Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online
“Well, I pity the girl, but this is their family matter.” Sighing softly, he looked concerned for his sister. “You should keep out of the Walsh family drama now that you’re divorced.”
“I know. I won’t cross the line. By the way, I thought you were busy at work. Did you visit me because you missed me?” Walking around him, she hugged his neck from behind.
“Of course I miss you. But the reason I’m here is because of this. I think we need to discuss.” With a smile, he handed her an invitation card.
“Is this …” Alyssa gaped.
“Mr. Javier had his secretary deliver Newton Walsh’s birthday invitation to me.” Jonah sounded intrigued by the move.
“Hah, great. In the end, you were dragged into the mess.” She immediately saw through the strategy behind it. “We’ve never gotten along well with the Walsh’s.
“As business rivals in the open, we’ve never interacted much for years. So, it begs the question of why Javier Walsh invited you to Newton Walsh’s birthday.”
“It’s clear that Javier did not plan to invite you. I bet his spouse convinced him to send you the invitation.”
Jonah stroked his chin. “Lyse, they seem hostile. The birthday event might be more complicated than it appears.”
“I’ll take whatever comes my way. Why would I fear a washed-up B-list actress when Jeremy does not even faze me?”
She took a seat beside Jonah haughtily. “I’m not dumb. I’m calculative only when I need to be. If she wants to play a game with me, I’ll play along. Jonah, I’m going to tear up the invitation card. Just pretend that you never saw it. You don’t have to entertain them.”
“No. I’ve decided to attend,” Jonah replied firmly.
“What?”
“Us Taylors fear nothing. We stand tall and take on any challenges¡ªthat’s who we are.” He felt sorry for her and gently caressed her on the back of her neck. “I wasn’t able to protect you because I didn’t know about the things you went through. I will not see you bullied now that you’re back with us.”
“Jonah …” Her eyes became misty. She was touched by his words.
Sighing, he pulled her into a hug. “We can’t tell what will happen at the birthday event. I’m afraid you’d be bullied by the Walsh’s if you went there alone. I don’t want you to go through that ever.”
She rubbed her eyes, feeling warm on the inside. It opened her eyes to the fact that she had always been loved. All the misery in her life came from her dogged and futile pursuit of Jeremy’s love.
Tears and heartbreak were part and parcel of a committed relationship.
Alyssa had shed enough tears for Jeremy. It was time to put everything behind her.
…
The days flew by. In the blink of an eye, it was Newton Walsh’s birthday. The Walsh family accorded the old man’s birthday event with high importance. For the occasion, Javier had splurged on a hundred-million-dollar mansion as a gift, which became the venue for the celebration.
The event attendees were notable figures in Solana City’s high society, ranging from business tycoons to Newton’s old friends from the Painter’s Society¡ªa couple of whom were locally famous artists.
Liana and Betty had started their preparation a week ago for the event. They busied themselves with dress selection, facial care, and manicure sessions. They showed up at the event looking like it was their big day, competing with the other ladies to grab the spotlight.
Unfortunately, the exterior design of the mansion ran in contrast to their flamboyant dresses. They couldn’t find a good spot for photo-taking without looking out of place.
“Betty, what did you get for Grandpa?” Liana was curious.
“I got him an antique vase. I bet he’ll like it because he’s into antique stuff and porcelain!” Betty fiddled with the pink diamond ring on her finger smugly.
“Oh. Which era is it from?”
“It’s a Victorian-era vase.”
“That’s pretty recent. I’m not sure if that’s good enough for a birthday gift.” Liana blinked innocently at Betty with her carefully drawn eyes.
Liana continued, “You know, Jeremy spent four million dollars to win the bid for a set of Georgian-era porcelain drinkware at a charity auction! He’ll gift them to Grandpa. Don’t you think your gift will pale in comparison?”
Feeling looked down upon, Betty glowered at Liana. “Of course, the president of Walsh Group has to afford the best birthday gift. He’s representing the company.”
“That’s true. My darling is awesome,” Liana gushed and beamed with pride.
“Anyway, I’m Grandpa’s favorite granddaughter. He’ll like anything I get for him.” Betty scrutinized Liana icily. “Enough about me. What did you get for Grandpa?”
“I bought him a Georgian-era antique item worth one million. You’ll see later,” Liana teased with an air of mystery.
