about that, Mr. Knight?" I came back-for payback.

Just then, piercing sirens wailed and police pushed through the crowd.

"Mr. Alan, you're wanted for questioning by the International Commercial Crime Bureau regarding your alleged dealings with the Yorqan family."

"No! You can't take him! It's our wedding day!" Chloe cried out, clutching tightly to Alan, refusing to let go. She had waited so long for this-one step away from becoming Mrs. Knight.

"Chloe, let go. I'll be right back." Alan released his grip on Jessica's arm, gently pried Chloe's hands off, then patted the back of her hand softly. The cold frown he'd worn since entering the chapel finally eased a bit, and he gave Chloe a look meant to calm her down.

Standing tall with that unshakable presence of his, he followed the police with steady steps into the car. The atmosphere around him didn't slump at all-like he wasn't being taken in for questioning, just casually going out with the cops for coffee.

Chloe suddenly broke down in tears, not knowing how to deal with the mess she was left in. The grand wedding had completely turned into a farce.

Jessica didn't even glance in Chloe's direction. She walked straight through the crowd toward Daniel Cooper, her boss at the news agency.

"Mr. Cooper, I don't think there's anything more to report here. The questioning will take 48 hours."

Daniel looked like he'd just snapped out of a dream. "Jessica... you're Jessica?" His gaze faltered. He never expected this girl to be the Southern family's heiress.

Jessica gave a faint smile. "Yeah, that's me. Starting to dislike me now?" After all, who'd like a woman who caused so much trouble, even pulling off a public takedown at someone's wedding?

"No way! Why would I hate you? Actually... you're nothing like the rumors at all." Daniel quickly explained, his reaction not out of distaste, but sheer disbelief at her background.

Everyone said the Southern family's daughter was a spoiled brat, impossible to deal with-but from the time Jessica joined the news team, there'd been no sign of that. She was the most hardworking and diligent one of them all, and honestly, super grounded.

He never would've imagined Jessica could be... well, her.

"Mr. Cooper! We've got a record number of clicks on our site! That illegal deal story broke everything!" An excited assistant held up a phone for Daniel to see.

"Alright, that's it-everyone, pack up. Tonight we celebrate Jessica! It's on me!"

Cheers rang out as the team crowded around Jessica and Daniel, making their way out of the church.

Jessica sat in the car, glancing back out the window at the chapel. It still stood tall and solemn like always, untouched by the years. Fifteen years might've passed, but the place hadn't changed at all-just the people had.

The memory was still vivid: a teenage boy holding a little girl, his arms wrapped protectively around her.

"Alan, what are they doing?" the girl asked.

"They're getting married," he replied.

"I wanna get married too... That lady's dress is so pretty! I wanna wear it!"

"When you grow up, I'll marry you right here. And I'll buy you the most beautiful wedding dress in the world. So grow up quick, alright?"

He kissed her forehead-someone once said that was the purest kind of kiss.

Jessica pulled her gaze back, her eyes dry but stinging. Not a single tear came out.