Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online
Maggie underwent a complete transformation thanks to Alyssa’s efforts. A single glance and a stranger would easily assume she was born into wealth.
“Wow! You’re so beautiful!”
Tatiana clapped with a radiant smile on her face. “Maggie was already beautiful. Now, she’s practically sparkling in that dress! She looks absolutely lovely!”
“That dress is quite impressive!” Julien, who typically carried himself with confidence, couldn’t resist offering praise.
“Hmph! I crafted that myself! It’s a one-of-a-kind creation. I dare anyone to call it ugly.” Rose lifted her chin with pride, crossing her legs. She gazed at Maggie as if her masterpiece was showcased on an international catwalk for everyone to admire.
“I was about to say it looks like one of your pieces, Rose.”
Tatiana regarded Rose with admiration. “When it comes to the best designer in the country, you’re right up there after Sharon. Sigh, if only I were lucky enough to meet Sharon once. I believe she is the best in the design industry! I will definitely get her autograph and take a picture with her!”
Rose took a sip of her tea, glancing at Alyssa with a chuckle.
Julien’s eyes widened in surprise. With his overseas downtime often filled with watching fashion shows, he was well aware of Rose. Nevertheless, he never imagined that Rose would be the woman struggling with assembling food next to him.
Alyssa’s friends were out of this world.
“Ms. Emerson,” Julien called her.
“Yes, Dr. Lovelace?” Having heard about Julien from her mentor, she was friendly toward him.
Julien cleared his throat and asked, “Can you help to design an outfit?”
Julien feigned nonchalance and briefly glanced at Jonah’s back. “A suit for a man.”
“I’m booked for the next six months.”
“Oh.” Julien seemed to resign to the situation, his eyes reflecting a profound disappointment.
“However…”
Rose rested her cheek on her hand and smiled at him. “You are a good friend of my mentor. I’ll definitely make an exception.
“However, I would need to take some measurements for the suit to fit well. If you’re available, you should come to my workshop so that I can take your measurements, Dr. Lovelace. If you’re not free, you can provide me with your measurements. The more detailed, the better.”
Julien withdrew his intense gaze from Jonah’s back, his lips curling into a smile. “Alright, I’ll get the measurements for you promptly. Thank you.”
“Jeremy? Xavier? When did you both get back?”
No matter how chaotic the environment was, Alyssa instantly noticed them standing at the entrance. She was overjoyed.
With Maggie’s hand in hers, Alyssa smiled and pulled her along as they approached the two standing at the entrance.
As Xavier locked eyes with Maggie, a profound intensity overcame him. His body tensed, and his heart pounded uncontrollably, his emotions spiraling.
Maggie shyly pursed her lips as Xavier’s intense gaze lingered on her. She felt unsure of what to do in response.
“Xavier, why aren’t you saying hello to Maggie? What’s the matter? Are you shy now that she’s all dolled up? Alyssa smiled as she nudged Maggie toward him.
She gave her a deliberate, slightly stronger push, causing Maggie to collide with Xavier. He swiftly caught her, her hands resting on his pounding chest.
“I-I’m sorry…” Maggie’s face was as red as a tomato.
“Ms. Madison,” Xavier’s breath sank as he spoke softly, just enough for her to hear, “you look beautiful today.”
Maggie’s face burned with embarrassment. Panicking, she hastily withdrew herself from his arms.
Jeremy struggled to contain the overwhelming emotions within him. He hugged Alyssa tightly and whispered, “Thank you for doing this, Lyse.”
Alyssa leaned into Jeremy’s arms with a smile, reveling in her luck to have found Jeremy as her other half. “It’s no big deal. I just asked everyone to come over for a meal.
“Oh, yeah. Lauren caught a chill from leaving the window open while she slept the past two days. Landon is home caring for her. They won’t be coming. He asked me to tell you to enjoy your meal and eat their share.”
“Okay.” Jeremy looked down at her face, his heart beating wildly as his eyes turned misty.
“Thank you, Madam Alyssa.”
Xavier was incredibly excited to see Maggie. He was so touched that he found himself at a loss for words, unable to stop thanking Alyssa.
