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

Chapter 21 

Josephine was taken aback by how readily Nydia Sharp conceded, leaving her momentarily stunned. 

Looking at the item, dull and uninteresting, Josephine thought, ‘Spend that much on this? No chance!‘ Moreover, she didn’t have the funds at the moment. True, Cade had the means, but she had already dropped over seventy thousand dollars on bags and jewelry earlier that day. Spending more would undermine her caring and kind–hearted image. 

Nydia, noticing Josephine’s hesitation, sneered. “Looks like your affection is quite superficial.” 

The sales associate then chimed in, “The total is 960,400 dollars, but let’s round it down to 960,000 dollars.” This amount was no small figure for Nydia. 

Despite being the esteemed lady of the Jackson family and holding a key position within the Jackson Group, Nydia was bound by a prenup that Cade had her sign, limiting her to a fixed monthly salary without access to shares or dividends. Her savings were modest, but she was adamant about buying this gift for her grandfather. 

Nydia handed her card to the sales associate, who, after a couple of attempts, failed to keep her smile from turning awkward. 

“What’s going on?” Nydia asked. 

Josephine snickered. “Not enough balance, maybe?” 

The sales associate approached Nydia, discomfort written all over her face. “The balance is insufficient. Perhaps you have 

another card?” 

1 

“Oh, Nydia, it’s better to shop within your means than to pretend,” Josephine said, barely containing her delight. 

Nydia gave Josephine a frosty look and handed a few more cards to the sales associate. “Try these.” 

Yet, the associate still shook her head. 

Feeling embarrassed, Nydia reflected on her five years with the Jackson Group, unable to believe she couldn’t make the purchase. Her eyes instinctively sought Cade. 

Cade’s snort was cold. “Living beyond your means is just shameful.” 

Nydia was now embarrassed and angry, cursing herself for expecting anything from Cade 

Josephine was practically ecstatic, wanting to rub it in more, but with Cade leaving, she hurried after him, both exiting together. 

The sales associate, not knowing what to say, just watched Nydia. 

As they left, Nydia’s smile vanished, the pain in her heart intensifying. After a moment, she turned to the associate and firmly said, “Wrap up the oil painting for me.” 

***** 

– JMM M 

Chapter 21 

luna 

*UEN 

76% 11:03 

45 

In the southwest of Creekheim, two broad highways cut through dense forests, intersecting near the entrance to a Zeropean–style mansion perched five hundred meters beyond. This grand estate, adorned with the imposing characters of “Jackson Mansion,” stood as the ancestral home of the Jackson family. 

Nydia, as the eldest granddaughter–in–law, naturally arrived early to assist with the preparations for the patriarch’s Birthday celebration. 

By afternoon, after setting the pastries with the servants, her mother–in–law, Maren Jackson, and aunt–in–law, Lacie Campbell, returned fresh from their beauty treatments. Maren was nearly fifty but looking scarcely over thirty thanks to her meticulous care and natural beauty. 

Maren’s good spirits, however, vanished at the sight of Nydia, especially noting the cake cream on her dress, far from the poise and grace expected of the Jackson family matriarch. 

“The guests are almost here, and you’re looking like this? Are you trying to shame the Jackson family?” Maren scolded, her glare sharp. 

Used to such disdain, Nydia meekly replied, “Yes, Maren.” 

Lacie scoffed, pulling Maren away. “Given her current state, what more do you expect? Let’s go in. She is not worth our anger.” 

Realizing it was nearly time, Nydia refreshed herself with a quick shower, meticulously did her makeup, and donned an emerald green gown complemented by a sophisticated cardigan. Her brown hair, tied up with a beige ribbon, added to her dignified yet approachable look. Descending the stairs in her high heels, she was ready to greet the guests. 

Given the Jackson family’s esteemed status in Creekheim, their mansion was the center of attention, with luxury cars packed tightly in the vast parking area. 

Standing by Orson, along with Maren, Lacie, and her father–in-law, Sam Jackson, Nydia welcomed the arrivals. 

“Orson, you haven’t aged a day,” a white–haired gentleman from the crowd exclaimed. It was Ryan Wiley, the patriarch of the Wiley family, one of Creekheim’s four major families. 

Orson, initially surprised but then delighted, rushed to greet Ryan. “Ryan, when did you get back? You should’ve told me!” 

Ryan leaned in with a secretive smile. “I wanted to surprise you. Did it work?” 

Orson laughed. “Still the joker, even at this age.” 

Behind Ryan were his three sons, two daughters, and a young man. 

“Bentley, come and greet Mr. Jackson.” Ryan beckoned the young man. 

Bentley Wiley approached, bowing to Orson. “Mr. Jackson.” 

Orson praised Bentley’s distinguished and elegant appearance. 

Turning to Nydia, Ryan inquired, “Where’s Cade? Haven’t seen him.” 

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Chapter 21 

MM M 

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Bentley also looked at Nydia. Under the soft lights, her serene beauty, highlighted by the elegant gown and captivating beauty mark, was undeniable. 

Nydia, unsure of Cade’s whereabouts and suspecting he might be with Josephine, couldn’t voice her thoughts. “He is tied up with some business but will join us shortly,” she replied, her smile brightening her face. 

Bentley couldn’t help but find her smile even more enchanting. 

Ryan, with a meaningful tone, said to Nydia, “It’s good for young people to be ambitious, but health is important too. Orson here is eagerly awaiting grandchildren.” 

Nydia’s smile stiffened slightly. Being childless after five years of marriage was a taboo in high society, with Maren often blaming her and resorting to traditional remedies. Recently, the topic had ceased, perhaps signaling a loss of hope. Nydia couldn’t share that intimacy with Cade was recent, bearing the “family shame” in silence. 

Orson directed Sam to escort Ryan and his family inside. 

As they departed, Cade arrived, Josephine by his side.