Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online
“What are these?” Jeremy asked Barry.
“Mr. Jeremy, these are the souvenirs Mr. Justin prepared for Mr. Newton, Mr. Javier, you, and Ms. Lauren,” Barry said happily.
“Mr. Newton and Mr. Javier have already seen them. They’re quite pleased, especially Mr. Javier. Each gift suits his taste. I haven’t seen him smile so happily in a long time.”
Jeremy narrowed his eyes and casually opened one of the gift boxes.
Inside was an antique vase that was seemingly worth over eight million dollars.
This item alone was worth a fortune. Considering everything combined, Justin’s gifts this time were indeed extravagant.
Jeremy’s thin lips tightened into a straight line.
It had been a long time since Seaview Manor’s dining room had seen such liveliness.
That night, to accommodate Justin’s health, the dishes on the table were mostly light in flavor.
Justin abstained from alcohol, drinking only the finest tea as he chatted with Javier and Jeremy. They discussed everything from Mosgravia’s climate to its cultural customs.
Newton only occasionally interjected, maintaining a calm demeanor. He was neither overly affectionate nor distant toward Justin.
“Lauren is blessed. Once this ordeal is over, it will be smooth sailing from here on out.”
Justin asked with concern, “Mr. Landon seems deeply attached to Lauren. From what I saw today, are they about to get married?”
“Once Lauren recovers, I plan to arrange their marriage,” Javier replied. The thought of marrying off his daughter filled him with both relief and a hint of reluctance.
“That’s wonderful. Lauren and Mr. Landon make a perfect couple. I’ll be sure to prepare a generous gift for their wedding day.”
“Justin, the gift you brought for Lauren this time is already quite valuable. It’s more than enough as a dowry. There’s no need to spend more.” Javier chuckled.
“That’s not enough.” Justin smiled gently. “She’s your only daughter and my only sister. We must cherish her twice as much.
“I’ve been living alone in Mosgravia these past years and haven’t fulfilled my duties as a brother. Now that my physical condition has improved, I want to do everything I can for my siblings; that way, I can find some peace of mind.”
Touched, Javier’s eyes welled up. “I’m really happy for you to say that, Justin.”
“Justin, the gifts you brought today truly opened my eyes,” Newton chimed in with a smile, changing the subject. “It seems you’ve been living quite comfortably in Mosgravia. Just the gifts you brought today alone probably exceed your annual dividends from Walsh Group, right?”
Jeremy secretly glanced at Newton and silently gave him a thumbs-up in his mind.
“I’ve put the annual dividends from Walsh Group into starting a few small businesses in Mosgravia and making some investments. I’ve had some lucky breaks and made a bit of money,” Justin replied modestly.
“What small businesses could possibly earn you hundreds of millions of dollars? I’m genuinely curious, Justin. I’d like to learn some business tips from you,” Newton half-jokingly asked.
Justin replied, “Pharmaceuticals.”
Jeremy pretended to be indifferent as he looked at him, but his gaze was intriguing.
“Oh! Pharmaceuticals can indeed be quite lucrative. Justin, you have a knack for business!” Javier praised.
He then continued on the topic, “Mr. Lovelace of Lovelace Group in Belbanks has abandoned medicine for business in recent years, relying on the biomedical industry to amass great wealth. His company is now one of the top pharmaceutical groups in the country.”
“I’m finally here to reunite with all of you after being so long apart. Discussing business matters seems dull. It all boils down to making money anyway,” Justin remarked casually.
He then suddenly focused his gaze on Jeremy’s face, his eyes calm and deep. “Jeremy, I’m sincerely happy for you and Ms. Alyssa for reconciling.”
Jeremy smiled faintly. “Thank you, Justin.”
“Last month, I came across an item that caught my eye at an auction in Mosgravia. I thought it would be perfect for Ms. Alyssa, so I bought it.”
As Justin said that, he reached into his suit and pulled out an exquisite, slender satin-lined box. He then pushed toward the center of the table. “When you go back, please give it to Ms. Alyssa as a token of my congratulations to you both.”
