Ch. 1541..1550

Chapter 1541 Are We Supposed To Be Blamed

As Johanna was watching the news, Denise returned in a flurry.

She exclaimed angrily, "Quincey is way out of line. It's clear that she couldn't fit into the dress because she gained weight, yet she secretly wore it on stage and caused an accident. Why is she blaming everything on our studio? Her fans are like lunatics, constantly hurling insults on our studio's Twitter."

Denise was so angry that her words were barely intelligible. "Johanna, you need to clarify this on Twitter immediately."

Johanna said in a gentle voice, "Quincey is an artist under Mr. Cabot's company. If something happens to her, the company would be in a state of chaos. Even if we are at fault, we can't let the public know."

Upon hearing this, Denise's shoulders slumped. "So are we supposed to be blamed without doing anything?"

"Naturally."

A call from Hugh arrived, and Johanna quickly answered it. "Mr. Cabot, I just saw the news. I'm truly sorry for what has happened."

Hugh quickly said, "I know you're a responsible person. The cause of the problem is likely due to my company's artist. I called to assure you not to worry as our company will handle this."

His courteous demeanor left Johanna stunned for several seconds. "If you need any help on your end, I'm ready to assist from my side."

"There's no need for any help. I just hope that you won't hold a grudge because of this," Hugh said with a smile. "Everyone is praising the styling you did for Quincey as it's very beautiful. I hope to have a long- term collaboration with your studio."

"Absolutely," Johanna said, exchanging a few business pleasantries with him before ending the call.

Denise asked, "Johanna, who was that?"

"It's Mr. Cabot," Johanna said, "He's having someone handle Quincey's news. He won't let us take the fall. His surprisingly good attitude is baffling."

She didn't know whether Genevieve saw the news and called Hugh.

The public relations team at Beluga Media acted swiftly. Within a few short hours, they managed to suppress the news about Quincey's dress malfunction. They issued a statement clarifying that this incident had nothing to do with Nightingale Studio.

Johanna thought that Beluga Media had handled the matter well, and she didn't have to worry anymore. However, around four in the afternoon, Quincey gave her a call.

"Ms. Joule, if you don't want me to make a big fuss about this, you'd better come to my apartment now," Quincey said bluntly on the other end of the phone.

Johanna frowned and asked, "Didn't your company handle the matter already?"

"Are you playing dumb with me?" Quincey asked coldly. "I'm giving you twenty minutes. If you don't come over, I'm calling the police!"

This call from Quincey left Johanna feeling utterly baffled.

However, she could tell Quincey was really angry. Not wanting to escalate the situation, she said, "I'm going to see Quincey. You should clock out too."

"Why are you going to her?" Denise seemed to imagine a whole drama in her mind. "Did she blame you for the dress bursting open? Is she planning to lay a hand on you? Johanna, I'll go with you."

Seeing that Denise insisted on accompanying her, Johanna had no choice but to take her along.

After meeting Quincey's personal assistant at Regality Gardens, Johanna headed toward the elevator and asked, "Why does Quincey want to see me?"

"Ms. Joule, perhaps you should go up first," the assistant suggested hesitantly.

Inside the apartment, Quincey was sitting on the sofa, seemingly texting someone or scrolling through Twitter on her phone, with a rather displeased expression on her face.

"Quincey, Ms. Joule has arrived."

Quincey's face turned a few degrees colder. She rose and walked toward Johanna, her question pressing and intimidating. "Where is my ring?"

"You think I'm responsible for losing your ring?" Johanna instantly understood what she meant.

"It must have something to do with you or your assistant!" Quincey huffed. "You were in my dressing room this morning when you came to style me, and by the afternoon, I noticed that one of my rings was missing. That ten-carat yellow diamond is worth over two million. You'd better return it to me, or I will take legal action."

Chapter 1542 Not Even Qualified

Johanna thought there was some other issue, but it turned out Quincey's ring was missing and she was being blamed. "I did go to your walk-in closet with my assistant, but we didn't touch your jewelry. The pearl earrings you're wearing were provided by me."

Denise couldn't help but retort, "Your assistant had also been in your walk-in closet, but why didn't you suspect her of taking it?"

"This is the personal assistant the company hired for me. I've been using her services for over a year, and I've never lost any jewelry while she's been with me," Quincey said, the underlying meaning of her words evident. "But today, you've been here for just two hours, and I've lost a diamond ring worth two million. Isn't that strange?"

"Are you blatantly calling us thieves? You've gone too far!" Denise was so angry she almost swore, but Johanna stopped her.

Johanna remained calm and composed, speaking gently to Quincey. "I warned you this morning, Ms. Hartwell, that you wouldn't be able to fit into that dress. Yet, you secretly put it on after we left, which resulted in the zipper bursting open at the back when you went to the platform, causing a huge embarrassment. I'm sure you called Mr. Cabot when the incident occurred, blaming it on the dress I prepared, didn't you?"

