Ch. 1531..1540

Chapter 1531 Open Successfully

"I asked the landlord," Timothy said calmly. "I told him to look for me if he can't find you in case there's an issue."

"Is that so?" Johanna muttered but didn't ask any further.

Upon arriving at the old street, Johanna discovered that the front of the shop was splashed with paint. Also, the roller shutter and the glass door inside were smashed. The damage inside the shop was particularly severe. The originally bright and spacious first floor was a complete mess, and the starry sky painting she had personally drawn was splashed with red paint.

Johanna's heart sank, and she hurriedly ran up to the second floor.

The second floor was also in a state of chaos. The multitude of cosmetics on the dressing table had been ruined, and a rack of formal attire had been cut into tatters.

Fortunately, Johanna was quite vigilant. She had the person who did the renovation build a secret door next to the dressing room. The jewelry and formal attires that were worth tens of thousands were all stored in that small room whenever she went out.

Upon seeing the severe damage to the shop, Timothy became even more furious than Johanna. The destroyed oil paintings on the first and second-floor walls especially p*ssed him off.

He used to drive around the old street every day, so he knew all too well how many days Johanna had spent completing these two oil paintings.

All of her painstaking effort was ruined just like that.

Timothy picked up the broken clothes hanger, and while doing so, he asked, "Have you connected the store's surveillance to your phone? You should check it out."

"The surveillance system isn't installed yet," Johanna said.

The old street was home to people of their grandparents' generation. Everyone in the neighborhood knew each other, and only a few cars passed by. There were hardly any surveillance cameras on the street or for any of the surrounding stores.

After thinking about her expensive clothes, Johanna contacted a surveillance company a few days ago to purchase a security system. However, the technician wasn't able to install it until tomorrow. Johanna glanced at the mess all over the floor and sighed. "Thankfully, the damage isn't too severe, but we won't be able to open for business."

Timothy walked over to the window and sent a few messages. Then he returned to Johanna and said, "Let's go home for breakfast first. I promise you'll be able to open your business smoothly at nine o'clock." “The shop is smashed up like this. What are you going to do?" Johanna asked in surprise.

"Don't worry about this. I've called someone to clean it up." Timothy took photos of the shredded formal attires and sent them to his secretary. After finishing up, he left with Johanna.

On the way back, Timothy asked, "Jojo, what do you want for breakfast tomorrow? And don't say 'anything'."

"Milk with pretzels," Johanna said as she glanced at the time on her phone. It was almost seven. "You can buy the pretzels at the breakfast stall on the street. Just get two."

Timothy said, "It's just pretzels. I can make them too. I'll let you taste my special pretzels with milk.”

Johanna couldn't help but laugh.

She inadvertently caught sight of a cocktail advertisement at a bus stop from the car window. It reminded her of waking up in her bedroom bed that morning. "Was I drunk last night?" "Your reaction time is so slow. You're only thinking of it now?" Timothy glanced at her at the corner of his eye.

Ever since Timothy answered that phone call, Johanna's mind was filled with thoughts of the studio being smashed. She couldn't think about anything else.

She rubbed her forehead and asked, "Did you do something to me?"

"Do I look like I'm despicable enough to take advantage of my drunk wife?" It seemed that Johanna's words had angered Timothy greatly. After saying that, he ignored Johanna completely. Once back at the mansion, he silently headed to the kitchen.

Seeing the man genuinely angry, Johanna felt guilty for her suspicions toward him.

She felt it was too early to wake up Asel, so she lingered in the living room for a while before heading to the kitchen. Upon entering, she saw Timothy tearing open a bag of flour and pouring it into a porcelain bowl.

Johanna walked over. "Timothy, I didn't mean to blame you just now. I was worried I might've hurt you."

After emerging from her own bubble, she was resistant to any form of physical intimacy with others. It took her a considerable amount of time before she could hold Asel again and kiss the latter.

She was afraid that when Timothy touched her, she might have scratched him due to her subconscious reaction.

Chapter 1532 Ulterior Motive

Timothy was never really angry, to begin with. He was only putting on a show for Johanna. After he understood the meaning behind Johanna's words, his heart was filled with sympathy for her. Timothy turned to look at her, asking softly, "Jojo, are you mad at me?"

"Why would I blame you when it's not your fault?" Johanna said, "Besides, I know how much you've done for me. If I were to blame all my misfortunes on you, that would be heartless." She wasn't wrong, and neither was Timothy. The fault lay in the fact that she had caught the attention of a powerful demon.

"I don't blame you if you're upset with me. I'm actually quite regretful," Timothy said with remorse. "Even if the child isn't mine, it's still yours. I shouldn't have argued with you, let alone abandon you." Indeed, as Johanna said, he was being too irrational. Even if there was an issue, he should have discussed it properly with Johanna.

"Didn't you tell me to forget about the past? Why are you bringing it up again?" Johanna noticed him accidentally brushing his sweater with flour while kneading the dough. She brushed the flour off with her hand, then took an apron from the hook.

