"Here. Joanna's too young for such a heavy, old-fashioned color. It suits your age better—makes you look dignified."

I'd navigated business long enough to decode the subtext. He was calling me old. Saying I was only fit for cast-offs.

Yet I smiled and accepted the box. "As long as you're happy, Jesse."

The old Tessa would have wept for nights, agonizing over whether her youth had faded.

The new Tessa? Is this worth ten million? Or twenty?

The more distracted Jesse became with his games, the more muddleheaded he'd grow—and the more I could siphon away. Only a fool fights for a husband whose heart has strayed.

I didn't need Jesse Gilbert.

I needed the Gilbert Group.

Clutching the ten-billion-dollar contract Patrick had offered me, I knocked on the study door.

"Grandpa, since I married into the Gilbert family, I am a Gilbert now. I don't need this contract as compensation for the Matthews family."

Surprise sparked in his eyes. He hadn't expected me to refuse such a massive windfall.

"The Matthews family has been in steep decline these past few years. Last year, your market cap barely scraped a few billion. Are you certain you don't want this contract?"

Patrick's voice was gruff, probing. Even after a decade of marriage to Jesse, the old man still didn't see me as a true Gilbert. He was constantly testing me, waiting for the moment I'd prioritize blood over loyalty.

I met his gaze with practiced sincerity.

"To say I'm not tempted would be a lie, Grandfather. But I married Jesse. I'm a Gilbert now. How could I siphon resources from my husband's family to subsidize my mother's? I'm not like those short-sighted women who can't see the bigger picture."

A flicker of approval passed through his eyes.

"Good. Since my granddaughter-in-law has such integrity, I'll give you something else." He leaned back, tapping his cane. "As a Gilbert, you should hold a stake in the company. There's a board meeting at the end of the month. Prepare yourself. When the time comes, I'll cast my vote for you."

My expression stayed calm—neither servile nor arrogant. "I won't disappoint you."

He reached out and patted my shoulder, his grip heavy. "Support Jesse well. He's been foolish lately, blinded by… distractions. But in his heart, he still cares for you."

Cares for me? I almost scoffed. No matter how many lines Jesse crossed, to Patrick, he was still the golden boy, the sole heir.