Chapter 12 The cold , clipped tone in Jackson's voice revealed his irritation , tinged with impatience . Elaine gathered her courage and mumbled softly , " … I'm afraid it will hurt . " Jackson frowned slightly and replied in a calm voice , " It won't . " She was only half convinced by his words , but still unsure . Hesitant , she leaned in to kiss him , allowing herself to be with him . ***** Afterwards , she dragged her exhausted body into the bathroom . When she emerged , she found Jackson , wrapped in a towel , talking on the phone . His back was to her , and his sculpted body was fully exposed . Looking at the messy bed , she couldn't help but recall the events from earlier , her face flushing with embarrassment . She glanced at the time - it was already 10 p.m. If she got home too late and woke up Abraham , she'd be in for another round of scolding . Though she'd grown used to it , she didn't want Constance to be 0.00 % 07.21 Chapter12 dragged into this . 1288 Vouchers Every time she made a mistake , Abraham would chastise Constance , complaining that she'd failed to give him a son . It had happened countless times , often right in front of Elaine , and the tone was always dripping with disdain . Constance was quiet and patient , never saying a word no matter how much pressure Abraham put on her . But Elaine had seen her crying alone in her room more than once . For Constance's sake , Elaine walked on eggshells in the Valentine family . She often felt like one of the servants - always cautious , always afraid of making a mistake . She waited for a moment , planning to say goodbye to Jackson before leaving , but his phone call seemed to drag on without any sign of ending . After thinking for a moment , she grabbed her bag from the couch and quietly left . Once outside the hotel , she glanced over and saw Rubin's car still waiting by the mall . 25.94 % 23 t 07:21 23 Chapter12 288 Vouchers She used the same trick again - slipping through the back door of the mall , buying a few random items , then heading out , opening the car door , and sliding into the seat . Rubin , who had been dozing off , rubbed his eyes when he heard the car door slam . " Ms. Valentine , should we head back now ? " Elaine tossed her shopping bags onto the back seat . " Yeah , let's go . " When they got home , the living room light was on , and Elaine paused for a moment . It wasn't too late - just 10 : 30 - but she hoped the light was left on by the maid for her , not Abraham or Marcelo waiting for her . She walked into the living room , where Constance was resting on the sofa , one hand propped up on the armrest , a thin blanket draped over her legs . Abraham and Marcelo weren't there , probably already in bed . It seemed Constance had been waiting for her to come home . Kneeling down in front of the sofa , Elaine looked at Constance's peaceful face , her heart aching . In this family , it seemed like only Constance truly loved her . She softly called out , " Mom . " 51.61 % 07:21 23 288 Vouchers Constance opened her eyes , clearly tired and struggling to stay awake . She covered her mouth and yawned . " You're back ? Go get some rest . " Elaine's voice was thick with emotion as she responded with a tired " Yeah . " " Next time , if I come back late , don't wait up for me . I'm not a child anymore . " Constance smiled gently and said , " Aleshire has changed a lot over the years . You've only just returned , so I can't help but worry . " Elaine's heart ached . " Let me walk you back to your room . " Constance nodded . Elaine helped her upstairs , saw her safely to her room , and waited until the light in her room turned off before she headed back to her own room . 81.17 %