Even if she had exposed everything, Quincey refused to admit to it. "Once my agent bought that dress, it became mine. I'll wear it if I want to."

"Indeed, I figured out your character the moment you switched the dresses." As her arrogance was unmasked, Johanna saw no need to be polite to her. "So, it's only natural for you to blame me when you lose your ring. You should call the police now. Let them determine whether you really lost your ring or if something else happened."

"Are you implying that I purposely hid the ring, claimed it was lost, and then blamed you?" Quincey was so annoyed and embarrassed that she immediately took out her phone to call the police.

The assistant hurriedly stepped in to intervene. "Quincey, you might have misplaced your ring and forgotten about it. Let's look for it again. Mr. Cabot has said not to bother Ms. Joule. It wouldn't be good if you called the police..."

"It's an expensive ring, so how could I possibly forget where I put it after wearing it?" Quincey declared, "It must have been stolen!"

Originally, Quincey was already resentful toward Johanna because of the embarrassing incident where the zipper on her gown burst open. Seeing her audaciously stealing her own jewelry only fueled Quincey's anger even more.

Quincey mocked Johanna, "Even if you could borrow millions or tens of millions worth of jewelry, you still couldn't afford it. Once a person touches something valuable, greed inevitably arises in their heart. Unless that ring has sprouted legs and runs away, it must have been stolen by either you or your assistant."

Johanna was not annoyed. Instead, she smiled faintly and retorted, "You're right, people are indeed greedy. Some people, despite knowing their own worth, still foolishly aspire to marry into a wealthy family by clinging to the boss. Unfortunately, they don't even qualify to compete with the legitimate wife."

Quincey wished she could rush over and tear Johanna's mouth apart. "At least I'm better than you! You're clearly married, yet you're involved ambiguously with other men, even having their children!"

Before they met this morning, Quincey had no idea who Johanna was.

Due to the incident with the bursting dress and the lost ring, Quincey took the opportunity to search for Johanna online while waiting for her at the apartment. However, there was very little information available about Johanna.

She stumbled upon a website article claiming that Johanna was married to someone. Yet, Johanna was seen heavily pregnant with another man in Jetroina, admiring the cherry blossoms.

Originally, Quincey wanted to click on the entry to see clearly if this Johanna was the Johanna she knew. However, when she clicked on it, the webpage showed an error, and her mobile webpage also refreshed automatically.

She was so infuriated by Johanna's words that she blurted out the news she had seen without a second thought.

Johanna felt as if she had been stabbed in the heart, and in response, she raised her hand and slapped Quincey.

Quincey was caught off guard by the sudden slap, freezing in shock for a full three seconds. Once she regained her composure, she glared fiercely at Johanna. "You actually dared to hit me!"

She lunged at Johanna but ended up getting her hair grabbed and slapped by the latter.

Chapter 1543 How Dare You Accuse My Wife

Fearing that Johanna might be bullied, Denise rushed in and grabbed Quincey's arm. Meanwhile, Quincey's assistant, worried that Quincey might get hit, also stepped in to break up the fight.

The women were so engrossed in their scuffle on the floor that they didn't even hear the doorbell ring.

By the time Hugh and Quincey's agent got the apartment door code and hurriedly entered the unit with Timothy, they were met with a scene of utter chaos.

Timothy strode over and pulled Johanna out of the crowd. "Jojo, are you okay?"

After being helped to her feet by her assistant, Quincey's eyes filled with tears the moment she saw Hugh. "Mr. Cabot," she said through sobs, "Ms. Joule stole my ring and won't admit it. She even slapped me. Look at my face."

Hugh glanced at Timothy, not daring to utter a single word.

"Mr. Cabot, please speak up for me," Quincey pleaded, her voice choked with tears. Her crying intensified as she wailed, "I'm the one being hit and bullied. Are you just going to stand there and watch?"

"Shut up!" Timothy barked, his face stern with anger.

Startled, Quincey's shoulders shuddered. She had a vague feeling that she had seen Timothy somewhere before, but she couldn't quite place him.

Still, she simply could not swallow her indignity. With tears-filled eyes and a sobbing tone, she protested, "I'm the one who got hit; why should I keep quiet? All I said was that Ms. Joule is married but still messing around outside. I didn't make this up out of thin air. I saw it on a webpage. If she's angry, she should complain to the website. Why would she hit me?"

"My wife had an affair with another man? Who is he? Why don't I know about it?" Timothy glared at Quincey and continued, "You start gossiping at the slightest news. Slapping you was too lenient from her."

"What?" Quincey momentarily forgot to cry. She glanced at Timothy again and quickly remembered who he was.

Timothy Jensen, the current chairman of Forlisle Group.

She knew that Timothy had married early, but his spouse was not a public figure. She never imagined that his wife would turn out to be Johanna.

