Chapter 18

"Tess, just look at me," Clifford said softly from behind Tessa, his voice filled with frustration and longing. Tessa didn't even flinch. She continued unlocking the shop door, treating him like he wasn't even there. "Tess, please listen to me," he trailed after her as she walked into the cafe, watching as she turned on the machines and started washing the cups and plates with practiced ease. For a second, he froze. A long-forgotten memory suddenly came rushing back to him. "Clifford, I want to live a simple, easy life." The girl was wrapped in a blanket, sitting next to him under the stars. "Tess, no matter what kind of life you want to live, I'll be there with you." The boy's voice carried a trace of youth. They were just in middle school then. "Clifford, you don't understand," she said, her smile faint. "Why wouldn't I understand?" he asked anxiously. There was a pause before she finally answered, "One day, you'll inherit the Jones Group. You'll have to carry the weight of th