“One million? Where did this bitch get her money from?” Betty thought. Sophia once said that Liana’s family was on the brink of bankruptcy. Liana appeared to have experienced a status boost from her engagement to Jeremy.
Betty seethed at the idea of Liana spending the Walsh’s’ money before the marriage. The more she dwelled on it, the more upset she felt.
To irk Liana, she sneered, “Oh, dear Lia, I’m worried for you. Allison is going to show up soon, isn’t she? She’s definitely invited because Grandpa likes her a lot. What are you going to do when you see her? I can’t imagine the awkwardness.”
“What’s there to feel awkward about? I’m Jeremy’s fiancee! She’s the one who should feel awkward!” Liana was triggered.
“Well, Allison hasn’t finalized the divorce with Jeremy. I know you’re marrying him soon, but she’s still his legal spouse today.” Betty gloated over Liana’s worried reaction. “What if Grandpa introduces her as his daughter-in-law? What are you going to do?”
Liana’s face was ashen as she seethed with indignation.
“Don’t worry, Lia.”
Betty jumped a little when she heard Sophia’s voice. Sophia approached them, clutching a glass of red wine.
“Aunt Sophia!” Liana quickly held Sophia’s arm and leaned on Sophia’s shoulder.
Betty had never felt bothered by the close relationship between her mom and Liana. Still, she felt cross at that moment at Liana’s brazenness to act like Sophia’s daughter.
Sophia patted Liana on the shoulder with a dangerous gleam in her eyes. “Don’t worry. Your mom might not be here today, but I got your back. I will not have Allison Burton causing drama today!”
“Aunt Sophia, I’m so lucky to have you!” Liana almost shed tears of gratitude.
There was a sudden commotion among the guests as the socialites turned their attention to the main entrance. There, Jeremy and Landon made their way together to the venue.
The two accomplished men instantly became the center of attraction. As scions of the Walsh family and the Harper family, respectively, they were the subject of photographers and the heartthrobs to all ladies.
Both men were dressed in suits. Jeremy opted for an all-black attire that gave off a stoic and imposing air. In contrast, Landon wore an all-white suit, looking clean and refined.
“Oh my God! Mr. Walsh and Mr. Harper are here!”
“I can die happy now that I’ve seen them in person!”
“Look at Mr. Walsh’s long legs! And that face¡ªhe’s too perfect to be a human. He looks like a main character in a dating sim!”
“Don’t forget Mr. Harper! I’m swooning at his devilish grin! I have a thing for him.”
Liana noticed Landon checking out Allison. She chuckled, “Look at how popular Mr. Harper is. When are you going to win his heart? I believe you have a longtime crush on him.”
“What’s the rush? Impatience solves nothing. It’s a matter of time before I make him mine,” Betty grumbled with ire.
“That’s true. But look at those women eyeing and gushing at him in desperation. If you don’t lay claim to him soon, you’ll have a lot of trouble down the road.”
Betty ground her teeth upon hearing that. It was her ultimate dream to be Landon’s woman and secure the role of Mrs. Walsh.
However, she wanted to dig a hole and hide away in shame and anger when she recounted the way Landon had humiliated her at home.
Still, she would not give up on Landon as she wouldn’t want to be a joke in Liana’s eyes.
Liana turned her attention to Jeremy when the two men walked in her direction. She wanted to go up to him. That was when the guests turned their eyes to the main entrance once more.
A breathtaking figure appeared under the dazzling sunset and walked into the venue like something out of a painting. It was Allison Burton, the thorn in Liana’s side.
“Allison, you’re outrageously lovely,” Landon mumbled as he gaped at her.
Jeremy was stunned by her beauty. His breath quickened as blood rushed through his veins.
“Wow! Who’s that lovely lady in a mermaid dress? She’s got class.”
“If I’m not wrong, she is wearing a Vittorino dress by Angelo Costa. She must have some connections to get Master Costa to make her dress!”
“The wearer makes the dress. She has showcased the craftsmanship of the Vittorino dress to the fullest extent. She could well be a Vittorino model!”
The guests were full of praise for the stunning beauty. For the event, Alyssa had chosen to wear a high-fashion mermaid dress in white and sky blue with intricate embroidery.
Her choice of dress was unique and captivating while complementing her surroundings. She had subtly scored a win against Liana and Betty.
“Damn! How did that bitch think of wearing a Vittorino mermaid dress? It didn’t even cross my mind!” Betty clenched her jaw in anger as Sophia looked upset.