Now she understood why Hugh had been standing quietly aside since he came in.

After Timothy finished speaking, he ignored Quincey. He noticed that Johanna's cheek was scratched by a fingernail and felt a pang of heartache. He promptly ordered Quincey's assistant to bring over a band- aid.

Quincey didn't dare to mutter a word and looked to Hugh for help.

Once Timothy had finished treating Johanna's wound, Hugh quietly asked Quincey to apologize to Johanna. After all, Quincey was a profitable artist from their own company, and Hugh didn't want to see her career cut short.

With a trembling heart, Quincey stepped forward and apologized, "I'm sorry, Ms. Joule. It's all my fault. I hope you can forgive me."

"You insulted me, and I slapped you twice. We're even," Johanna said indifferently. "But the loss of your two-million ring has nothing to do with me or my assistant."

"It's my fault. I've wronged you," Quincey said softly, all traces of arrogance gone.

Timothy asked, "What's going on?"

Before Johanna could speak up, Denise had already explained the situation to Timothy, "This morning, we came to style Ms. Hartwell. Later, she lost a valuable item and insisted that Johanna stole it. She even mocked Johanna for not being unable to afford jewelry and being greedy. Johanna was so upset that she snapped back."

Timothy looked at Quincey and said sneeringly, "Each piece of jewelry in my wife's drawers is worth a fortune. Your two-million ring is worth nothing in comparison. Who do you think you are, accusing my wife like this?"

Quincey hung her head, not daring to utter a single word after being scolded by him.

At that point, Hugh stepped in to defend Quincey, "Mr. Jensen, it's my fault for not managing the artists well. I also owe an apology to Mrs. Jensen."

"We can't just let this go," Timothy said, his face darkening. "Since she lost her ring, she either needs to find it or figure out who stole it. I don't want her to go around telling people that my wife stole her ring if she can't find it."

"All right then, let's call the police," Hugh said with a forced smile. He urged Quincey to make the call.

Just as Quincey was about to call the police, her long-silent assistant suddenly piped up, "I remember now. It seems that Quincey left that ring in the restroom cabinet."

The assistant hurried off to the restroom, then returned holding a yellow diamond ring.

Johanna looked at the ring in her assistant's hand and suddenly laughed. "How strange. Ms. Hartwell remembered this ring being in a jewelry box, yet you just found it in the restroom."

Chapter 1544 Playing Cards

"Perhaps Quincey misremembered. The ring was left in the restroom the last time she removed her makeup," Quincey's assistant explained with an awkward smile.

"You couldn't remember earlier nor later, but you just had to remember when we were about to call the police," Timothy noted with a chuckle. "It seems as though you're trying to make my wife take the blame while seizing the opportunity to steal this ring."

Quincey was no fool. She, too, noticed something was off with her assistant, and in her anger, she immediately demanded to call the police.

The assistant hurriedly explained, "Quincey, please don't call the police. I did this for you. Didn't you say you were upset when Ms. Joule made fun of your weight? I just wanted to help you get back at Ms. Joule. I was planning to bring out the ring and tell you the truth after you had driven Ms. Joule away."

"Really?" Timothy looked at Quincey's assistant with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I heard that you met with Xylia at a café yesterday afternoon. What was the purpose of your meeting?"

Quincey's assistant felt a chill run down her spine under Timothy's scrutiny, leaving her speechless for quite some time.

Timothy rested his elbow on his knee, appearing nonchalant. However, the stance only served to pressure Quincey's assistant further. Timothy declared, "If you tell us the truth, I'll let you off the hook. But if I have to find out myself..."

"Xylia told me to do this," the assistant confessed, well aware that Timothy was not someone to be trifled with.

Quincey kicked her assistant fiercely. "You ungrateful woman! How dare you accept money from Xylia and fool me into believing that Ms. Joule was up to no good!"

Hugh hadn't expected a mastermind behind this incident or that it would happen to be another artist from his own company. His face paled.

He announced, "Don't worry, Mr. Jensen. I will definitely investigate this incident seriously."

"No need to trouble yourself further. I have other matters to settle with her, so I'll deal with her personally." Timothy picked up Johanna's bag and coat, leading her away from Quincey's condominium.

Johanna was already at the elevator when she remembered that Denise was still in the apartment. She took out her phone and sent Denise a message.

Then, she asked Timothy, "Did Xylia hire someone to trash my shop?"

"No, but it's closely related to her," Timothy said. "I've sent someone to invite Xylia. Let's wait for her at Imperial Club."

"You..." Johanna wanted to ask something but ultimately gave up.

In fact, when Hugh appeared with Timothy, Johanna instantly understood what had happened. It was not because Genevieve had greeted Hugh, but because she knew about her relationship with Timothy that she came to support her studio.

On the way to Imperial Club, Timothy stopped by a drugstore to buy some ointment. He applied it to the wound on Johanna's face.