“What is there to thank me for? Maggie is my lifesaver. I’ve been wanting to treat her to a meal but have yet to find a good time to do so. This gathering had fulfilled my wishes.”
As she spoke, Alyssa turned to look at Maggie warmly. “On the contrary, I should thank Maggie for showing up.”
“M-Ms. Alyssa, don’t say that. I’m so honored to be here. enjoying a meal!” Maggie’s face blushed from panic as she rambled.
She could never have dreamt of attending Alyssa’s gathering at her home. Wearing such a beautiful dress and surrounded by such an astounding group of people, everything felt surreal to her.
“Jeremy!” Tatiana waved at Jeremy happily.
Rose, whom he had not seen for a long time, said as she sipped her tea, “You’re late, Mr. Jeremy. I think you owe us a few drinks.”
Despite Jeremy winning back Alyssa’s heart after all that transpired, Rose couldn’t resist teasing him whenever the chance arose.
Jeremy said, “Okay.”
“A few drinks aren’t enough. Jeremy, don’t be so conservative. Let’s do a few rounds.” Julien wanted to pull Jeremy’s leg.
Alyssa frowned, ready to retort, but was taken aback when Jeremy agreed effortlessly. “Sure, let’s do it. We won’t stop until we’re both drunk.”
Amidst the joyful banter, Axel came downstairs with ash on his face. He yelled at everyone at the top of his lungs, “Hey! Cough! Cough! Is the grill cursed? Why won’t it light up?”
“Axel, did you go out scavenging? Why do you look like this? Don’t scare the ladies,” Silas couldn’t help but tease him.
“You come and get the job done for me then. Don’t just sit there and point fingers!” Axel retorted in frustration, running his hand over his face and revealing a black smudge on his otherwise handsome complexion.
Jonah said lightly, “Silas, Sean, go and help. I’m sure both of you can get it started.”
Silas and Sean were rendered speechless.
“Let me do it, Jonah. I’m more familiar with the equipment at home,” Jeremy said. Without another word, he took off his coat, rolled his white sleeves up, and headed upstairs.
He walked past Axel and patted him on the back. “Thank you for trying, Axel.”
Staring in astonishment, Axel couldn’t fathom how Alyssa had managed to tame Jeremy, the unruly beast!
Before long, the barbecue grill was ablaze. Alyssa and the group carried over the alcohol and food. They joyfully indulged in the moment, relishing the food and drink.
After a while, Alyssa realized Jeremy had disappeared. Leaving the party on her own, she ran into Mrs. Rosie in the corridor. “Mrs. Rosie, have you seen Jeremy?”
“Mr. Jeremy went back to his room. I knocked on his door for a long time, but he wouldn’t open it,” Rosie replied, shaking her head. “With everyone here tonight, enjoying such a lively occasion, I don’t understand why he’s isolating himself like a depressed teenager. It’s so lame of him to call it a night this early.”
Alyssa frowned, her smile wry. She felt concerned, aware of how downcast Jeremy could be on his mother’s death anniversary. Moreover, the confrontation with Javier at the cemetery likely brought back painful memories. Returning to such a lively home must have stirred up his emotions.
“Mrs. Rosie, could you please entertain our guests on the balcony? I’ll go check on Jeremy.”
Alyssa stood before the room’s door, taking a brief pause before gently knocking. “Jeremy? Are you there?”
There was no response.
“Don’t be sad. Come and enjoy the delicious food outside. Everyone is waiting for you.”
Jeremy was silent.
“I know you’re upset about what happened today. I understand that you must be missing your mother. I feel the same way when I visit my mother every year.”
Alyssa placed her hand on the door panel, her voice as gentle as a dove. “Don’t worry. I will make sure to treat you really well from now on. I know you’ve always felt lonely, but don’t forget, you have me, Grandpa, Mrs. Rosie…
“You have my whole family with you. Family, friends, the love of your life. You have everyone that anyone could have.”
Before she could finish, the door opened.
Alyssa was abruptly pulled into the darkness. In the next moment, the door shut quietly.
Jeremy’s sturdy form pressed her against the door in the dark. Their breaths intertwined as their bodies slowly warmed up.