Though she didn’t press the button, the gesture was enough to send shivers down Alicia’s spine.
“You wouldn’t…” Alicia stammered, a tremor in her voice.
Jessica met her gaze, a steely resolve hardening her features. “Are you sure you want to test that?” she challenged, her voice dropping to a low, dangerous growl.
The answer was clear. The group surged towards the door, shoving past Jessica and Viola in their haste to escape.
Alicia, abandoned by her friends, stared at them in disbelief.
“Hey!” she cried, “Who’s going to drive me home?”
But her pleas fell on deaf ears. The group ignored her cries and disappeared into the hallway. As the door slammed shut behind them, a wave of relief washed over Jessica.
After confronting Alicia, Jessica and Viola shared a moment of understanding and laughter, solidifying their bond.
Then, in her father’s office, Jessica confessed her failures and lies, including her expulsion from the college and how she’d been misusing money.
Her father listened calmly, encouraging her to speak.
“I’ve been humiliating and insulting people, too,” Jessica admitted tearfully. “And lying to you.”
Her father’s response was unexpectedly gentle. “Go on, Jessica,” he urged.
Pouring out her heart, Jessica vowed to repay every penny she’d taken from him.
Her father smiled.
“I’m so proud of you, honey,” he said.
“Proud?” Jessica asked, surprised.
“You found the courage to be honest and take responsibility. That takes strength, honey,” he explained.
Though touched by his words, Jessica still felt unworthy of his praise. “But… after all I’ve done?” she asked hesitantly.
“Everybody makes mistakes,” her father said.
“What matters is fixing them.”
Her father suggested she might manage the hotel someday, but Jessica had another idea. “Viola deserves that job,” she said. “I’ll work part-time as a maid and go back to college.
I have so much more to learn.”
Her father beamed proudly. “We all have so much to learn,” he agreed.
Embracing her father, Jessica felt the warmth of his love and support.
“I love you,” her father said softly.
“I love you too,” she replied, ready to face her future with renewed hope and courage.
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