The two had barely settled in a private room in the club when Ysabelle came in.

She didn't show the same disrespect to Timothy as she did on her wedding day a few days ago. Instead, she politely greeted her cousin and his wife, then quietly took a seat to one side.

Roughly two minutes later, the door was pushed open again. Xylia sauntered in, her eyes lighting up when she saw Timothy on the couch. However, she quickly realized that Timothy was not the only one in the

room.

Plus, Ysabelle was there.

Xylia felt inexplicably uneasy, but her face didn't show any signs of it. She asked jokingly, "Why is it so lively here, Timothy? You didn't invite me over to play cards with Mrs. Jensen, did you?"

"Why not? How could we possibly play cards without you?" Timothy said with an insincere smile.

He rang the bell to have the waiter bring in some fruit and wine, then pointed at Ysabelle, "You tell us what's going on."

Ysabelle glanced at Xylia, then recounted their conversation verbatim, "That day, after Timothy slammed the table and left, I was very angry. Xylia comforted me, saying that's just your temper. She also badmouthed Johanna, claiming it was her who ruined my wedding banquet. She also said Johanna was very disrespectful to my mother and me..."

She continued, "Xylia also told me where Johanna's studio was located. I was so infuriated by what she said that I gathered a group of people and trashed Johanna's shop in the early hours of the morning."

"You don't like Johanna either; I only said that to appease you, Ysabelle. Don't try to pin the blame on me," Xylia defended herself. "After all, you were the one who trashed Johanna's shop."

Ysabelle glared at her indignantly and argued, "If it weren't for your constant goading, how could I have done such a thing?"

Chapter 1545 How Pathetic You Are

Xylia lamented, "How could I possibly have such influence over you, to make you do whatever I suggest? We've known each other for over a decade. Don't you know what kind of person I am?"

"Of course I do-you're a two-faced scoundrel," Ysabelle said coldly. "You're quick to stab anyone who's doing better than you. Your kindness and communication were just tools to get close to me, all because Timothy is my cousin. You despise Johanna, so you constantly badmouth her in front of me, telling me about her parents, trying to make me despise her too. Because you dislike her, you're afraid that if you take things into your hands, my cousin will find out. So, you manipulated me, urging me to wreck Johanna's studio."

Xylia glanced at Timothy, her expression desperate. "Timothy, I promise you, I didn't manipulate Ysabelle into anything. She's merely afraid of you and is trying to shift the blame onto me."

"Are you implying that I'm naive compared to Ysabelle? That I'm the gullible one here?" Timothy leaned back, his smile turning sly.

His attractive eyes held a certain predatory gleam, unsettling Xylia and making the hairs on the back of her neck stand. "After all these years, you still doubt me and believe Ysabelle?"

"I didn't ask for your opinion. Just keep quiet," Timothy's expression darkened.

He retrieved his phone and played a recording, revealing the confession of Quincey's assistant regarding Xylia's involvement. The assistant had confessed to taking money from Xylia and planting the ring to frame Johanna during the recent incident at Quincey's apartment.

Timothy turned his gaze to Xylia without a hint of amusement. "You were angry with the company for offering the excellent opportunities that were originally yours to Quincey. Coupled with your animosity toward my wife, who Hugh had supported and requested to style Quincey, you decided to bribe Quincey's assistant. Like you, the assistant thought that hiding things wasn't a big deal, tempted by the additional generous reward you offered. So, when my wife visited Quincey, the assistant carried out the scheme discreetly. "You took your vengeance on both Quincey and my wife. You've played your cards well."

"I didn't do any of that." Even in the face of evidence, Xylia continued to feign innocence. "Quincey made her assistant frame me by hiding the ring due to her dislike for Ms. Joule. Quincey orchestrated the entire incident, and her assistant pinned it on me because she had a meeting with me."

"If you believe the assistant framed you, then why don't you report it to the police?" Johanna, who had kept quiet until then, spoke calmly. "Let the authorities investigate, and we'll see who's telling the truth."

Johanna's unexpected move caught Xylia off guard, causing her to clench her teeth.

At that moment, a server knocked on the door, entering with several bottles of vodka. Timothy instructed him to open the bottles and fill the row of empty glasses on the table.

Gesturing toward the drinks, Timothy commented casually, "Start drinking, and keep going until my wife decides whether to accept your apologies."

When it became clear that Timothy included both of them in the statement, Ysabelle's heart raced, and she looked at the glasses on the table apprehensively. "Timothy, Xylia used me to—"

"The shop's vandalism was at your instigation," Timothy interrupted.

Ysabelle didn't dare to object further; she grabbed a glass of vodka and downed it. The fiery liquid burned her throat like flames, causing her to wince in discomfort.

Unable to muster the courage for a second glass, she tearfully turned to Johanna and apologized, "Johanna, I was wrong. I shouldn't have orchestrated the vandalism of your shop. I'm willing to compensate you for the damages, twice over. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?"

