It took Jessica a while to realize what Amelia meant. "Yes, I have, but what do you want to do?"
Amelia said seriously, "I'll send you and Sierra to a nearby hotel first for a few nights. Well come up with another way out."
"Okay, I'll listen to you!" Just as Jessica was about to stand up with Sierra, the phone in the room suddenly rang. Knowing that it was inconvenient for Jessica to answer it with the kid in her arms, Amelia said, "I'll answer it. Do you have any other baby products left?"
"Yes, they are all cheap goods. Those people weren't interested in them and didn't take them away." Jessica simply regarded men sent by Patrick as robbers.
Amelia did not correct her but said, pretending to be calm, "Okay, you can pack up now. I'll come to help you after answering the phone."
"Okay," Jessica said, giving her friend a grateful look. She didn't have to say thanks, and Amelia understood.
After Jessica left, Amelia picked up the ringing phone immediately. Before she could say anything, the caller couldn't wait to speak, "Jessica, something bad has happened! The cafe has just been shut down by the Industrial and Commercial Bureau!"
Amelia's beautiful face froze. "What did you say?"
Anxious, the caller didn't notice it was Amelia's voice instead of Jessica's and kept saying, "Here's the thing. Half an hour ago, the Industrial and Commercial Bureau launched a sudden check to the equipment in our kitchen. The equipment was up to standard before, but this time they claimed that they were defective. They also said that if there was an explosion, our clients would be in danger. Besides, they found that our fire extinguisher was expired. Yes, it was expired. But doesn't that mean there is no fire hazard here? I tried to solve it in private, but they insisted on shutting down the shop!"
Amelia's forehead throbbed at that. With a heavy heart, she replied, "I see."
"So, Jessica, look, since the store was shut down, what should I and other employees do?" The caller asked worriedly.
Amelia had no choice but to say, "Just take a few days off. When the shop is ready, the Industrial and Commercial Bureau will allow us to reopen it. By then, I'll inform you to come back to work."
The caller hesitated, "Jessica, you need to know. If this keeps too long, I may have to look for another job..."
Amelia knew those employees had their own difficulties. "I know! Tell the others that they get paid time off. If any of you insist on quitting, you can leave. I won't force you to stay."
The caller sounded very happy. "Okay! We are relieved to hear your promise. We won't bother you to come up with a solution, Jessica. See you!"
After putting down the phone, Amelia heaved a long sigh of relief.
She adjusted her expression, trying to look usual when she turned to help Jessica pack her luggage. But when she turned around, she met Jessica's depressed eyes.
Amelia tensed up. Although she wanted to keep it from Jessica, her friend might have already heard what she said.
Jessica had a look of disbelief on her face. "My cafe has been closed. Did I mishear it?"
At this point, Amelia could only try to make her more positive. "It's not big of a deal. Don't panic!"
Trying her best to control her trembling voice, Jessica said, "My home was robbed... and my shop was shut down... That's not big of a deal?"
Amelia took a few steps forward to Jessica and comforted her. "Jessica, look at me! I will help you with this problem."
Jessica nodded blankly. She had no idea what was going on. Why did her life change so much overnight?
At the hotel.
Amelia went to the front desk with Jessica and her daughter. Under the gentle smile of the receptionist, Jessica took out her ID card from her handbag and put it on the desk. "I'm going to check in with my daughter, a room."
"Okay, please wait a moment." The receptionist nodded politely. She picked up Jessica's ID card and took a glance at it. Then, she froze.
Amelia noticed the subtle change in the receptionist's expression and couldn't help asking, "What's wrong?"
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