Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption-Chapter 161: Disguise...

The subordinates sat frozen, their hearts pounding with fear. Not because they doubted Jessica’s skills—far from it. They knew what she was capable of, but the mere thought of her stepping into danger sent a wave of dread crashing into their chests. If anything happened to her, they might as well dig their own graves. That was the silent law Davis and Elliot had etched into their minds.

Nothing must go wrong. Nothing.

It felt as though they weren’t just guarding a person but protecting the nation’s vault. Their nerves were stretched tight, and it showed on their faces—faces Jessica caught in a single glance.

She let out a long breath, shaking her head in amusement. "Since when did I become an over-pampered princess that even putting on a disguise is seen as a threat to national security?" she asked, sarcasm laced in her voice, a teasing smirk pulling at her lips.

Still, they didn’t respond.

"Can I at least see the girl’s picture?" she asked again, more softly this time.

Donne was the first to move, pulling up a photo on his phone and showing it to her. The girl—young, early twenties, same build, same skin tone—was a waitress, moonlighting as a call girl. Jessica studied the photo carefully. The resemblance was close enough, save for the hair and eye color. But those were minor issues. Nothing a wig and contact lenses couldn’t solve.

"You don’t have to worry," Jessica said, her voice suddenly calm, serious. "I’ll handle this. Just stay on standby in case things go south."

There was steel in her tone. The kind that made them step back despite their instincts screaming in protest.

Without another word, she began preparing herself. Calmly, she slid her earpiece into place, ensuring smooth communication with her team outside. Her recording pen was checked and tucked into her pocket. A compact defense kit—concealed blades, pepper spray, and shock rings—went into her bag with smooth precision. Everything was in place, just like always.

She glanced up once she was done and gave a small nod.

Then came the soft click of the car door opening.

Before they could react, she had already stepped out, her heels making no sound against the stone path leading to the club. She walked with confidence, each step calculated and graceful. As she approached the door, she made sure to avoid the CCTV’s line of sight, slipping into their blind spots with the ease of someone who had done it a thousand times before.

At the door, she turned briefly, her gaze meeting that of her subordinates, and smiled—a dazzling, beautiful smile that didn’t reach her eyes. It sent a cold shiver down their spines. They knew that smile. That was Jessica in her true element—calm before the storm.

Donne clenched his jaw and quickly pulled out his phone. "We need backup. Now," he muttered, sending their exact location to the mansion. Whatever this was, he had a bad feeling. A trap, maybe. And if it was, Jessica was walking straight into it.

Inside the club, chaos reigned in luxury. The air was thick with the heavy scent of expensive cigars and top-shelf liquor. Multicolored lights danced across the ceiling, creating an illusion of night inside broad daylight. The club didn’t shy away from its reputation—"24 hours all night." And now Jessica understood why.

She didn’t pause. Her steps were steady and smooth as though she belonged here. No one questioned her, no one glanced twice. She passed security, waiters, and guests unnoticed—an invisible storm wrapped in grace.

Until someone noticed.

A girl appeared at the stairwell, catching Jessica off-guard with a hand around her wrist.

"You’re new here?" the girl asked, her tone sharp, testing.

Jessica didn’t flinch. In one smooth motion, she sidestepped the girl’s grip and responded with a subtle counter, meeting her strength without overreaching. The girl gasped, surprised at Jessica’s skill.

Realizing she had made a mistake, the girl stepped back quickly and bowed slightly, her tone changing. "Forgive me. I was only testing."

Jessica simply smiled—a radiant, disarming smile that belied the dagger-edge of her skills—and continued walking, the girl watching with a quiet nod of respect.

She hadn’t expected such strength here, but Jessica’s presence had made one thing clear—she wasn’t just another intruder.

Seeing the look of admiration and respect in the girl’s eyes, Jessica paused in her tracks. She turned slightly and beckoned her with a finger. The girl hurried over, her footsteps light, her movements quick. Jessica couldn’t help but wonder—how could someone so innocent, so fresh-faced, be working in such a dangerous and morally twisted place?