Jeremy hesitated for a moment before rising to take the box.
The moment he opened it, his eyes widened, and his handsome face suddenly darkened.
Inside the box lay an exquisitely crafted crystal hair clip.
“When I saw this hair clip, I really liked it and thought it would suit Ms. Alyssa,” Justin said with a warm and sincere smile. “Jeremy, it’s just a small token of my congratulations. I hope you’ll like it.”
With a snap, Jeremy closed the satin-lined box and pushed it back to the center of the table. His eyes darkened with an inscrutable depth. “This gift is too valuable. I can’t accept it, but I’ll thank you on behalf of Lyse.”
Justin showed no sign of embarrassment. He still maintained his gentle smile as he met Jeremy’s gaze.
“What are you doing, Jeremy?” Javier intervened, his displeasure evident.
“Justin has come back after so long and generously prepared gifts for the family, even considering your girlfriend. Are your standards so high that you can’t even appreciate what he has given?
“Think about how Justin has treated you since childhood. Even if you don’t like it, you shouldn’t refuse. It’s so rude!”
“Don’t get worked up, Dad.” Justin coughed lightly before saying gently, “It’s nothing serious. We’re finally all together as a family. Let’s not let a small matter spoil the atmosphere.”
“Jeremy, just accept Justin’s gift. He was just being thoughtful,” Newton added, giving Jeremy a meaningful glance.
He was on Jeremy’s side, but from his perspective, he couldn’t see what was inside the box. He just wanted to smooth things over.
After all, Jeremy’s relationship with Javier had only recently begun to improve. There was no need to create more tension over such a trivial matter.
Jeremy clenched his fists under the table, his emotions churning in his eyes.
“Justin, if you had given something else, I would have gladly accepted it. But you gave a hair clip. I cannot accept this.”
Justin raised an eyebrow imperceptibly at those words.
“Men giving women hair clips as a symbol of love is a tradition in our country.” Jeremy’s voice was low and tinged with a hint of coldness. “Lyse is your sister-in-law, Justin. The gift you’ve chosen doesn’t seem appropriate to me.”
Newton suddenly realized what had happened.
No wonder Jeremy’s expression had changed so drastically earlier. If it were him, he would have exploded by now.
Javier frowned. “Jeremy, are you being too sensitive? Justin is a man. How could he possibly understand women’s accessories? You’re being too picky.”
“I’m sorry.” Justin smiled with some embarrassment. “I’ve been living abroad for so long that I’ve forgotten about these customs and traditions. Please forgive me, Jeremy.”
Jeremy’s gaze deepened. “It’s okay.”
Feeling stifled, Jeremy made an excuse and left the table to get some fresh air in the backyard.
Although he had said it was fine, how could he truly feel that way?
Most of the gifts Justin brought were expensive antiques. While abroad, his living environment exuded classical elegance, with artistic flair evident everywhere.
How could he not understand the significance of giving a hair clip to a woman?
Jeremy tugged at his tie but still felt suffocated. Had Justin really forgotten about that tradition, or was he testing his boundaries?
Just then, voices from the garden interrupted his thoughts.
Jeremy walked over to see Barry and the helpers gathered in the pavilion by the pond, observing something with great interest.
The two helpers greeted respectfully, “Mr. Jeremy.”
“What’s going on in there?” Jeremy asked casually.
“It’s Ms. Gillis who came back with Mr. Justin. She’s treating a leg injury for the doe in our yard,” one of the helpers exclaimed with admiration.
“We don’t know how the doe hurt its leg, but it was writhing in pain on the ground. Barry was going to call a vet, but Ms. Gillis bandaged the doe’s leg herself. She’s really skilled.”
Jeremy’s indifferent gaze fell on Sheryl.
Her beautiful face was serene as she kneeled on one knee. Her clean, white pants were stained with dirt, but she paid no attention to it. She focused only on bandaging the injured doe’s leg.
Her movements were deft and skilled, indicating her professionalism.
The scene before Jeremy caused his eyes to narrow slightly.