Timothy bent down smoothly, allowing her to put the apron on him. "All right, all right, I won't bring it up again in the future."

Then, he pecked Johanna when she wasn't paying attention.

Johanna acted as if she hadn't seen anything. She went to the pantry to pour a cup of warm water, but to her surprise, Timothy had already opened a bottle of mineral water and was pouring it into the porcelain basin.

Johanna paused. "Don't you know that it's better to use warm water when kneading dough?"

"Really?" Timothy stood there with a blank look and a half-empty bottle of mineral water. "I just called my mentor and asked about the steps to make pretzels. He didn't mention anything about using warm water to knead the dough."

The last time they went to Swallow Garden for a meal, Johanna saw Armand kneading the dough for cinnamon rolls with warm water. That was why she went to the pantry to fetch water. Johanna said, "Cold water should work too. You can knead it."

Johanna didn't waste the warm water that was brought over. She drank it herself. Then, she leaned against the kitchen counter, watching Timothy clumsily knead the dough. The dough didn't come together, the wet mixture sticking all over his hands.

Timothy felt a bit awkward, murmuring under his breath, "I don't know what's wrong with this dough. It just won't come together."

Suppressing a chuckle, Johanna suggested, "How about we add some water and make it into pasta soup?"

He had never cooked before, but after learning to cook in a short period, he was able to make delicious dishes one after another, surpassing almost all beginners.

Timothy asked her, "Jojo, how do you make pasta soup? Should I call my mentor again to ask?"

"Let me do it," Johanna instructed him to go wash his hands thoroughly.

Johanna stirred the flour with a fork, mixing it until the dough became sticky. When lifted with the fork, the dough didn't break easily. Then, she poured the remaining mineral water into the dough until it was fully submerged.

Then, she set the dough aside for it to rise and asked Timothy to fetch two eggs and a carton of milk from the refrigerator.

During that time, she made a plate of pancakes for Asel.

"Jojo, the pancakes you make are especially delicious." Timothy placed four eggs on the counter, unabashedly saying, "Don't let Asel have them all to herself. Make a plate for me too." Johanna didn't say much. She just stood in front of the kitchen counter, working efficiently.

Making a pancake didn't require much skill, and she did a great job at it. As she was making the pancake, she asked with a puzzled expression, "Didn't I lose five times while playing the game last night?" "Including the one I had before, that was only six cocktails. How could I be drunk?" She turned to look at Timothy.

Timothy pondered pretentiously, "Could it be that you can't hold your liquor?"

"I can hold my liquor pretty well. I can even drink more than half a bottle of strong whiskey." It was precisely because of her good alcohol tolerance that Johanna found it puzzling when she was knocked out by a few cocktails.

She was certain that Timothy had tampered with the cocktails.

However, she had just questioned Timothy before, which upset him. She was afraid that he might give her the silent treatment if she asked him again. Therefore, Johanna chose not to ask.

Timothy said, "Even if you can hold your liquor, getting drunk after a few cocktails is normal. That's especially when you haven't been drinking much for the past six months. You had a fun time drinking, but I was the one who had to deal with the aftermath."

"I didn't lay a finger on you, but..." He paused before saying, "Jojo, you bear ulterior motives toward me.

Chapter 1533 How They Could Make Such Praises

Upon hearing this, Johanna turned her head to look at him. "Did I?"

"Yes," Timothy nodded. "Last night, I tried to carry you to the bedroom, but you clung to my neck, teased me, and said I looked like a piece of cream cake that you wanted to devour."

Johanna's hand trembled, and her fork nearly slipped from her grip to fall into the pan. "Did I really say that?"

"No lies. Those were your words." Timothy pulled out his phone and played a recording for her.

Johanna had a decent alcohol tolerance, and she rarely got drunk. In fact, she would only emerge tipsy if she entered a drinking competition with others.

She couldn't believe she'd acted so wildly after just a few cocktails. She acted childishly, even calling Timothy "Timmy", and initiating a kiss, teasing him with explicit comments.

Even in their most intimate moments, she had never been this bold.

Timothy's gaze at Johanna was sly, and he deliberately furrowed his brows. "You heard it. I told you your behavior won't work for our time apart, but you were pretty determined. I couldn't even stop you... When

I didn't let you kiss me, you got mad and even bit me. Look where you bit me." He pulled down his sweater collar, revealing a row of faint indentations above his collarbone.

Just then, a soft child's voice came from the doorway. "Daddy, who bit you?"

Timothy spotted the girl at the kitchen entrance, dressed in a cute little dress. He walked over, lifting her up. "Little one, why are you up so early today?"

"I got thirsty and wanted water, so I woke up," Asel explained sweetly.

When she saw Johanna busily working at the kitchen counter, her little legs kicked excitedly in Timothy's arms, and she cried out in a higher-pitched voice, "Mommy!"

When her father approached her mother with her in his arms, Asel embraced Johanna's neck and planted a kiss on her.