Johanna didn't even spare her a glance, instead taking a slice of watermelon from the fruit platter and beginning to eat it.

Xylia, who had been standing by, suddenly burst into laughter. "Timothy, you're pathetic. Even if you cling to Johanna and use us as outlets for your anger, what's the point? Johanna doesn't truly love you. Would you believe she treats the stray cats on the street better than she treats you?"

Timothy tightened his grip on the glass in his hand, his veins pulsing with tension. "Shut up."

Xylia mockingly asked, "Can you contribute anything other than telling me to be quiet? Your facial expression is quite unpleasant. Would you become angry out of embarrassment if I am incorrect?"

Chapter 1546 My Wife Invited Me To Dinner

The more aggrieved Timothy appeared, the more amused Xylia grew. "Timothy, you used to trample on people's genuine emotions, and now it's your genuine emotions being trampled on."

Johanna rose from her seat and walked toward Xylia, pouring a bottle of vodka over her head.

Xylia's hair was instantly drenched, and it took her a moment to recover.

Facing the disheveled Xylia, Johanna's tone remained gentle and composed. "The happiness he sought from you during your relationship, you traded that sincerity for money. It's a fair exchange of needs."

Xylia wiped the alcohol from her eyes and smirked at Johanna. "So what? At least I didn't demean him."

"You don't have to drive a wedge between us. I understand the dynamics of my relationship with him," Johanna responded calmly to her provocation. "By next Monday, exit the entertainment industry; stop appearing by my line of sight. If you insist on staying in the entertainment industry, I assure you that you won't receive any film or endorsement offers. Feel free to test if I have that capability."

Xylia's gaze darkened, fixing Johanna with an intense stare. She was fully aware that Johanna wasn't making empty threats.

Xylia had heard that Johanna held a good standing with Genevieve, acting as the head stylist at Genevieve Orsi Productions. Even if Johanna did not seek Timothy's help, she could seek Genevieve, who also held significant influence in the entertainment realm.

Even her boss had to keep up a respectful demeanor around Genevieve.

For an actress, being unable to secure roles in movies or endorsements and disappearing from the public eye was more distressing than simply being blacklisted.

Xylia muttered under her breath, "Johanna, you're abusing your connections to settle a private matter."

"Yes, but that's because I know people in powerful positions and wealthy circles." Johanna offered a faint smile in her direction. "You can't even attempt to exploit any connections because, at the end of the day, my standing is secure in the industry."

Johanna turned her attention away from Xylia, setting the vodka bottle back on the table. "Now, leave."

Xylia clenched her teeth and departed, simmering with anger.

Johanna then turned to Ysabelle, who was standing aside, and said, "Give me your phone number. I'll calculate the damage in the store and send it to you. I'll compensate you double, as you suggested."

"Okay." Before coming here, Ysabelle had heard about Timothy's ruthlessness, so she no longer dared to provoke him.

Now, the same sentiment extended to Johanna.

After Ysabelle exchanged contact information with Johanna and exited, Timothy approached Johanna. "Jojo, don't pay attention to Xylia's nonsense. I never believed you've dismissed my sincerity."

Johanna remained silent, walking over to the couch to retrieve her bag and coat.

Outside the club, Johanna didn't rush to get into a car. "I need to grab a few things from the studio; you head to Pier 1015 and wait for me. We'll have dinner together tonight."

The prospect of a candlelit dinner with his wife instantly brightened Timothy's expression. “Jojo, let me take you to the studio."

"No need. You go ahead and make the reservation."

Without further ado, Johanna brushed off Timothy's further questions and hailed a cab from the street. As the cab disappeared from view, Timothy got into his car.

Arriving at the restaurant situated in the mansion, Timothy paid extra to have the rooftop garden exclusively booked.

Timothy's memory was sparked by the thought of a particular type of red velvet rose he found exquisite, though he struggled to recall its exact name. He swiftly messaged Quinton, urging him to locate this specific rose within the next ten minutes and ensure its delivery to the Epean restaurant.

Quinton yearned to simply ask Timothy to shoot him dead instead of having to carry out that task.

Fortunately, Timothy emphasized that expense was not a concern, prompting Quinton to swiftly mobilize his resources. He managed to track down the elusive velvet rose, hurriedly arranging for its packaging and delivery.

Satisfied with the bouquet of roses he received, Timothy quizzed Quinton about his mood. "Quinton, can you deduce my current mood?"

"Very happy," Quinton responded.

"Why do you assume that I'm in a good mood?" With some time to spare before his wife's arrival, Timothy engaged in a brief conversation with his secretary.

Quinton momentarily faltered, then ventured cautiously, "Because Ms. Joule is typically occupied, and today, she's made the unusual decision to join you for dinner. Hence, Mr. Jensen, you seem happy."

