"Jessy, sis, are you okay?" Andrew was holding onto my arm, his voice laced with worry.
I sank onto the bench beside me, still reeling from the shock. My hands trembled in my lap, trying to steady my breathing. Andrew moved away, probably to call someone. I didn't ask. I didn't want to speak. I just wanted to be alone.
What did she mean by 'I'll see more after this'?
And how the hell does she know about me?
Before I even realized it, my legs were moving on their own. I was already halfway to my car.
Shit. Andrew!
I turned quickly, intending to go back, when something slammed hard into the ground beside me.
A loud thud. Then chaos.
Gunshots echoed all around. My heart dropped. I froze in place, paralyzed by fear. My hands flew to my ears, and I shut my eyes tightly, hoping it would all disappear. But the shooting didn't stop.
And then — someone dragged me aside.
"Jessy! Look at me!" That voice.
I opened my eyes. Jay.
"Jay..." My voice cracked as tears streamed down my cheeks.
More bullets rang out, this time hitting the car beside us. Jay quickly pulled me into his arms, shielding me with his body. I think he'd dragged me behind the vehicle to protect me. Everything felt like a blur. I could barely breathe. The fear, the noise, the confusion — it was too much.
I collapsed into Jay's arms, everything going black.
"I'm going to kill that bitch!" I heard Jay's voice somewhere in the haze — furious, raw.
My eyes fluttered open. He was talking to Mr. Holden.
God, I missed him. Jay's long-time bodyguard. A father figure to everyone. He was here... thank God.
Jay stormed out of the room, unaware that I was awake.
"Jessy." Mr. Holden came to my side.
"Are you okay?"
"I... I missed you," I whispered.
He gave me a warm smile and gently stroked my hair. "I missed you too, dear. You're safe now."
I nodded slowly. "Is everyone okay? How's Andrew?"
"He's fine," Mr. Holden assured. Relief flooded through me.
"Get some rest." He stood and stepped out quietly.
Moments later, Tilly and Andrew entered my hospital room. Apparently, I'd passed out from shock.
"God, sis, you're okay!" Tilly rushed to hug me.
"I'm fine... Andrew, I'm sorry. I thought something happened to you too." I exhaled shakily.
"No, sis. I'm okay. It all happened so fast. Before I could reach you, Jay dragged you behind the car," Andrew explained.
"Thank God nothing happened like... those two men," Tilly added.
"Tilly," Andrew warned gently.
"What happened?" I asked, instantly on alert.
"N-nothing," Tilly tried to brush it off, but I saw right through it.
"Tell me. Did someone get hurt?" I pressed firmly.
They hesitated. I raised my voice. "Tell me, damn it!"
Andrew finally spoke. "Two men were shot. One is out of danger, but the other... he's in critical condition."
My breath caught in my throat. I stared at him in shock.
This... this was because of me.
I was the target.
"What happened?" came Jay's voice from the doorway.
"I slipped," Tilly mumbled, eyes downcast.
"The second guy's stable now," Jay said. "The doctor just confirmed it."
I met his gaze, nodding slightly.
Julissa was back at the shop with Finlay and Isabel. Since I was fine, Jay brought us all home under strict security. A few guards were stationed around the building.
Julissa had fallen asleep in my arms. I gently kissed her forehead before heading downstairs.
Jay was speaking with Mr. Holden. Dev stood nearby, while Andrew, Finlay, Isabel, and Tilly sat near the counter. Two more guards flanked the entrance.
"No one knew I was in the city," Jay said grimly. "I didn't even bring bodyguards. It was supposed to be confidential. How did she know?"
"Maybe you weren't the target, Jay. Maybe it was Jessy," Dev suggested.
"Mr. Dev is right," Mr. Holden agreed.
"I don't know what she wants anymore," Isabel muttered angrily. "She's caused enough chaos. And now this? She's obsessed with revenge."
"But if that's the case," Andrew interrupted, "why didn't she just shoot when she had the chance? She was right there. Gun aimed at Jessy."
"Maybe she wanted something more," Dev said.
"She's psychotic. God knows what she wants," Jay said coldly. "I should've brought security. That was my mistake. But I swear, I'll find her — no matter what."
Suddenly, my phone rang.
The room fell silent as everyone turned to look at me.
I answered. "Hello?"
"Miss Jessy, are you okay?" It was Parker's father — Mr. Green. His voice trembled.
"Yes, sir... I'm okay."
"Jessy," he whispered, "listen to me carefully. I regret giving birth to a monster. I'm so sorry. It was him... Parker. He was the one who tried to kill you."
My heart stopped. "W-what?"
"I overheard him talking with a friend. He was furious... said he missed his chance. I don't know how he got the gun, but he still has it. Please... you have to be careful. If you can, leave the city. It's not safe anymore." He ended the call abruptly.
"Jessy, sis?" Tilly's voice pulled me back.
I looked up at her, my heart pounding.
"Who was that?" she asked.
I didn't answer. I turned to Jay — he was already staring at me.
Can I really survive all this... without him?
My phone rang again — this time, Mr. Watt.
"Jessy! I heard what happened. Are you okay?" His voice was full of concern.
"Yes, Mr. Watt. I... I actually wanted to ask you something. Hold on a second," I said, stepping outside.
"Tell me, Jessy."
"It was Parker," I said, my voice trembling. "He's the one who tried to... kill me."
"That bastard!" Mr. Watt snapped.
"I don't feel safe here anymore. I want to leave, Mr. Watt. Please."
"I understand, Jessy. Let me talk to Adrian. I'm sure we can arrange something for you."
"Thank you... I don't know how I can ever repay you," I said, overwhelmed with gratitude.
"Don't say that. You're like a daughter to me. I'll do whatever it takes to protect you."
A small smile tugged at my lips. "Okay, Mr. Watt."
****************************
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Jackass Boss [COMPLETED]
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