Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online
He choked and breathed heavily. “I am here to tell you that I’m no longer in charge of Ada Kingsley’s wedding planning.”
Her hands paused under the flowing tap. She chuckled. “Well, of course. She’s already signed the deal with KS World. The only thing you’re responsible for now is the controversy surrounding Berenike Hotel.”
Ignoring her taunts, he continued, “Javier has handed the responsibility over to Betty.”
Alyssa finally turned to face him, a frown on her face.
“You’re a smart woman, and you know that things are not as simple as they seem,” he mumbled with worry in his eyes as he glanced at her.
“Did you make the trip just to tell me this? Typical Jeremy Walsh, always so self-centered.” She sneered and placed a hand on her hip. “Let me guess, you are still upset after losing the bid. So, you came complaining about Betty, hoping I’ll deal with her. Are you using me to seek your revenge?
“Even if Betty wanted to play dirty, that halfwit wouldn’t stand a chance against me. She’d need to be reborn for a better shot.”
Jeremy’s tense jaw relaxed a little. He smiled gently, thinking that Alyssa was rather adorable when she was cussing at others, as long as he was not the subject.
“Even so, Betty is not that dumb. She’s got Sophia backing her. Anything she hasn’t considered, Sophia will help her strategize.”
Two weeks away from Ada Kingsley’s wedding, Alyssa was busy updating the proposal from Ada’s comments.
She also had to oversee the on-site decorations and review crucial documents concerning materials, costs, and manpower. On her worst day, she managed to grab only three hours of sleep.
Still, she enjoyed the hustle. As long as there was something in it for her, she would feel invigorated by the frenzy.
After joining the team meeting in the morning, Alyssa returned to her office, where she munched on her sandwich and approved documents.
Sean knocked on the door to deliver coffee and shook his head at her tired and adorable look. “Eating while working is bad for your health.”
“I don’t have time! I have another fashion event to attend later this afternoon,” Alyssa replied, taking a hearty bite of her sandwich without once looking up from the documents.
“Why is your schedule so packed today? I was about to book a spa for your relaxation during your free time.” Sean felt sorry for her.
“Save that for after the wedding. I’m swamped with work. There’s no time for relaxation,” she said, lifting her coffee cup and meeting Sean’s eyes. “Any updates from Betty and Sophia’s end?”
“I have been keeping an eye on them, but they did not make any move.” Thinking hard, he wondered,”
We’ve been making lots of preparations today. Could they have given up because they couldn’t figure out a better plan?”
Meanwhile, Alyssa replayed Jeremy’s words in her head and sneered. “I think we shouldn’t let our guard down. This is a rare opportunity for Betty, and she’d want to prove herself to Javier. She’s not going to give up.”
Just then, there was another knock on the door, and Avery entered with an elegantly wrapped white gift box in hand. “Ms. Alyssa, these are the desserts I brought from the kitchen. I had them wrapped as per your request.”
“Thank you. Place them on the coffee table,” Alyssa replied.
After Avery left, Sean went up and unboxed the pastries. The cute little choux pastries reminded him of
Alyssa’s focused look when she was baking, which brought a smile to his lips.
“Sean, get ready. We’re leaving soon.”
Jeremy returned to his office in the afternoon after a meeting.
“Mr. Walsh, the host of the jewelry show sent you an invitation a week ago. Ada Kingsley will be there today as well. Should we-” Xavier reminded Jeremy, only to be cut off.
Jeremy dismissed him without hesitation, stating, “I’m not going.”
“Uh, are you sure?” Xavier blinked. We’ve already been embarrassed once when Ada Kingsley chose KS over us. People will speculate if we’re absent from the event. Journalists will have a field day, twisting the story to make us look petty for snubbing it just because KS World won Ada Kingsley’s project.”
“Betty will be there. She’s in charge of Ada Kingsley’s project, after all,” Jeremy was unmoved and scoffed. “Like attracts like. Betty’s always jumped at the chance to attend extravagant events like that.”
“Ahem. But I’ve just received word that Madam has arrived at the venue.”
Jeremy’s eyes sparkled. He ordered, “Get me a change of clothes and get the car ready.”
Xavier grinned at Jeremy’s swift change of mind when it involved Alyssa.
AX, the luxurious jewelry brand, hosted its show at the Solana International Convention Center this year. Many renowned designers and A-list celebrities were in attendance, turning it into something like an awards ceremony.
