The Wife They Tried to Replace Is Now Untouchable novel Chapter 496

hapter 496

With Jessica’s approval, Brian took her to one of the selected prenatal institutions the next day.

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Most of the programs offered were ones Jessica had experienced during her pregnancy with Jacob. Though years had passed, little had changed, so she participated casually.

In contrast, Brian treated it with solemn dedication. He listened intently to every lecture, requested extra practice during hands–on sessions, and took meticulous notes, immediately asking instructors whenever he had questions.

Amused, Jessica eventually claimed fatigue and sat back to watch Brian’s earnest efforts. She thought, ‘Serves you right.

Now you know raising a child isn’t easy.‘

But soon, a pang of regret struck her. She wondered, ‘What if I hadn’t been so independent back then? What if I had asked

Brian to go through this with me? Would things have been different?‘

“Lost in thought?” Brian’s gentle voice pulled Jessica back.

Jessica blinked up at him, now standing beside her, notebook in hand. She smiled, “Just wondering why I never dragged

you along to this when I was pregnant with Jake.”

Brian froze. That wasn’t the response he had expected.

Jessica bit her lower lip, instantly regretting her words. She wondered, ‘Why did I say that out loud? Have these days with

him made me drop my guard? Is that good?‘

“I should’ve been there,” Brian said, regret heavy in his voice.

Jessica shook her head. “You couldn’t have. You’d just taken over the company, barely had time to eat, let alone attend

parenting classes.”

Brian’s gaze dropped, too ashamed to meet her eyes. “I’m sorry. I failed you.”

A bitter realization settled over him. He thought, ‘Jessi was just as busy back then. Even in her third trimester, she worked

alongside me, flawlessly managing the secretariat without complaint.

She gave everything–for the company and our family. But I took it all for granted until there was nothing left.”

Looking back, Brian couldn’t fathorn why she had ever loved him.

The belated apology only darkened Jessica’s mood. She turned away stiffly, her voice flat. “It’s in the past,” Life moved forward, Dwelling on what couldn’t be changed was pointless.

Brian’s chest tightened, but he masked his pain, fearing his emotions might burden her. Clenching his fists, he forced a smile, “You’re right. It’s over, I won’t miss anything this time.” He would never repeat those mistakes.

Jessica shrugged. “Suit yourself.” If he failed again, so be it. She had long since learned to rely on herself.

Brian ached at her lingering distrust but didn’t know how to prove himself. Desperate, he later posted about their day online, only to be met with vicious backlash: [Disgusting. Using your ex–wife for PR stunts? Money can buy

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shamelessness.]

[It was a stunt. Just wait. Atkinson Group will launch some ‘parenting‘ products tomorrow.]

[Exactly. Bet it’s something baby–related. Capitalists will monetize anything. Boycott Atkinson Group!]

[With a CEO this heartless, bankruptcy’s inevitable. I’m done with their products.]

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[Same here. I stopped buying their stuff already. Now I just feel sick seeing that name. I once genuinely wished him well.

Damn it!]

[AIN fake. The Nation’s Most Devoted Ex–Husband? He’s more like the Nation’s Biggest Fraud.]

[Employees at Atkinson Group, quit before this monster bankrupts you.]

[Time to switch jobs before the company crashes and burns, and you’re left unpaid.]

Suddenly, thousands of comments flooded the company’s account, urging the staff to resign.

Alarmed, PR teams scrambled. After consulting Brian, they issued a swift statement.

Netizens hurling insults under Brian’s tweet soon noticed Atkinson Group trending again. It was an official announcement, confirming Brian’s resignation, accompanied by surveillance footage of his board meeting where he declined all attempts

to retain him.

The announcement and video went viral. Reactions exploded: [Wait! He quit?]

[Holy shit. He gave up his career for Ms. Grant. If that’s not love, what is?]

[My faith in romance restored.]

[Don’t celebrate yet. This could be reverse PR. Brian still holds the position. He can return anytime.]

[Total stunt. He is just salvaging his ruined reputation.]

[Stop using Ms. Grant already. Explain the cheating first, asshole! Resigning changes nothing.]

[Rumor says that bitch is still around.]

[Don’t spread rumors. Mr. Atkinson has never had any kind of relationship with Madeline. She acted alone, Mr. Atkinson fired and deported her the moment he uncovered her schemes. But she sneaked back. Mr. Atkinson had no clue.]

[I can vouch for that. I was assigned to monitor Madeline overseas. But she had arranged a body double to fool everyone. If you don’t believe me, check my travel vlogs for proof.)

[Me too. I worked in the secretary’s department before. Madeline kept seducing Brian, but he never even looked her way. Trust me. His heart was always Jessica’s.]

[Exactly. He truly loves Jessica.)

Many current and former employees of Atkinson Group defended Brian, sharing various pieces of evidence. Slowly, public

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sentiment shifted.

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Chapter 498

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“I want you to.” The words spilled out before Brian could stop them. He needed Jessica to rely on him, to punish him for his past neglect. Only then might his guilt ease.

Jessica laughed at his earnest expression. “Sorry to disappoint. I don’t make a habit of burdening others.” Revenge through torment? It was exhausting and pointless. If she despised someone, she cut ties cleanly.

Disappointment flickered in Brian’s eyes. He escorted her back to the bedroom but lingered at the door.

“Something else?” Jessica set her glass down, turning to find him still there.

Brian hesitated before asking, “Can I sleep outside your room?”

“What?” Jessica thought she must’ve misheard. Otherwise, how could she have possibly heard such an absurd request?

Brian didn’t hesitate any longer. He explained, “I worry about you getting up at night alone. I’ll stay perfectly quiet, just

outside the door.”

“That’s not my concern,” Jessica said, shaking her head.

Brian frowned, confused.

Seeing that he still hadn’t caught on, Jessica decided to be straightforward. “How exactly would you sleep out there? On the floor? For three months until delivery?”

“Is that… a problem?” Brian had been thinking along those lines, and he didn’t think there was any problem.

Jessica inhaled sharply. “No. Go back to your room.” She wasn’t some tyrant forcing him into floor–bound penance.

Brian’s shoulders slumped, but he obeyed, leaving with palpable dejection.

Jessica glared at his back and thought, ‘That wounded look. He acts like I’m the villain here. When all I’m doing is looking

out for his well–being.‘

Giving up, she yanked the quilt over her head and willed herself back to sleep.

The next morning, Jessica woke up, and Brian had already prepared breakfast.

Their day unfolded much like the previous one, until bedtime, when Brian once again broached the subject of sleeping outside her door. His persistence made it clear he wouldn’t drop the matter anytime soon.

Jessica rubbed her temples, then scanned her spacious bedroom, her gaze settling on the single–seater sofa against the wall. After a brief silence, she said, “Have someone replace that with a quality couch tomorrow.”

“Is that broken?” Brian blinked, momentarily confused.

Jessica shot him a look. “What do you think?” She turned and shut the door behind her.

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