Since Johanna's hands were dirty, she turned her head and kissed the girl's soft cheek instead. "I'm making pancakes for you. Let Daddy take you out to play."

Seeing the pancake sizzle on the griddle, Asel found her mouth watering.

She obediently nodded. "Okay!"

Timothy also leaned in to peck Johanna's lips. "Since Asel kissed you, it's only fair that I do too, right?"

Johanna was at a loss for words.

Though Johanna's simple spaghetti and pasta soup might not have been the most gourmet, they were at least palatable. In thirty minutes, she managed to whip up two plates of pancakes and a pot of seafood pasta soup.

Timothy wasn't idle either. Alongside his signature apple juice, he even made a cup of almond milk for Johanna.

As Timothy sampled Johanna's pasta soup, he showered her with compliments of all shades. "Jojo, your pasta soup is so delicious. I could have it every day and never get tired of it. Right, Asel?"

"Absolutely!" Asel chimed in with a nod. "Mommy is the best!"

After taking a sip of her pasta soup, Johanna realized she had forgotten to add salt and seasoning, leaving it rather bland. She couldn't fathom why they were lavishing such praise.

By the time breakfast was done, it was already forty minutes after eight. Within ten minutes, Timothy drove Johanna to the old street.

Johanna knew the extent of the damage her shop had suffered, and as they neared, she suspected Timothy had the place cleaned. That would have been enough, but as she arrived, she found not only had the red paint on the entrance been removed, but the layout of both floors had been meticulously restored to how it was when she'd left.

Had it not been for Johanna spotting that the oil paint on the walls hadn't fully dried and that she hadn't painted it herself, she would have thought she was dreaming the day before-that nothing had happened to the shop, and she only came over after having breakfast with Timothy.

Standing on the first floor, Johanna looked around for a moment before turning to Timothy in astonishment. "How did you manage to recreate the layout of both floors so accurately?"

Seeing her so amazed, Timothy chuckled. "While you were having breakfast yesterday, I took a video as I wandered around the first floor. Then I showed the recording to Quinton this morning and asked him to contact the renovation company and an artist. They were offered double the pay to restore the decorations in the video within two hours."

The promise of substantial earnings for a few hours' work spurred the dozens of workers into action, eager to assist. In an hour and a half, they had replicated the shop's original appearance.

Chapter 1534 Your Childish Behavior

"Jojo, your husband is quite something, huh?" Timothy mused with a grin. "Maybe you'd like to reward me with a kiss?"

"No," Johanna pushed away his leaning face.

As they chatted, a truck arrived, carrying four huge flower baskets, and stopped in front of the shop. It was followed by a black Bentley, which Timothy's secretary, Quinton, then stepped out of.

Quinton instructed two workers to carefully unload the flower baskets and position them on each side of the shop's entrance.

Noticing Timothy and Johanna emerging from the shop, Quinton greeted them, "Mr. Jensen, as per your instructions, I organized a team to gather fresh flowers from the garden for these baskets. Would you like to inspect them?"

Each rose in the baskets had just blossomed, adorned with dewdrops that sparkled on their petals, emitting a subtle yet delightful floral fragrance.

Timothy cast a satisfied glance at the flower baskets and nodded appreciatively. "They look great. I owe you a meal for this."

"Mr. Jensen, there's no need to be so polite. This is part of my duty," Quinton replied modestly.

Turning to Johanna, Quinton offered his regards, "Mrs. Jensen," and handed her a gift box. "Congratulations on the successful opening of your studio. This is a personal gift from me."

Timothy accepted the gift box on Johanna's behalf and opened it, revealing a tourmaline chimera statue about dozens of centimeters tall.

Johanna expressed her gratitude to Quinton with a smile. "You really shouldn't have."

Once Quinton and the truck had departed, Johanna examined the chimera statue and questioned Timothy, "It looks like it's carved from moonstone. Is it expensive?"

"It's not too pricey, around fifty to sixty thousand," Timothy replied, gently placing the tourmaline chimera statue back into the box. "Even if it were worth more, since he gave it to you, you should keep it. I can't have you owing my subordinates a favor, right?"

However, the sight of the secretary's gift reminded Timothy of something he also had for Johanna.

He walked to the rear of the car, popped open the trunk, and retrieved the only gift box inside. Just as he was about to shut the trunk, he glimpsed a Mercedes pulling up in the spot where the truck had been parked.

Stepping out of the Mercedes, Zander, elegantly attired in a coat, held a bouquet of flowers in his hands.

"Mr. Foxx," Johanna expressed surprise upon seeing Zander.

"We're old classmates. Just call me by my name; no need to be so formal," Zander suggested, approaching them. He handed over the bouquet and the gift. "Congratulations on your successful studio opening."

"Thank you," Johanna started to reach for the flowers when suddenly, a hand materialized from the side and took Zander's gift away.

"Excuse me, Jojo is allergic to magnolias. I'll carry her things for her."

Johanna wondered, If I was allergic to pollen, would he still have had someone ostentatiously deliver four or five baskets of fresh flowers?

