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

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

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

Jonathan wanted to laugh at Henry’s face but held back. He asked to noone in particular. “Are you talking about Andrew Jacobsen’s daughter?” Henry mumbled, “I don’t know.” Lil rolled her eyes, “Yes. Andrew Jacobsen’s daughter. You will meet her soon. She will take over Uncle’s work, and their cooperation with Smith Group is on the top of the list.” Jonathan was stunned. Wasn’t she a little too well-informed? Lil only shrugged at Jonathan’s enquiring eyes. “Mer has been my best friend since diapers. We tell each other everything.” Jonathan nodded at her and did not ask further. “You mentioned that Vivian Stone was your rival in Kings High.” Jonathan changed the topic. He had been itching to ask about that since she mentioned it in the press conference. Jenn raised her hand, “I also want to know.” Liliana shook her head, “We were in Kings High together. I am a year younger than her, but we were in the same class, and I always got better grades than her. She saw me as her riv

Jonathan wondered if he was one of the people she took note of, those she deemed noteworthy. Was he important enough? More than that, he wondered who she was. A knock came before a waiter pushed open the door of the lounge where they were staying. And with it came a click-clack of heels that caught everyone’s attention. “Look at the heartless women who did not come to see me for five months.” Liliana sighed as she got up and walked to the door. Mariana hugged her tightly and sighed, “Damn! I missed you.” She looked at Jenn and eyed her to come closer. Jennifer trotted towards them and joined in the hug. Henry ran towards them and exclaimed, “Group Hug!” as he wrapped the three girls in his embrace. Mariana immediately broke the hug. She pushed him away and exclaimed, “Who wants to hug you?” Henry sat back on the couch, “Your temper has not changed.” Mariana saw Jonathan and, for once, did not retort to Henry. She stared daggers at Jonathan instead. Jonathan was confused at