Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online
Zoe Harper was chosen to join the royal orchestra upon graduating from the Royal Academy of Music in
Yoarkley.
However, she declined the offer and returned to Solana City, a place known for its economic prowess but lacking in cultural richness.
Some might have considered her return unwise. Nevertheless, Zoe had her own hidden agenda, unbeknownst even to Landon
She heard from Landon that Jeremy had broken up with Liana and could never get back together.
Feeling reenergized upon hearing that, she hurried back to Solana City, determined to set her plan in motion to win Jeremy’s heart.
One day, overcome with boredom, Zoe invited Betty to her home.
Zoe was born to wealth and grew up sheltered.
She also took pride in her good looks. She believed herself to be superior to the other women of her social standing in Solana City. 1
Betty was one of Zoe’s few friends. Zoe had befriended Betty primarily because Betty hailed from the esteemed Walsh family. Zoe deemed Betty worthy of her friendship.
“Gosh, Betty, you look gorgeous today! And you’ve even brought gifts. You really didn’t have to do that,” Zoe smiled brightly and welcomed Betty at the entrance. They held hands like best friends.
“Zoe, I missed you so! You look prettier than when we last met!” Betty complimented Zoe with a hidden agenda.
Knowing that Landon adored his sister, Betty believed that forming a strong friendship with Zoe would give her a valid reason to visit the Harper Residence.
Her plan involved playing the long game by winning over Penelope Harper’s affection and eventually getting Zoe to speak highly of her to Landon.
It was only a matter of time before she and Landon talked about marriage. She couldn’t help but gloat over her clever plan.
“I came back from my Sedona trip a few days ago and picked up some souvenirs. I bought some for you and your mother. They’re nothing much, though. I hope you don’t mind.”
Zoe smiled knowingly at the stack of luxury brand boxes. “Is the gift for Landon somewhere in there?
“O-Of course … I’m just worried that he might not like it and won’t accept it.” Betty blushed and lowered her head.
“Look at you! How badly are you crushing on him? You turned red at the mention of his name,” teased
Zoe, who beckoned to Betty. “Give it to me. He will take the gift if I hand it to him.”
“Thank you, Zoe! Love you!” Betty quickly picked out the gift for Landon in excitement.
Zoe opened the exquisite box and found a platinum lapel pin encrusted with blue diamonds. She could tell that it was pricey from a look.
At that moment, Landon descended from the swirling staircase in his haute couture purple YSL suit, which he paired with a rose-patterned black shirt. He looked regal and seductive as usual. (1)
Betty stared at her Mr. McDreamy with her mouth wide open, almost unable to contain her admiration.
“Landon!” Zoe called out to him sweetly. Landon’s face lit up at the sight of her, but froze when he noticed
Betty.
“Ms. Betty, what brings you here?”
“I … I…” Betty swallowed hard and cowered in his presence.
“I invited her to our place.” Zoe gave Betty a hug and leaned on Betty’s shoulders. “Betty and I get along well. Don’t you know she’s my best friend in Solana City?”
“Is that so? I had no idea.” He narrowed his eyes and snickered. “Zoe, I am not against you making new friends, but you have to be careful.
“Some friends are good for you and helpful to your future. The same cannot be said for the calculative ones, who are a bad influence.”
Zoe quietly glanced at Betty, who appeared pale and ashamed.
“I know, Landon. I’m 22 now. I can tell the good people from the bad.”
“I know you don’t have many friends in Solana City because you were away. If you’re interested in meeting new people, I can introduce you to Alyssa Taylor, the lovely lady you met on the night of the concert.”
Landon’s demeanor softened at the mention of Alyssa. “As it happens, she’s a close friend of Christina. I believe you two will have plenty to talk about and become friends.”
Befriending that beautiful woman? Zoe secretly scoffed at the suggestion. She would never befriend her love rival.
Landon went up to Zoe and gave her a soft pinch on the cheek. Before he left, Zoe snuck Betty’s gift into his hand. “Betty carefully picked out this gift from Furancia for you. Treasure it, will you?” Zoe whispered.
He accepted the box without a word and left.
“See? I knew it. Landon will take anything I give him.” Zoe puffed her chest while Betty cast her a grateful look.
Landon left the room glumly. He did not have the urge to check out the contents of the exquisite box. He was about to thrust it away when he was reminded of Zoe’s words.
He spotted his secretary standing by the side and tossed her the box. She caught it and asked blankly,”
What’s this?”
“It’s a gift for you.”
She opened the box and looked stunned. “It’s a lapel pin, though. I don’t have a boyfriend, so I have no use
He glared at her impatiently. “Tsk, just give it to your dad or do whatever you like with it!
As Landon was away and Penelope was recovering abroad, Betty’s plan of sucking up to her future mother -in-law was on pause. 1
Still, she was overjoyed when Landon accepted her gift.
The girls enjoyed the fall scenery in the afternoon with high tea under the sprawling sycamore tree in the Harper Residence’s backyard.
“Zoe, when did you first meet Alyssa?” Betty felt an alarm bell ringing within her. She resented and feared Alyssa.
“I bumped into her backstage at Christina’s performance by accident,” Zoe replied, casually crossing her legs and taking a sip of black tea.
She glanced at Betty and remarked, “You seem to hold some kind of grudge against her.”
“A grudge? More like a long feud!”
“Oh, that sounds serious.”
“You’ve been away for years and missed out on the drama,” Betty ground her teeth. “Alyssa Taylor is a master manipulator who has been toying with Jeremy and Landon! She’s made our family into a circus!”
Betty realized that she might have inadvertently likened herself to a clown and quickly rephrased, “She’s turned our family upside down!”
“Why is that? Is Landon in love with her?” Zoe’s eyes darkened.
“Landon has fallen under her spell! That bitch is a natural at the art of seduction-a sly vixen!” Betty almost exploded in rage. Her cheeks flushed.
She added, “Thank goodness they’re not as close as they used to be. I bet that slut has found a new target.”
“Landon is choosy. He’s the one who plays women like a fiddle, not the other way around.
“Alyssa Taylor slept with Landon, didn’t she? He will not sleep with the same woman twice. He won’t catch feelings over a mere fling. I know him well.”
Noticing Betty’s crumbling expression, Zoe hurriedly tried to comfort her. “But remember, you’re different. Our families are friends, and I’ll be here to help you win him over.”
“My dear Zoe!” Betty exclaimed in tears as she excitedly pictured herself sailing toward happiness.
“Speaking of which, what’s going on with Alyssa Taylor and Jeremy?” That was Zoe’s main concern.
“Hah! Just the thought of it makes me furious!” Betty rolled her fists. “She’s his ex-wife!”
“What did you just say?” Zoe sprung up and accidentally shattered the expensive teacup.
She continued, “Ex-wife? How could that be? I thought Jeremy broke up with Liana Gardner. He wasn’t married, so where did that ex-wife come from?”
“Oh, that you don’t know. They married in secret and were recently divorced. Guess what? My grandfather arranged the marriage!”
Betty picked up on Zoe’s jealousy and fanned the flames. “They were still entangled after the divorce. Liana made a scene at Alyssa’s place twice, but that didn’t stop Jeremy at all.
“Sure, Liana deserved her fate. But think of it, he must have ditched Liana partly because of Alyssa!”