However, she understood what Timothy meant and let him take the bouquet away.

"Mr. Jensen," Zander greeted Timothy, "What a coincidence."

Timothy curled his thin lips, his expression a mix of amusement and indifference. "Unfortunately, I had already brought Jojo here after breakfast. It must have been quite a hassle for Mr. Foxx to personally bring gifts for my wife."

Zander said, "I knew that Jojo's studio was opening today, so I bought flowers on my way to the office to give to her. But I didn't expect that she wouldn't like magnolias."

"It's okay. Come in for a cup of tea," Johanna invited him with a smile.

"We arrived late this morning; you wouldn't have had time to make tea," Timothy interjected. "Besides, Mr. Foxx said he was just passing by. You still have to go to work, don't you, Mr. Foxx?"

After Zander nodded, Timothy immediately said, "Mr. Foxx, you can go ahead with your work. We won't be seeing you off."

After politely finishing his words, he led Johanna into the store.

"Zander is an old classmate of mine, and he just came to congratulate me on the opening of my studio," Johanna said, half exasperated and half amused. "Your behavior just now was too childish. You're not acting like a magnanimous businessman."

Thinking of how Timothy had sent Zander off, Johanna found herself simultaneously amused and annoyed.

Chapter 1535 No Matter the Cost

"We're not even divorced yet, and it's clear he's interested in you. How can I not be on guard?" Timothy huffed, turning to ask Johanna. "Do you know why he's still unmarried in his thirties?"

Johanna glanced at him. "Zander is in the same class as me and is six months older than me. He's just thirty-one."

"Isn't he in his thirties too?" Seeing her speak up for Zander, Timothy felt a pang of jealousy. "He's a scumbag, and worse, he's a playboy who swings both ways. He couldn't win over Genevieve in high school, and now he's trying to pursue you. Jojo, you should avoid people like him."

Johanna quickly grasped the meaning of 'swings both ways' from his mouth. "He just came to deliver a bouquet of flowers. Where did you get the idea that he's pursuing me?"

Timothy asked, "If he didn't care, why would he personally come to deliver it?"

As Timothy responded to Johanna, he quickly unwrapped the gift from Zander. To his surprise, it was a painting of a sunset, seemingly the work of a renowned contemporary artist.

Johanna asked him. "What did Zander send?"

"It's just a painting, and not even a good one at that." Timothy quickly stuffed the painting into the bag before Johanna could take a look.

He passed his gift over. "Jojo, open it and see."

He had already stuffed the box into Johanna's arm, leaving her with no choice but to tear open the seal on the box. From within, she pulled out a framed oil painting.

Johanna instantly recognized the artist of the painting and exclaimed in surprise, "This is 'Sunset at the Rocky Mountains' by Albert Bierstadt. I just saw it a while ago at Yuvan's art gallery. Where did you get this counterfeit? It looks so convincing."

"Don't you think it's genuine?"

Johanna said, "Albert Bierstadt passed away at the age of thirty, leaving behind only a few works, so each one is very expensive. Yuvan said that this sunset painting is the treasure of Luna Art Gallery. It's not something you can buy with tens of millions. He is extremely fond of paintings, so he probably won't sell it to you."

"He didn't get enough money from others," Timothy pointed out astutely. "I noticed you really like this painting, so I bought it from him by paying double the price."

Johanna paused for a few seconds. "So, how much did you spend?"

"It's not much, just one hundred and thirty million," Timothy added. "We're not divorced yet, so my money is your money. This is a gift I bought for you with our shared marital assets."

Johanna understood what he meant. "Didn't we sign a prenuptial agreement?"

"It seems I've misplaced it accidentally." Timothy shrugged, his face innocent. "I asked the lawyer earlier, and even his assistant doesn't know where that document was put."

For a moment, Johanna didn't know what to say.

Timothy had effectively blocked all her escape routes. He openly gave her gifts, leaving her with no reason to return them, cleverly maintaining a delicate connection between them despite their separation.

"Jojo, where should we hang this painting? I think it would look pretty good on the first floor." Timothy tactfully changed the subject.

"Do I want someone to trash my shop again by hanging a one hundred and thirty million painting here?"

"No worries, there is a surveillance camera at the entrance, and I've also had high-definition hidden cameras installed on the first and second floors." Timothy pointed in the direction of the hidden cameras.

Johanna's fear was that one day, a connoisseur might walk into the shop, recognize the authenticity of the painting, and harbor ill intentions.

She decided to hang this painting in her apartment.

Timothy helped Johanna clean up the packaging bags on the table and casually tossed Zander's gift into the bag as well. "Jojo, focus on your work. I promise to find the person who vandalized your store within a week."

He had to work and also take care of Asel, so Johanna didn't want to trouble him. "I've recorded a video. I'll the police and I think this will do."

Timothy said, "The perpetrator struck in the early hours of the morning, and there's not even a surveillance camera around. Even if you call the police, there's nothing they can do. It's not a big deal, so let me handle it."