"No." Timothy raised an eyebrow. "It's because my wife invited me to dine with her. She mentioned going back to the studio to retrieve something, which undoubtedly indicates she's planning to change her outfit."

Timothy then beckoned the manager and directed him to arrange for a band to be on standby. In case his wife desired to dance during their meal, having music in the background would add to the romantic ambiance.

Just then, a server led a young woman onto the rooftop garden.

Chapter 1547 I Am Angry Because Of Your Actions

Seeing Denise arrive, Timothy was surprised. "I thought Jojo invited me to dinner alone. Did she also invite you?"

Denise looked at him, seemingly stumped.

"Since she invited you, take a seat," Timothy advised her. "After a few bites, make an excuse and leave early."

"Timothy, it wasn't Johanna who invited me here." Seeing that Timothy was still confused, Denise sighed and told him, "Johanna said she would introduce me to a boyfriend, and asked me to meet him..."

Timothy paused for a few seconds before blurting out, "Me?"

Denise shrugged. "Johanna said that the other party booked the entire rooftop garden of the Epean restaurant. You're the only guest, so who else could it be?"

Quinton, who hadn't left yet, was also shocked to hear this.

I had no idea Mrs. Jensen would do this. She invited Mr. Jensen out for dinner but actually arranged a blind date for him.

Timothy's face quickly darkened as he tamped down the desire to curse out loud. "What does she take me for?"

The man's anger was palpable as he forcefully threw the bundle of velvet roses at Quinton's feet. The delicate petals scattered all over the floor, startling Quinton to the point that he held his breath.

Quinton didn't dare to stick around and watch the commotion. He swiftly left with the restaurant manager.

Denise waited until Timothy had calmed down before she quietly grumble, "Can't you two find someone else to help you both? Previously, I helped Johanna to hook you, now you arranged for me to monitor her in her studio, and now, Johanna is pushing me toward you again..."

She acutely sensed the man's aura growing colder and didn't dare to make any more sarcastic remarks.

Initially, Timothy only mentioned that he was not getting along well with Johanna and asked for her help to keep an eye on Johanna. She had an interest in fashion design and agreed to help.

The move Johanna pulled tonight left her completely dumbfounded.

Timothy stared silently at the ground for a while. He then stood up from his chair. "If you haven't eaten yet, eat here before you go. I'll leave first." He sounded tired.

Denise watched as he left. She wanted to send a message to Johanna, but she felt it wasn't right for her to interfere in their affairs.

In the end, she put down her phone.

After dropping Denise off at the Epean restaurant, Johanna drove home. She went to her study to catch up on some work. Around nine o'clock, she video-called Asel.

During the video call, Asel's round eyes kept glancing behind her.

Johanna asked her with a smile, "Sweetheart, what are you looking for?"

"Looking for Daddy," Asel answered in her sweet, childish voice. "Daddy hasn't come back yet. He told me before that if he is still out there late, he must be with you, Mommy."

Johanna guessed that Timothy and Denise must have finished their dinner by now. They might be watching a movie or perhaps enjoying the evening breeze by the lake.

Asel curiously asked, "Mommy, will Daddy spend the night with you?"

"Your daddy isn't with me. He's busy with important matters," Johanna said softly, seamlessly changing the subject. "Would you like me to read you a bedtime story?"

"Ah! I love listening to stories!"

Asel might have played quite hard today, for she fell asleep on the pillow while Johanna was only halfway through the bedtime story.

She had just ended the video call when Timothy's call came through.

After Johanna answered his call, he didn't speak. On the other end, Timothy also remained silent. The two of them stayed quiet for a long time.

In the end, it was Timothy who broke the silence. "Jojo, if you want to live separately, I agree, and I can wait for you. However, you've gone too far. Why are you pushing other women toward me? Yes, I once had feelings for Dakota. So? Does that mean I should be interested in her sister? During this period, I've been trying hard to find ways to cheer you up, to help you become better, but it seems like nothing I do can make you change your mind."

Timothy paused for a moment before he continued softly, "I didn't call to grumble. I'm angry because of your actions. I won't bother you for a while. We'll talk when I've cooled down."

After he finished speaking, he ended the call abruptly. Johanna stared at her phone, her lips pressed tightly together.

Chapter 1548 Recognizing His Sacrifice

In the morning, Genevieve washed up and came downstairs to find Armand sitting in the living room like a wooden doll. One of the children was applying eyeshadow on his eyes, while the other was painting his left fingernails.

"Daddy, you still can't open your eyes."

"Mm."

Genevieve couldn't help but laugh when she saw a ribbon pinned onto the man's short hair. "What are you doing?"

"Mommy, we're doing Daddy's makeup." Amanda got all excited when she saw Genevieve. "Does the eyeshadow I put on Daddy look good? Has Daddy become cuter?"

Genevieve held back a laugh and complimented earnestly, "Yes, Daddy has become much cuter."

Armand gave her a helpless glance.