"How long have you been working here?" Jessica asked, looking directly into her eyes, searching for sincerity, for truth.

"Just two months," the girl replied, her voice soft and barely audible. Her eyes flickered with pain, reluctance, and a quiet kind of resignation. It was the look of someone who had given up fighting a long time ago.

Jessica nodded slowly. She was about to ask another question when she heard faint footsteps approaching from below. Her instincts kicked in immediately. She quickly scanned the hallway, then grabbed the girl gently by the arm and pulled her into a nearby room. Just as she had hoped—it was empty.

The girl’s body stiffened, her breath catching in her throat as fear crept into her heart. What did this stranger want? Her hands trembled slightly, but before she could speak, Jessica’s icy stare silenced her.

"Sit," Jessica said firmly.

The girl obeyed, still uncertain but too afraid to disobey.

Jessica did a swift sweep of the room, checking for cameras or listening devices. Finding none, she locked the door behind her. No one would be able to enter from the outside.

She turned back to the girl. "What’s your name?"

The girl met her eyes briefly, then looked away, her heart pounding so loudly it echoed in her ears. She didn’t know if this woman was going to hurt her or help her. All she knew was that she had never seen anyone with such quiet authority.

"I don’t mind killing you here if it means achieving my goal," Jessica said calmly. "But if you want to live, and live a better life than this, you’ll do as I say. I promise I’ll help you get out of this place."

The girl’s breath caught in her throat again. She closed her eyes tightly, as if wrestling with herself. When she opened them, they shimmered—not with fear, but with resolve.

"Anna," she said. "My name is Anna."

Jessica gave a small nod of approval. "Anna, I have just one request."

Anna swallowed hard and listened.

"You’re going to stay in this room. Lock the door. Don’t open it for anyone. No matter what happens outside, stay put. Do not come out. I’ll take your clothes and serve the men you were supposed to serve tonight."

Anna blinked in disbelief. "You... you want to serve them?" she asked, her voice rising in shock. She stared at Jessica, unsure whether she had misheard. Questions raced through her mind. Who was this woman really? Why would someone like her volunteer for something so degrading?

"Do you even understand what that means?" Anna asked, her voice shaking. "Your dignity... your pride... they’ll tear it to pieces. Are you really willing to throw yourself into that filth?"

Jessica paused, her expression unreadable. She hadn’t expected to find someone so real—so pure, even—in this pit of darkness. A place she had nicknamed Sodom in her mind. And yet, here was Anna. Stained by her environment, yes, but not entirely broken.

Before Jessica could speak again, a voice came through her earbud.

"Boss, Desmond just left the Allen Group building," Donne reported.

Jessica gave a subtle nod of acknowledgment.

"It’s not exactly what you think, Anna," Jessica said softly. "I’m not here to sell myself. I’m here for something else. I have a score to settle. I need your uniform, that’s all."

Anna stared at her in confusion, her mind still spinning. "But why? Why would you put yourself in this position?"

Jessica simply gave her a sad smile. "Because sometimes, to bring down a monster, you have to walk into its den."

The room fell into silence, heavy with unspoken thoughts. Anna slowly stood and opened her small locker. Wordlessly, she handed Jessica the uniform. There was no more resistance in her gaze—just silent trust, and perhaps a flicker of hope.

Jessica took the clothes and began to change with practiced speed. Her movements were sharp and efficient. She was used to slipping into different identities. But this one felt different. More personal. More dangerous.

As she adjusted the wig and placed the contact lenses in her eyes to match Anna’s, her reflection stared back at her—a different woman now. One who was ready to face Desmond head-on.

With her disguise complete, Jessica turned toward Anna one last time. "Remember what I said. Lock the door. Don’t come out until someone you trust calls your name."

Anna nodded. "Be careful," she whispered.

Jessica didn’t respond. She simply gave a tight smile and unlocked the door, slipping back into the hallway like a shadow—quiet, invisible, and deadly.