Since he said that, Johanna couldn't find the words to refuse. "I appreciate your help," she said.

"Jojo, I never realized you had two faces." Timothy leaned closer to Johanna, his warm breath breathing on her ear. "You're cold toward me during the day but refused to let me go at night. You even want to devour me."

He asked softly, "When do you plan to devour me?"

Chapter 1536 Work For Free

Johanna really didn't want to hear his vulgar language in broad daylight, so she drove him away with an expressionless face.

After leaving the old street, Timothy drove close to a roadside trash can, casually lowered the car window, and tossed the bag he brought from the studio into the trash can.

Soon after, Timothy pulled out his phone and posted a video on his social media feed.

Johanna didn't advertise her studio, so only a few close friends knew about her opening it. Yet, she received dozens of flower baskets first thing in the morning.

Moreover, her phone would ring every few minutes to schedule appointments for styling.

However, since the calls were all from celebrity studios or agents, Johanna assumed that Genevieve had promoted her studio for her.

Johanna spent the entire morning on the phone until her mouth was dry.

After catching her breath, Johanna went to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of mineral water. She had just twisted the cap off and taken a few sips when she heard a voice saying, "Welcome!" A young woman carrying some items walked into the shop.

The woman was charmingly pretty. Seeing Johanna looking her way, she waved at her. "Johanna, it's been a while."

Johanna paused for a moment, then nodded at the other person. She took a bottle of juice from the refrigerator and handed it over. "I was too busy this morning to make tea. Is juice okay?"

"Thank you."

After the two of them settled down on the couch in the rest area, Johanna asked Denise, "How did you find this place?"

"I was looking for a job on a recruitment website and came across the contact information of a studio. Your phone number was listed. So, I decided to reach out," Denise explained. "I heard there aren't many restaurants on the old street, so I brought lunch with me."

"Johanna, let's chat while we eat." Denise efficiently unpacked the takeout boxes she brought, taking out several dishes and rice, and then handed a set of utensils to Johanna.

Her overly familiar nature left Johanna not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

Initially, she didn't want to get involved with Timothy anymore. However, when she happened to see Timothy dropping Denise off at school and found out that the latter was Dakota's younger sister, she took the initiative to reach out to Denise.

She asked Denise to help her in an act and successfully divorced Timothy. Unexpectedly, the two remarried later.

After taking a sip of radish soup, Johanna felt a warm sensation in his stomach.

She asked Denise in confusion, "I thought you were studying acting. Why are you looking at job postings for a design studio?"

"I had only been in the entertainment industry for a short while when I broke my leg filming a scene. I was in the hospital for several months," said Denise. "After that, I felt that acting was too dangerous. Coincidentally, one of my classmates was a stylist. I learned from her for a few years. She got married this year and quit, so I also resigned from that studio. By chance, I was looking for a job and saw that you are hiring. So, I grabbed my lunch and rushed over to apply."

"Why don't you ask Timothy for help?" Johanna asked. "With his recommendation, you could get into top-tier design studios in the country, and you could learn a lot too."

"I'm not a child who needs help finding a job." Denise waved her hand dismissively. "Even though my sister died trying to save Timothy, in the past decade or so, Timothy has given my parents more than tens of millions. He also helped me a lot when I was studying. He has long since repaid what he owed to my family."

Johanna had met Denise only once a few years ago, but she had a good impression of her. "How about I introduce you to work as a stylist at Genevieve Orsi?"

"I just want to stay with you." Denise said, "I know you're amazing at making clothes, Johanna. I want to learn fashion design from you."

Denise pleaded, "Johanna, why don't you give me a try for a few days? I may not be good at altering clothes, but I'm quite skilled at makeup and styling. Plus, I can also serve as a business assistant. As long as you're willing to teach me, I don't even need to be paid."

Chapter 1537 You Visit Me Too Often

"Even apprentices get paid, let alone you, who have worked in a renowned styling studio." Johanna ended up accepting her. "All right. Let's do a three-month trial period, with a base salary of ten thousand during the trial."

"Thank you, Johanna," said Denise, extremely happy.

After lunch, Johanna went upstairs to work while Denise stayed on the first floor to answer the phone calls.

Johanna primarily studied fashion design. She learned makeup artistry to better coordinate with clothing. While her makeup skills might not compare to top makeup artists, it was essential for every fashion designer.

Now that Denise, who was skilled at makeup, had arrived, Johanna could hand the task over to her, freeing up more time to design clothes.

Just after five in the afternoon, Denise, having finished her tasks, hurried upstairs to find Johanna.

The second floor was divided into two sections. One was the workspace, and the other was for storing formal attires and fitting rooms. Denise saw Johanna bending over a mannequin dressed in formal attire, sewing the hem of the dress.

Johanna was dressed in a khaki sleeveless sweater and a short skirt, her figure slender. Her profile was gentle.

Denise stealthily took out her phone and snapped a picture, sending it out. She then walked over to Johanna and asked, "Johanna, I've never seen this formal attire before. Which brand is it from?"