"Come here, Asel. Let me give you a hug." Genevieve adored seeing the adorable Asel. She held her close and gave her a kiss. "Where's your daddy?"

Asel secretly told her, "Daddy has gone to sleep with Mommy."

Genevieve sighed.

Seeing that it was already eight o'clock and the two children had to go to school soon, Genevieve told them to continue playing after school. The two little ones obediently went to wash their hands and eat their breakfast.

Seeing the man about to remove the ribbon from his hair, Genevieve stopped him. "Wait a moment, Mando. Let me take a picture."

After the photo was taken, Genevieve said with a smile, "I see it now."

"What did you notice?" Armand asked her.

"I can see how great you are, playing the doting father and future father-in-law, sacrificing your dignity just to make your daughter and future daughter-in-law happy," said Genevieve, laughing uncontrollably at the sight of his purple eyeshadow.

Feigning annoyance, Armand pulled her into his arms and gave her a firm kiss. "Stop laughing. Hurry, help me remove my makeup."

The makeup toys for children are made with harmless pigments, devoid of any chemical components. They could be easily cleaned with a wet wipe.

As she removed the eyeshadow from Armand's eyes, she couldn't help but laugh. "I bet your daughter bought this kid's makeup to either mess with you or Luc. Luc was quick to escape, but can you find an excuse to slip away? Will you buy her whatever she wants next time?" Genevieve looked at the man.

Armand peeled off the peelable nail polish from his fingernails and expressed helplessly, "I only have this one daughter. If she wants the stars in the sky, I'd have to pluck them down for her."

"What if your wife wants the stars in the sky?"

"Am I not more useful than the stars?" Armand rubbed her chin. "Wishing upon a star may not necessarily come true, but a wish made to me will definitely be fulfilled."

"Go ahead and brag." Genevieve chuckled. "Why don't you give them a call and invite the couple over for breakfast?"

"Whot did you notice?" Armond osked her.

"I con see how great you ore, ploying the doting fother ond future fother-in-low, socrificing your dignity just to moke your doughter ond future doughter-in-low hoppy," soid Genevieve, loughing uncontrollobly ot the sight of his purple eyeshodow.

Feigning onnoyonce, Armond pulled her into his orms ond gove her o firm kiss. "Stop loughing. Hurry, help me remove my mokeup."

The mokeup toys for children ore mode with hormless pigments, devoid of ony chemicol components. They could be eosily cleoned with o wet wipe.

As she removed the eyeshodow from Armond's eyes, she couldn't help but lough. "I bet your doughter bought this kid's mokeup to either mess with you or Luc. Luc wos quick to escope, but con you find on excuse to slip owoy? Will you buy her whotever she wonts next time?" Genevieve looked ot the mon.

Armond peeled off the peeloble noil polish from his fingernoils ond expressed helplessly, "I only hove this one doughter. If she wonts the stors in the sky, I'd hove to pluck them down for her."

"Whot if your wife wonts the stors in the sky?"

"Am I not more useful thon the stors?" Armond rubbed her chin. "Wishing upon o stor moy not necessorily come true, but o wish mode to me will definitely be fulfilled."

"Go oheod ond brog." Genevieve chuckled. "Why don't you give them o coll ond invite the couple over for breokfost?"

Armand removed the ribbon pin from his hair and said, "Timothy is not in Johanna's apartment. He left the country by plane last night. I went to the mansion this morning to pick up Asel."

"Does the company need him to go on a business trip?" Genevieve asked curiously.

"No, he had a disagreement with Johanna."

This time, Timothy was hurt by Johanna's harsh words. He sent a message to Armand, asking him to take Asel to Swallow Garden to take care of the latter for a few days before taking his private plane to leave the country.

After learning the reason for the dispute between the two from Armand, Genevieve also felt that Johanna was a bit too harsh.

Ever since Johanna moved out and started living separately from Timothy, all the efforts Timothy made to win Johanna back were clear to them both.

Genevieve said, "Even if Jojo wants to discourage Timothy, introducing him to Denise as a girlfriend is not the right move."

Many years ago, Dakota died to save Timothy, a fact that had haunted Timothy for many years.

Seeing Johanna's actions, Timothy interpreted it as Johanna thinking he still held feelings for Dakota. Therefore, she pushed Denise toward him, trying to play matchmaker.

Perhaps she also thought that it was better to let Denise be Asel's stepmother.

Chapter 1549 Had He Gone To Keep Her Company

Genevieve always held a grudge against Timothy and didn't miss a chance to be less than polite with him. But this time, she genuinely felt bad for Timothy. "Jojo's issue lies with that child. It needs to be resolved."

Armand understood this too. "She was sent abroad for education by her mother even before she came of age. She lacked love and care."

It was because of her mother's coldness that Johanna had a mindset that if she had a child, she would love them dearly. But if the two parents weren't deeply in love and mature enough, she'd rather not have a child at all.