Ada Kingsley’s attendance attracted the most attention, as she was the most popular star at the event and AX’s brand ambassador in Mosgravia.
Betty and Zoe received the coveted invitations to the event due to their social status. When they stepped onto the red carpet, they were reluctant to leave and kept posing for the cameras. Even the reporters and photographers were irritated at the duo.
They would have settled down on the red carpet had the emcee not ushered them along. Someone whispered, “What the fuck? How embarrassing of them to loiter on the red carpet!”
“That’s not all! How could they walk the red carpet after Ada Kingsley? Who do they think they are?”
“I didn’t take any photos of them. Just a waste of my storage space.”
“I know Betty is Javier Walsh’s daughter; and I heard that Zoe is Landon Harper’s sister. They might not be famous, but they’re filthy rich. I bet they paid a huge sum to show up last!”
Betty and Zoe entered the venue with satisfaction, thinking that they had garnered enough attention.
To their dismay, they found reporters clamoring to interview celebrities like Ada or brand designers. No one wanted to interview the two young ladies at all.
“This is unacceptable! Are they blind?” Betty stomped when she was given the cold shoulder. “How dare they ignore us? They don’t know their stuff! Don’t they know I could end their careers if they get on my bad side?”
“Reporters are only after those who are worth something. They’ll come after you like sharks lusting for blood if you’re famous, well-connected, or influential,” Zoe released her frustration by taunting Betty.
“Fine, fine. I don’t know anyone in the industry because Mom doesn’t want me to be in touch with the media. She says that rich people should keep a distance from the average folks for prestige.” Betty might be Zoe’s partner in crime, but she was no pushover.
She feigned innocence and took a dig at Zoe. “But Zoe, you’re a socialite in the city and the mentee of a famous pianist. Why didn’t they interview you at all? It’s ridiculous, don’t you think? I’m angry for you.
Should I get a few reporters to chat with you?”
“Hmph, there’s no need for that. I prefer keeping a low profile and hate being watched like animals in a zoo!” Zoe scoffed, anger stirring within her.
The two fake ladies rolled their eyes at each other and turned away.
Suddenly, they heard a flurry of footsteps from behind.
“Look! It’s Alyssa Taylor!”
“Wow! I didn’t see her on the red carpet. Turns out she’s in the venue! That’s very slick of her.”
“She’s the only one here who’s truly low profile. Not to mention, she managed her hotel efficiently and secured the bid for Ada Kingsley’s wedding. She’s beautiful and capable, unlike those who just throw money around for a red carpet appearance.”
The reporters might not have called Betty and Zoe out, but the two women felt like they were being slapped and shamed.
The reporters swarmed toward Alyssa. In the chaos, two of them bumped into Betty and Zoe, nearly pushing them to the ground.
“Argh! Are you blind or what?” Betty growled, regaining her balance. Meanwhile, Zoe trembled with anger as she watched Alyssa being surrounded by reporters.
“Ms. Taylor, what are your thoughts on winning the bid against the Walsh Group for Ada Kingsley’s wedding?” a reporter shouted a question.
“First of all, it’s my honor to work with Ms. Kingsley. I am grateful for her trust in KS World. Secondly, I’d like to emphasize that the Walsh Group is not on the losing side just because they went after the same business opportunity as we did.
“The Berenike Hotel has a longer history than the KS World Hotel and has always set the benchmark for the industry. I hope there won’t be any prejudice against the Berenike Hotel, and please don’t assume that this competition will strain the relationship between KS Group and the Walsh Group.”
Alyssa knew that she had staged a perfect comeback, but she knew it was important to be moderate.
She’d be dumb to gloat about her victory or lower her class by hitting out on the Walsh Group.
“Gosh, Ms. Taylor is so charming! I’m smitten with her!”
“Exactly. She remains humble even after winning the project. She has a likable personality. I thought she was mean to wrangle the opportunity from the Walsh Group, but I’ve changed my mind!”
People showered Alyssa with compliments, which only fueled Zoe’s resentment. She clenched her fists, shaking with anger.
All of a sudden, she noticed the ruby earrings in gold on Alyssa’s ears and the matching necklace on
Alyssa’s neck.
The Pigeon Blood Rubies are the rarest and the most expensive of all rubies.
Betty stared longingly at the huge rubies on Alyssa’s neck and swallowed hard in envy. Zoe was similarly jealous of Alyssa but soon spotted a detail and quickly hatched a plan.
4