"I made it," Johanna said. "In a week, Yvonne is going to attend the Broburgh Film Festival."

Half a month ago, after Johanna received the message from Genevieve, she began designing that formal attire. Fortunately, when the shop was smashed, she had placed this semi-finished product in a hidden door. Otherwise, half a month's work would have been in vain.

"Johanna, you're so impressive," said Denise, who also worked in the fashion industry and had a keen sense for it. "When the time comes, Yvonne will surely shine on the red carpet."

Johanna just smiled, then asked her about her work in the afternoon.

Denise noted all the phone records in the itinerary book given by Johanna. After reporting, she added, "The boss of Beluga Media, Mr. Cabot, personally called. He said that one of their female artists, Quincey, is going to the promote Van Cleef watches on Thursday. He hopes that you can do her styling."

Johanna knew that Hugh of Beluga Media had a good relationship with Cooper. There were several styling studios working with Beluga Media, so there was no need for Hugh, as the owner, to contact her personally. I don't even know Hugh well. Why would he promote my studio?

The other party had personally made the call, so it was difficult for Johanna to refuse. "Get in touch with Quincey's agent and ask if Quincey has any jewelry endorsements."

"I've done makeup and styling for Quincey at my previous studio. I have her agent's number. I just asked her." Denise told Johanna about all the brands that Quincey endorses.

After that, Denise asked Johanna what clothes and accessories had to be prepared for Quincey.

After Johanna finished tailoring the formal attire, she left the studio with Denise at half-past six. "From now on, all the income from the makeup and styling jobs you handle independently will be yours. The studio won't take a commission anymore."

Denise's eyes widened when she heard that. "Really? Thank you, Johanna! You're the best."

"You're an efficient worker, so you've earned it," Johanna said as she stepped out of the studio and pulled down the roller shutter. "It's your first day on the job today. Let me take you out for dinner to celebrate."

Johanna was about to start the car, key in hand, when she looked up to see a man carrying a child, walking toward her from not too far away.

Asel saw Johanna and excitedly waved her tiny hand. "Mommy!"

"Johanna, I've made plans to have a barbecue with friends tonight. See you!" With that, Denise, who had arrived on an electric scooter, quickly hopped on her scooter and sped off.

After Timothy came over, he glanced at the retreating figure and asked, "Who is that? Why is she running so fast to get away?"

"That is the new assistant I just hired," Johanna said, looking helplessly at the man. "Timothy, don't you think you come to see me too often?"

Timothy protested, "Yesterday, you asked me to come find you. Today, your shop got smashed, and I found someone to help you deal with it. I even brought a flower basket to celebrate the opening of your studio. After I left this morning, I didn't come to find you or call you for a full eight hours. How is that frequent?"

"Jojo, you don't think I'd go as far as to stage a whole drama of wrecking your shop just to have an excuse to visit you more often, do you?" Timothy asked Johanna.

Chapter 1538 Introduce Me A Man

Johanna pursed her lips. "I don't think you would do something so foolish."

Upon hearing her words, Timothy was clearly taken aback and too upset to speak. "Asel, your mommy doesn't want to see us. Let's go."

"Mommy doesn't want to see you, but she didn't say she doesn't want to see me," Asel said, looking at her father with innocent, wide eyes.

Timothy responded, "You're a cheeky girl, aren't you?"

Asel used her tiny hands to lift her father's drooping eyebrows, turned her head to Johanna, and said, "Mom, Dad is angry. Quickly tell him you want to see him, so he won't be angry anymore."

Johanna watched Asel trying hard to push the man's sword-like eyebrows upwards. The sight was too amusing, and she couldn't help but let out a couple of chuckles.

What's the point of living separately if I can't completely cut ties with Timothy? Johanna took Asel from Timothy's arms. "I was wrong. I shouldn't have spoken like that earlier. Without your help, I wouldn't have been able to successfully open my studio today."

Yet, Timothy always seemed to enjoy showing up in front of her.

"It's too late. My heart is already thoroughly hurt by you." Timothy said, feigning sadness with his eyes lowered. "Jojo, you tell me what to do."

"Mom, give Dad an apology kiss," Asel urged.

As Johanna hesitated, Timothy had already bent down, offering his cheek to her. He did this to prevent any difficulty she might have in reaching him due to the height difference between them, especially with her holding the child.

Johanna felt helpless, so she could only plant a kiss on his cheek.

Timothy felt the soft kiss imprinted on his cheek, instantly lifting his spirits. He took the bag and car keys from Johanna's hand and said, "Jojo, do you want to have dinner at home or eat out?"

"Daddy, I want to go play with Mandy," Asel said.

"All right. Let's go to your godfather's house for dinner, then." Timothy opened the car's back door for Johanna while simultaneously sending a message to Armand, asking him to prepare three extra sets of utensils.

...

On Thursday morning at eight, Johanna drove Denise to Regality Gardens.

Quincey returned to Jadeborough at eleven the night before. Her agent subsequently sent a message to Johanna, asking them to come to Quincey's place the next morning to doll Quincey up.

