The air was thick with anticipation in Andrew’s study, where he and his most trusted men were gathered, preparing for Jessica's return. The tension in the room was almost tangible, as each man knew that this wasn’t just about confronting an old flame—it was about protecting Eva and finally closing the chapter Jessica had left open.

"Sir, what's the plan?" Darren asked, his face filled with a mixture of eagerness and curiosity.

Andrew’s lips curled into a smirk as he leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled thoughtfully. “Plan…” he echoed, feigning a casual tone. “Let’s keep it quiet, between us,” he said. He motioned for everyone to come closer as he shared the specifics of his scheme in a low voice. Each man listened intently, and while the strategy was brilliant, it had an air of risk that didn’t go unnoticed.

James, ever the realist, gave Andrew a skeptical look. “What if Eva misunderstands you? If she thinks—”

Andrew took a deep breath, his face momentarily softening. “I’m hoping Eva will see my true intentions. This has to go according to plan,” he said with conviction. “Once it’s over, I’ll make sure she understands.”

Edward entered just as Andrew finished speaking, informing him that Tristan had arrived and was waiting to speak with him. Andrew nodded, and as Tristan strode into the study, Andrew noted the wary expression on his face.

“So, you already know about Jessica?” Tristan asked, cutting straight to the point.

“I know she’s back,” Andrew confirmed, filling Tristan in on the plan.

Tristan listened carefully, but a frown crossed his face as he processed the details. “Andrew, that’s a risky move. Eva could misunderstand everything, and if she does…” His voice took on a warning tone. “Eva must not suffer because of this.”

Andrew’s gaze was steady. “She won’t. I’ll protect her, no matter what.”

Tristan took a slow sip of his wine, his eyes never leaving Andrew’s. “And Natalie?” he asked, his voice cold.

Andrew’s smirk returned, his eyes flashing. “Let’s just say she’s paying for her sins.”

Tristan raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further. He looked down at his glass, swirling the dark red liquid as he mulled over the whole plan. It was daring, dangerous, and entirely in Andrew’s style.

“Just don’t hurt my sister,” Tristan warned as Andrew prepared to leave.

Andrew gave him a reassuring smile. “I’d never hurt my dear brother-in-law’s sister. I’d think you’d know that by now.” With a wink, he added, “Oh, and take care of my princess.”

Tristan gave Andrew a confused look, which only made Andrew’s grin widen. “Don’t act surprised—I know Irene’s feelings for you.”

Tristan’s eyes widened, and without another word, he turned and walked out, flustered and eager to escape before the conversation veered even further into his personal life. Andrew chuckled to himself as he watched Tristan leave, wondering if his brother-in-law might finally acknowledge what was right in front of him.

Meanwhile, Jessica had finally landed back in the country. She checked into a luxurious suite at the Royal Hotel, and from the moment she stepped into her room on the fifth floor, her mind buzzed with plans. After freshening up, she dialed her mother’s number.

“Mom, I’m at the Royal Hotel, room 509,” Jessica cooed into the phone. “Come quickly, I’ve missed you.”

Camilla, on the other end, squealed with excitement, eager to be reunited with her daughter. She hurried to get ready, entirely oblivious to the fact that Tristan had already placed her under surveillance. Within moments, he received an alert from his informant.

“Camilla Foster has reached the Royal Hotel, sir.”

Tristan’s voice was cold and direct. “Good. Follow them closely. I want every detail.”

When Camilla arrived at Jessica’s hotel room, Jessica threw open the door and was immediately enveloped in her mother’s enthusiastic embrace.

“My darling Jessica!” Camilla beamed, pulling back to take in her daughter’s face. “I’ve missed you so much.”

“Missed you too, Mom,” Jessica replied with a smile that held a hint of mischief.

Camilla’s eyes sparkled as she led Jessica to the plush seating area. “How have you been? Paris must have been incredible!”

Jessica’s smile widened as she leaned back into the couch, playing with the ends of her hair. “It was everything I hoped for. But now, I have work to do here.”

Camilla’s face took on a vengeful gleam. “Yes. We need to put that insufferable Eva in her place. She has no right to what’s yours. We’ll show her that.”

Jessica nodded, a dark glint in her eye. “Don’t worry, Mother. I have plans for my dear sister.”

Jessica’s voice held an edge that even Camilla wasn’t used to, and she felt a momentary chill as she looked at her daughter. This was no longer the Jessica who had left for Paris. She had returned sharper, more determined, and with a thirst for vengeance that seemed to burn brighter than ever.

However, neither Camilla nor Jessica knew that outside, Tristan’s informants were capturing every movement, every whispered word, every devious plan. They were being watched, and every step they took was bringing them closer to the carefully laid trap Andrew had set.

Back at the King Corporation, Andrew, Tristan, and the others were preparing for the final act of this twisted drama. Andrew’s mind was focused on one thing—ending Jessica’s reign of chaos for good and securing a future where Eva could be happy, untainted by her sister’s dark influence. He could feel the weight of the risks he was taking, and he knew that one misstep could ruin everything. But he was determined. This time, he would let nothing and no one stand in his way.