16 Don't play with fire

Davis and Jessica stepped out of their respective rooms simultaneously and their gazes locked, the temperature seem to fall several degrees low as they engaged in a silent battle of wits. None of them wished to see the other and none acknowledged the other, it was as though they were strangers whose path should never have crossed.

Jessica silently accessed Davis situation and sighed in relief, there is a change in his appearance and color after he tidied up and had a good rest. It seems that his mental state is the main reason why he was but a shadow of himself. Without sparing him another glance she made her way to the dining room for a quick meal; she has a very important meeting to attend. Immediately after the meal she picked up her phone about to walk to the door but halted briefly and turned around to face Ethan who has just walked into the living room.

"Ethan, I need a car.", she said without care, it is not just a request but rather an order. Ethan's heart skipped a beat at the request. He might have been Davis assistant but never has he made any decision without Davis yet Jessica doesn't seem like one who is willing to talk to Davis. It was like the Jessica before them now is different from the previous Jessica. "My poor life", he muttered to himself.

Davis gazed at her intently. He couldn't understand why his uncle has mentioned this lady as unassuming and quiet. It seems there is something more to this whole arrangement. Ethan glanced at Davis seeking for his opinion concerning the car but Jessica's voice made him falter and reconsidered his stance.

"Ethan, by virtue of this union I have equal assess to the things in this house just like your boss so get me... a car key", she said coldly. Her aura intimidating, her gaze sharp daring him to disobey her.

Ethan entered the house briefly and returned with the key to a red sports car and handed it over to her, she dangled it playfully with a smile "Thanks and from now, this is mine", she smirked and left the room ignoring Davis who had been sitting quietly in the living room. Being ignored and treated as air, Davis fist clenched in anger.

Before long, the rumble of the sports car coming to life shattered the silence of the mansion as it revved through the driveway and in seconds the loud roar as it joins the highway echoed in the villa.

Davis was seething with rage and his face twisted in anger —that was his best car and he never thought that a day will come when someone will take over the car without a proper request or even appreciation but then he couldn't help but wonder how a quiet girl can control such a high end customized sports car.

He glared at Ethan who spurned on his heels and left the sitting room to avoid being the recipient of his terror.

Jessica sped all the way to an upscale night club, she stopped the car and handed the key to the valet and made her way through the door in to the dimly lit club, She is a frequent member of the club and can easily find her way around. Quietly, she weaved through the crowd to a dark spot away from the noises of the club. Settling down on one of the sofa, her leg crossed over the other; a waiter served her with her drink— Barcardi. She took a sip of her drink slowly while glancing at her wrist at intervals with impatience etched on her face.

After several minutes a tall blonde handsome man—Terry walked in with a file in one hand. Terry had been working for her for five years "Three minutes late?" She asked coldly.

"I am sorry, but I was held up in traffic", he replied calmly while taking his sat opposite her while a waiter promptly served him a drink which he drained the glass in one swift motion. He retrieved a file and pushed it towards her. Jessica picked up the file and checked on it's content slowly, her lips curved upward unconsciously.

"Have you noticed any other changes" she sneered. Terry shook his head in negation.

She nodded, her gaze flickering through the contents as she studied the result of each.

"I want a detailed report on the shares in his hands and the various company under his care." She instructed after a while.

"How is our people doing?", she asked, her gaze boring into him.

Terry nodded with a smirk on his face as he relaxed on his seat. "No problem for now though there is need to increase their incentives", he commented lightly. Jessica nodded at his suggestion. "You can reach out to Richard, you should both draw out a workable solution and get back to me", she said.

The meeting lasted for some hours, Jessica exited the club with Terry in tow. As they stepped out into the cool night waiting for their cars to arrive, a familiar voice made her sigh helplessly.

Risa staggered out of the club, a group of young ladies following closely behind, the air around them thick with the smell of alcohol. It is evident they had spent the night drinking. Seeing Jessica, she couldn't help but frown and then gradually walked over to her. Her smile laced with coldness. "Sister", she smirked with a cold glint in her eyes. Jessica knew nothing good will come out of this meeting and tried his best to avoid her but she followed her persistently.

"Why are you in the club? Aren't you married, how come you leave your crippled...husband to visit this night club", she asked with feigned innocence.

Jessica glanced at her with a cold gaze, her fist clenched. Risa smirked widened as she noted the rage on Jessica's face.

"Sister", she called with a mocking sweetness grabbing Jessica's hand "We know it must have been difficult for you to cope with a man who could not offer anything because he has lost all he has including his legs but that shouldn't make you come to the club in search of an —escort you know", she drawled deliberately attracting the attention of the onlookers.

Jessica felt her blood boil, she wanted to be a good girl and mind her business but Risa seem determined on provoking her tonight. Casting a side glance at her, she ignored her taunts but then Risa didn't know where she died, grabbed her hand in fake anxiousness.

" Sister, listen to me you can come home to get some help if need be, you are still the Brown family daughter and your well being is still our priority", she sneered with faux sweetness that made Jessica's stomach churn in disgust.

"Really?" She asked, her expression unreadable but internally she was seething with rage at the scornful remark and the familiar mockery she had always received.

"Of course sister, you don't have to worry much I will talk to Dad and let him send some provisions to you".

A few onlookers that gathered chuckled as their eyes filtered between the two sisters that shared no similarities. They praised Risa for caring so much for a sister that is unappreciative. As their comments sliced through the crowd that had gathered Risa got more brazen and conceited at their praises.

"Risa, when is it your turn to take care of me and my husband —the same man you taunted as a crippled?" Jessica smirked.

Risa flinched back with fear and vulnerability on her face,the next second her eyes glistened with tears threatening to spill all over "Sister, you misunderstand me. I'm just worried you will be wronged and wouldn't have enough to eat. I don't mean anything else", she choked with emotion but a cold glint flashed across her eyes which she masked quickly.

She reached out to hold Jessica's hand again but she quickly withdrew her hand. Risa staggered backwards almost landing on her butts but Jessica with quick reflex caught her in time "Sister, don't hurt yourself to earn pity", She chided, her tone tinged with amusement but the next second she let her go and Risa fell heavily on the ground, the pain spreading through every nerve in her body.

Jessica's hand flew to her mouth in shock and her eyes wide as she rushed toward her "Sister, are you hurt? Why are you careless? Why aren't you standing firm?" She smirked.

Risa knew Jessica had done it intentionally, she had wanted to fall but wouldn't had fallen to this extent, now she can't even stand up. Her eyes blazed in fury but then she is a caring sister and wouldn't want to destroy this image of a caring sister.

"Am okay. It's me been careless", she said. Jessica bent toward her and in a low voice "Next time, don't play games with me", she said coldly making Risa shiver.

Risa never expected Jessica to beat in her own game. Jessica stretched out her hand to pull her up but then she tightened her grip on her and she couldn't pull away from her. Risa gasped in pain but dare not let it show. She wouldn't give Jessica the satisfaction seeing her in pain.

After she stood firmly Jessica didn't let go, her hand as strong as steel made Risa shed silent tears. After a while Jessica released her hand and stepped back. "Sister, I have been out for a long time and ...my husband is waiting", she snickered as Risa's face twisted in rage.

She wouldn't take this insult laying down. She must get her revenge but for now she will let her enjoy the glory of victory. Jessica smiled as she watched the changing expression on Risa's face "Sister, don't play with fire because you might get burnt next time", She smirked before striding over to her car. Sliding into the driver's seat, she rolled down the windows, flashed Risa a beautiful smile, and sped off.

Risa clenched her fist in rage, and she let out a frustrated huff, she spurned on her heel and left the club.