On the way to Regality Gardens, Johanna casually chatted with Denise. "Denise, are you married?"

"No. I don't even have a boyfriend." Denise looked at Johanna and joked, "Why are you asking, Johanna? Are you planning to introduce me to a man?"

Johanna hummed in agreement. "If you don't mind."

"Why would I mind? Anyone who catches your eye, Johanna, must be extraordinary!" said Denise.

Upon arriving at the apartment building where Quincey lived, Johanna and her companion were met by a woman wearing glasses in the lobby. She was Quincey's personal assistant, there to guide them.

Upon entering the apartment, the assistant immediately led the two to the bedroom.

Quincey had just washed her face and stepped out of the bathroom when she saw the people her assistant had brought in. She frowned and questioned, "Who are they? Why are you bringing everyone into my apartment?"

"Quincey, these two are from Nightingale Studio."

Quincey scoffed. "What studio is that? I've never heard of it. The styling for my events has always been done by Mr. Laird. Call him and ask him to come over."

The assistant approached Quincey and whispered, "It was Mr. Cabot who personally called the owner of Nightingale Studio to come and do your makeup."

Upon hearing that, Quincey sized Johanna up.

Most celebrities would tend to be arrogant, something Johanna was used to. Hence, she greeted Quincey politely.

Quincey didn't appreciate her gesture. She picked up the phone from the bedside table and made a call. As soon as the call connected, she said, "Mr. Cabot, I have sensitive skin and can't use many cosmetics. I'm not familiar with this stylist. How can I let her mess with my face? Could you ask her to leave?"

"If you don't want her as your stylist, there's no need for you to attend the promotional event," Hugh said, then he hung up the phone.

Quincey saw red because she didn't expect her employer to be so protective of Johanna.

Chapter 1539 If You Have Not Gained Any Weight

Ignoring Quincey's displeased expression, Johanna gently reminded, "You need to be at the mall before ten o'clock, Ms. Hartwell. Any time wasted now is your own."

Quincey sat down at the dressing table and allowed Denise to help with her makeup. However, her gaze kept darting toward Johanna.

She asked, "How long has your studio been open?"

"We officially opened for business this Tuesday."

"It's only been three days?" Quincey snorted coldly. "I've signed a collaboration contract with Mr. Laird's styling studio. He's responsible for all my event makeup and styling, including this time. But Mr. Cabot asked you to do it for me instead. What's your relationship with him that he holds you in such high regard?"

Taking out the formal attire from the suitcase, Johanna hung it up on the rack. Her expression remained unruffled. "I'm the chief stylist for Genevieve Orsi, and Ms. Rachford is on good terms with Mr. Cabot."

"If so, Mr. Cabot should be doing Ms. Rachford a favor instead," retorted Quincey.

At her aggressive demeanor, Johanna flashed her a faint smile. "Because Ms. Rachford is my best friend, Mr. Cabot especially showed his support when I established a studio."

Quincey knew Genevieve's brother was the head of Specter Corporation, Cooper. However, she never expected Johanna to be Genevieve's best friend.

For a moment, she felt a pang of bitterness and jealousy within her. She pulled a long face and fell silent.

After her makeup and hair were done, Quincey took the formal attire and went to the walk-in closet to change. Less than two minutes later, she came back out. "What kind of formal attire did you prepare for me? I can't even zip it up."

Johanna went into the walk-in closet to check on her, only to discover that the zipper on the back of the formal attire was stuck halfway. In an instant, understanding dawned upon her. "You've gained weight."

Female celebrities hated being told they had gained weight. Quincey was no exception. As soon as she heard that, her expression changed. "I'd been filming on set these past few days and had no meat in my meals. It's clear that you didn't put any effort into preparing the formal attire!"

Johanna countered calmly, "My assistant spoke with your agent over the phone last night, and she said you weighed eighty-nine pounds. This silk formal attire looks best when it fits snugly. I've altered the waistline, so it won't fit even if the wearer is only an extra pound heavier. Weigh yourself. If you haven't gained any weight, I'll apologize to you."

Johanna pointed to the weighing scale on the carpet.

Usually, stylists always flattered Quincey. Even if there were problems with the formal attire, they would take the blame upon themselves. Unexpectedly, Johanna bluntly told her she had gained weight, making it her own issue.

Ironically, Quincey had indeed snuck a few suppers. She could not refute it, but her face turned as black as thunder.

Johanna said, "I'll get you a new formal attire."

She prepared two sets of formal attire. One was a silk blue dress with spaghetti straps that accentuated one's waist since it was body-fitting. The other was an off-shoulder crescent white mermaid dress whose waistline she did not alter.

Quincey was too proud to admit that the reason she could not fit into the formal attire was that she had gained weight.

With a cold expression, she said, "I'll stick with this one, even if it means not drinking any water in the morning."

"No way," Johanna objected. "If I zip it up, it'll burst open when you walk. I don't want to ruin my reputation."

