Jonathan looked at Vincent and Jennifer and sighed, “Just go with her.” Before Vincent could reply, Jenn snapped, “This is an abuse of power. How can you choose his date for him?” Vincent finally managed to get his head around it and immediately answered. “He thought I was embarrassed because of his presence, so he answered like that. I would love to be your date.” “Oh! Good.” Jennifer sat back on the chair, sipping her drink. “You were saying something?” She asked Jonathan. He replied, “Well, please tell Henry that he won’t be disappointed with the bash if he makes it to the guest list. I will also consider his suggestion. Can we take a profile picture of you for the teaser?” Jennifer nodded repeatedly and looked around the office. She walked straight to the window and leaned against it while sipping her drink. Then as if she remembered something, she switched to the left profile. Jonathan took the picture with his phone. He immediately sent it to Liliana for review, who ok
Vivian had been irked by Jonathan’s indifference, but fortunately, the heavens were in her favor. Things were looking great for her. She had boosted her image, her brand got free publicity, sales increased, and she finally uncovered the mysterious head of L&L Designs. Her lackeys in the Smith Group informed her that the girl had spent quite some time in Jonathan’s office. As much as she hated other women spending time with the man she had considered her own, Vivian could only endure it for the time being. She asked her assistant to figure out who she was. Within two hours, she had her information - Jennifer Cox came to P city from Maple City a week before. Jennifer’s detailed information was hidden. But those fit the bill. Vivian knew that the head of L&L was a young woman in her mid-late twenties, was from P city, and had established herself in Maple city. It proved their speculation that Jennifer was the head of L&L Designs indeed. Vivian had someone follow her after she exi
Vivian asked her assistant to instruct their hired keyword warriors to anonymously post her photo of having coffee with Jennifer and them talking outside the showroom on the internet. Coincidently Smith Group also released a teaser and announced that they were having a press conference in two days. Right after the press conference, there would be a Welcome Party for the head of L&L Designs. It would be hosted in the largest 7-Star Hotel in P City and was couples only. The guest list was hidden, and they wouldn’t announce it to maintain the guest’s privacy. The netizens went crazy. The girl in the teaser and the one in Vivian’s photo looked very similar. They were wearing the same dress and had similar profiles and figures. The identity of the head of L&L Designs was exposed. Vivian’s social media was full of questions asking for clarification. Even the social media of her boutique was full of questions asking for a statement from her. Vivian confidently posted the photo of the
The press conference started at 5 pm in the lobby of the 7-star hotel where the welcome bash was held. It was convenient as Jonathan and Liliana could go directly up without wasting their time. Vivian watched the press conference on the TV while getting her hair and makeup done. Jonathan guided a woman who had covered her face with a veil on her headpiece. Her figure and profile seemed to match that of Jennifer, but Vivian had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. Anxiety that she could not make sense of settled in, and Vivian was so uneasy that even the makeup artist could tell something was wrong. “Are you alright, Miss Stone?” He asked. “Yeah. Perhaps I ate something bad in the afternoon. I am feeling a little queasy. Can you please get me some water?” Vivian had to give an excuse. Shortly after she asked for water, the makeup artist instructed his assistant. Within five minutes, he brought a tray full of plain water, juice, coffee, and tea and placed it in front of her.
Vivian felt her blood boiling. Liliana did not even spare her a way out. Another reporter asked why that person was wearing the same clothes as the one in the poster. “Well, it is a non-exclusive trial product from L&L Designs. We have designed a few sets which could fit a working woman who needs to dress up for occasions.” Liliana elaborated further, as it was always a touchy subject for a luxury brand. “We wanted to test the usability of a single dress on various occasions - business meets, dates, not entirely formal meetings, just everyday use. At the same time, we wanted to check their suitability for repeating the clothes. For this purpose, we have made a few copies of the same dress and sent them to some acquaintances who work in different fields.” “I picked the dress for the teaser for obvious reasons. I have always loved shades of Blue.” Some reporters questioned if she knew the girl, and she replied affirmatively. “Oh, yeah, the girl in the pictures is Jennifer Cox. S
The reporters did not buy her explanations at all and questioned her further. “I am nobody. How can I possibly ask Miss Stone for an explanation?” “Please let me go. I don’t want any trouble. Please respect my privacy. I don’t want to get entangled in rich people’s affairs.” “If I knew it would bring so much trouble, I would have never accepted the free dress, even though it is beautiful. I am too scared to wear it now.” “Why will Lil give me clothes? She is not my guardian.” “And I am an adult. I can buy my clothes.” “How could I possibly wear something from L&L Designs? L&L Designs’ products are too expensive. It’s for rich people only. Those expensive one-time-use clothes are not for job holders like me.” “I have to plan for my future and retirement. Besides, Lil only wears clothes designed by herself. I am too scared to borrow her expensive clothes.” The reporters and netizens alike felt for the timid girl. After all, a regular nobody would not like to get entangled with
Inside the hotel, Jonathan massaged his forehead while looking at the screen. He and Liliana were lounging in a room, taking refreshments and snacks. “Is she a nurse?” He asked Liliana. “Oh, yeah! She is quite good,” Liliana replied. “She would make a good actor,” Jonathan said curtly. “That’s not acting. Jenn has stage fright, so the panic and tears are real. That’s why the panicky act suits her so well. The emotions are raw. Just her words are a pile of nonsense,” Liliana clarified. “She said you take care of her,” Jonathan probed. “We should protect our own. It’s a good principle to have,” Liliana shrugged indifferently. For her, it was the most normal thing. “Is that why you are protecting me?” He questioned. “I have not protected you,” She smiled sadly. He was confused at her sadness. Why was she sad? “What do you mean?” He probed, unsure if she would answer. She clarified, “This is not protecting you. I am forcing you to choose and do things at my terms and pace. I a
Liliana carefully looked at her twins on the phone before she asked, “Have you both been behaving well?” Jo answered her immediately, “Yes, mommy. We watched the press conference and Daddy Henry and Aunty Jenn’s interview.” Li answered, “Mommy, the bad aunty will want to take revenge. Be careful!” Lil nodded, “As you wish, your highness!” Li was annoyed, “Mommy, I am being serious. You never take things seriously unless it’s our health or your job.” Lil had to console her little guardian, “I know, honey. I will be careful. Don’t worry. Besides, Mer will be here tonight.” Jo exclaimed from the side, “Really? Aunty Mer is back. Mummy, you hid it from us.” Henry complained, “You little rascals. I have been taking care of you for so long. Why do you always side with Mer?” Jenn chimed in, “Because she is more reliable than you.” Henry was speechless, “You are fired!” Jenn teased him, “You can’t fire me. You love me.” Lil shouted at them, “Stop it, both of you.” She turned to th