I Love You More, Cade by Coral Hume ( Nydia and Jackson)

Chapter 20 

Nydia paused in her tracks, turned around after a moment, and bowed again. “Thanks, doctor. I’ve got it.” 

Nydia’s brain condition was indeed a bit concerning, as this was her second injury. 

The first time was after Jeremy’s accident. Desperate, Nydia sought help far and wide, only to be avoided like the plague. In her panic, she once attempted to block someone’s car and ended up getting hit, which left a gash on her head that needed over a dozen stitches. 

People branded her a death–defying maniac. Back then, Nydia was ready to lay down her life to save Sharp Group. And she still was. Yet, something had changed, though she couldn’t quite put her finger on what. 

Inside the VIP ward, under the dim light, Josephine lay silently on the bed, her eyes tightly closed, her face pale. 

Cade was seated on a nearby couch, showing no emotion. 

His phone buzzed. Picking it up, Cade saw a screenshot from Stuart, furrowed his brow, and then opened Twitter. 

There, he found Nydia’s tweet, saying, [Happy 5th Anniversary, Mr. Jackson.] along with a photo of them together. 

Photos of them together were rare. This one, taken sneakily by Alison last year during the company’s annual party while they chatted with a client, showed Nydia smiling brightly while Cade had a cold expression, devoid of emotion. 

Despite their proximity, there was a noticeable distance between them. They looked nothing like a couple, not even friends, 

more like strangers forced together. 

Seeing this, Cade felt an unexplained annoyance bubbling up. He picked up the phone and dialed Stuart. 

The call was answered swiftly. “Mr. Jackson.” 

“Clear up all the negative news from the past few days.” Cade paused, glancing towards the bed, 

“And I don’t want a repeat.” His voice was cold, loud enough for Josephine to overhear. Her fists tightened under the 

blanket. 

***** 

Nydia spent three days at home, which alleviated her ear and headache symptoms. 

In the midst of this, Alison called to update her on work and mentioned Josephine had hurriedly checked out the very next 

morning as if fleeing from something. 

Nydia smirked inwardly. ‘Seems Josephine doesn’t quite enjoy the apple I sliced for her.’ But Nydia’s objective was met; the blog post was deleted, and the whispers about Cade and Josephine online had all but disappeared. A weight was lifted off Nydia’s shoulders. 

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With Orson’s 70th birthday around the corner, Nydia started planning her gift. 

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The Jackson family, with its dozen members, mostly looked down on Nydia, except for Orson, who had supported Cade’s marriage to her. Thankfully, with Orson still at the helm of the family, wielding ultimate authority, Nydia’s position as the eldest granddaughter–in–law remained unchallenged. 

Knowing Orson’s love for painting, Nydia decided to gift him four antique paintings. 

Nydia drove to Creekheim’s largest and most prestigious antique shop to make her selection. While comparing three sets, she caught a glimpse of Cade and Josephine nearby, seemingly out shopping. 

Cade was carrying several luxury shopping bags while Josephine clung to his arm, looking utterly content. 

Nydia’s gaze faltered, instinctively shifting to the side, hoping not to be noticed. However, her plan was foiled when Josephine spotted her. 

“Isn’t that Nydia?” Josephine feigned surprise, drawing Cade’s attention towards her. 

Cade gave a brief, indifferent glance at the figure before remaining silent. 

Josephine couldn’t help but smile at Cade’s reaction. 

Seeing Cade’s coldness towards Nydia now, colder than a stranger, Josephine seized the chance to needle her. “Nydia, what a coincidence seeing you here!” Josephine advanced with a sugary smile. 

Nydia internally rolled her eyes. ‘Just days ago, it was Miss Sharp, and now it’s Nydia. Pretending we’re close, aren’t we?‘ 

Not in the mood to entertain them, but seeing Josephine’s eagerness to play her part, Nydia decided to engage. She turned. gracefully, feigning surprise, then beamed, “So quick to leave the hospital? Seems my visit did you well. Remember to tell me first if there’s a next time.” 

Josephine paled, biting back her anger. If it weren’t for Nydia’s intervention, Josephine could’ve stayed in the hospital, enjoying Cade’s care. ‘What does she mean by ‘next time‘? Is she cursing me to go through that humiliation again?‘ Josephine thought in fury. 

Trying to ignore Nydia’s jab, Josephine walked over to a painting Nydia was looking at and said in surprise, “Wow, this piece is so pricey. Over 400 thousand dollars! It’s hardly practical, Nydia. Maybe pick something else?” She implied Nydia couldn’t afford it, mocking her. 

Nydia, undisturbed, replied with a smile. “Perhaps you’re more into outward appearances, like clothes and makeup, than understanding art.” 

Josephine was stumped, feeling like she had been called out as just eye candy. 

Wanting to retaliate but at a loss for words, Josephine soon recomposed herself. “I admit I’m not well–versed, so maybe I’ll ask Cade for lessons,” she said, casting a meaningful look at Cade. 

Nydia and Cade’s eyes met, but he quickly looked away, leaving her smile to stiffen. His indifference was chilling. 

Josephine noticed Nydia’s fleeting disappointment, feeling triumphantly content. ‘I may lack status or Nydia’s job prowess, 

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Chapter 20 

but having Cade makes me unbeatable,’ she smugly thought. 

Done with the charade, Nydia turned to the salesperson. “How much for this piece?” 

“I’ll take it too,” Josephine interjected promptly. 

Nydia estimated the artwork to be worth over four million, a fortune Josephine, typically fixated on trivialities, wouldn’t dream of parting with. 

Thus, Nydia stepped back, arms crossed, a smirk playing on her lips. “If it’s to your liking, then I’ll graciously step aside.”