She took the formal attire handed over by Denise and watched as Quincey changed into it.

After Quincey had changed into it and studied herself in the full-length mirror, she could not help but find the silk one with spaghetti straps better. Unfortunately, she could not zip it up.

In consideration that Quincey was promoting wristwatches, Johanna reckoned that the jewelry she wore shouldn't be too eye-catching to avoid overshadowing the main product. Thus, she chose a pair of pearl earrings for Quincey.

By the time everything was done, it was already twenty minutes past nine.

Quincey asked Johanna, "Did your studio borrow these two formal attires for me?"

"No, your agent gave me enough budget," Johanna said. "This is the brand you endorse. SA gave me a discount, so it's yours once purchased."

"All right, then. You can leave that dress behind." Having said that, Quincey unceremoniously instructed her assistant to show the two women out.

After leaving Quincey's apartment with her makeup case, Denise said to Johanna, "I really can't stand such celebrities. They think they're our lord and master just because they pay us. How arrogant."

Johanna pressed the button for the elevator before replying, "You'll often encounter such celebrities in the future."

Denise let out a sigh.

Chapter 1540 Men Only Behave In Death

As soon as the elevator doors opened, Denise stepped in with Johanna. "Johanna, can you guess why Quincey gave you the cold shoulder and snapped at you when she knew that Mr. Cabot assigned you to do her styling?"

"Because she has an unusual relationship with Mr. Cabot?" Johanna asked, quirking an eyebrow.

"Hey, how did you know that, Johanna?"

Johanna chuckled and said, "I've never worked with her before. As soon as she heard that Mr. Cabot introduced me, her expression changed, and she even acted coyly on the phone with him. It's clear that they have a special relationship."

Denise gossiped with Johanna. "I heard she's been with him for quite some time. When his wife found out, he cut off all contact with her. His wife was upset and secretly had someone cut off many of her resources. Quincey has always wanted to climb the social ladder, but without any significant family background, she's no match for Mr. Cabot's wife."

She then wondered in puzzlement, "Why are rich men so disloyal? Even with a wife and kids, they still mess around, not even sparing the artists in their own company. There's a saying online that's quite accurate." She pondered for a moment before she continued, "Men only behave in death."

Johanna could not help but laugh. "So, this is why you don't have a boyfriend?"

"Of course not. I merely can't find a boyfriend who suits my taste." After saying that, Denise added, "I think Timothy is quite good. He loves you and your daughter, a decent man who's hard to come by."

Johanna remained silent.

After driving out of the Regality Gardens, Johanna said to Denise with a frown, "I can't shake off the feeling that something is fishy with Quincey declining to have us follow her to touch up her makeup."

"Doesn't she have a contract with Mr. Laird? She might have asked him to tag along."

Johanna shook her head, sharing her suspicion with Denise. "Quincey is rather stubborn, and she even asked me to leave that formal attire with spaghetti straps at her house. I'm afraid she might take the opportunity when we aren't around to change into it and go on stage to prove that she hadn't gained weight. Since there's nothing much to be done in the morning, go and take a stroll around the mall and keep an eye on Quincey while you're at it."

She drove in the direction of the mall.

After dropping Denise off at the mall, Johanna returned to the studio to rush the production of Yvonne's formal attire.

She was in the middle of doing so when she received a call from Denise. "You were spot on, Johanna. Quincey put on that dress with spaghetti straps, and the zipper burst open as soon as she got on stage."

Quincey was a somewhat famous celebrity. When her fans learned that she would be making an appearance at Van Cleef's event, they thronged the mall. As soon as Quincey appeared, her exquisite outfit caused an uproar among them.

Before anyone realized it, the zipper on her formal attire split open, exposing half of her right bosom.

Given that the mall was packed with people and Denise did not have a work pass, she found it impossible to squeeze through the crowd to Quincey. The moment she saw the latter's formal attire falling apart, she almost fainted.

She was the one who reacted before Quincey's assistant did, shouting for the latter to take off her coat and drape it over Quincey.

Upon learning about it all, Johanna was so frustrated she cursed inwardly. "All right, you can come back now."

She hung up the phone and opened Twitter. As expected, there were four or five trending topics about Quincey's formal attire malfunction at the promotional event.

As Quincey flashed quite a bit of skin, journalists from all walks of life were frantically publishing those few pictures to attract traffic.

Many people commented on the news. One typed: I was going to compliment Quincey on her stunning look this time that outshone all the other actresses and urge her to continue working with this stylist in the future, but the unexpected happened.

Another criticized: Which studio prepared her gown? It seems like they put no thought into it at all.

Not long after the issue escalated, Peyton's studio, which had a contract with Quincey, came forward to clarify things. They denied responsibility for Quincey's styling this time and even shared their chat records with her for transparency.

Quincey told Peyton on WhatsApp that her styling was done by a studio called Nightingale Studio that had only been open for a few days.

She also complained about the stylist's arrogant attitude, saying the latter openly pointed out that she had gained weight.