She loved Timothy so much, so how could she accept the idea of a child who was the product of another man?

Genevieve spoke softly to Armand, "Anyway, you're the only one who knows where that child is. To us, she has already passed on with Zephyr. I hope Jojo will one day overcome this painful incident."

"Of course." Armand nodded in understanding.

Following breakfast, Armand dropped the kids off at school while Genevieve made her way to the company.

When Camilla brought some documents to Genevieve's office, she whispered conspiratorially, "Ms. Rachford, can you confirm if Lottie is pregnant and went abroad to give birth? Did Jerry accompany her?"

Genevieve raised an intrigued eyebrow at Camilla. "Why would you think that?”

Camilla playfully pointed at her eyes and adopted a cheeky tone. "My observational skills are on point. I've been sensing something between Lottie and Jerry for a while now. Now that they're both mysteriously absent from the office, and there are no work-related trips, I find it hard to believe they're not together."

"Ms. Rachford, please share the scoop with me." Denied her usual dose of office gossip, Camilla seemed quite restless. "I promise I won't spread it around."

Genevieve let out a small sigh. "Honestly, I'm not sure. There's nothing much to share. But Charlotte did message me earlier, mentioning that she's taking an extended leave. I've got my hands full as it is. Do take over the management of Scarlette."

"Really? Thanks, Ms. Rachford." Scarlette, being one of the most lucrative female artists in the company, would be a surefire investment.

With that, Camilla left Genevieve's office, no longer curious about the gossip and with her spirits uplifted.

Genevieve continued her work until around eleven o'clock. She messaged Johanna to inform her of their lunch plans and then headed out to meet her. As she was leaving her office, she encountered a tall figure.

It was the secretary that Faye recently hired, Wrenna Xilas.

Wrenna, a former model, possessed a tall and statuesque figure. Her mixed-race features had a touch of androgyny, and her dressing style exuded both allure and comfort.

"Ms. Rachford, are you going out?" Wrenna noticed Genevieve's coat and bag. "Should I get the car ready for you?"

"No, there's no need. I'm meeting a friend for lunch," Genevieve replied.

"Understood."

As Genevieve passed by Wrenna, she had a fleeting sensation that Wrenna's gaze lingered on her. However, when she glanced back, Wrenna had already entered the office.

It was probably just her imagination.

"Ms. Rochford, pleose shore the scoop with me." Denied her usuol dose of office gossip, Comillo seemed quite restless. "I promise I won't spreod it oround."

Genevieve let out o smoll sigh. "Honestly, I'm not sure. There's nothing much to shore. But Chorlotte did messoge me eorlier, mentioning thot she's toking on extended leove. I've got my honds full os it is. Do toke over the monogement of Scorlette."

"Reolly? Thonks, Ms. Rochford." Scorlette, being one of the most lucrotive femole ortists in the compony, would be o surefire investment.

With thot, Comillo left Genevieve's office, no longer curious obout the gossip ond with her spirits uplifted.

Genevieve continued her work until oround eleven o'clock. She messoged Johonno to inform her of their lunch plons ond then heoded out to meet her. As she wos leoving her office, she encountered o toll figure.

It was the secretory thot Foye recently hired, Wrenno Xilos.

Wrenno, o former model, possessed o toll ond stotuesque figure. Her mixed-roce feotures hod o touch of ondrogyny, ond her dressing style exuded both ollure ond comfort.

"Ms. Rochford, ore you going out?" Wrenno noticed Genevieve's coot ond bog. "Should I get the cor reody for you?"

"No, there's no need. I'm meeting o friend for lunch," Genevieve replied.

"Understood."

As Genevieve possed by Wrenno, she hod o fleeting sensotion thot Wrenno's goze lingered on her. However, when she glonced bock, Wrenno hod olreody entered the office.

It wos probobly just her imoginotion.

Having a hankering for barbecue, Genevieve picked up Johanna from Nightingale Studio, and they headed to a renowned barbecue restaurant. Seated by the window, they indulged in conversation while savoring their meal.

After taking a bite of grilled meat wrapped in lettuce, Genevieve turned to Johanna and inquired, "Have any of Mr. Cabot's artists been causing you trouble?"

"Mr. Cabot had me handle the styling for his artist as a favor, given his support for my studio. However, his artist gained weight and insisted on wearing a modified dress, causing a scene on the runway that ended up making headlines," Johanna elaborated.

Genevieve's response was firm. "No wonder his company had to take to social media to clarify that it wasn't your fault. If he ever mistreats you, I won't collaborate with his company again."

Johanna chuckled and placed a few pieces of cooked meat onto Genevieve's plate. "I've completed Yvonne's dress. You can take it to her for a fitting. If any adjustments are needed, I'll make them."

"Would you like to accompany Yvonne to the Broburgh Film Festival? It's quite a lively event," Genevieve inquired.

"I'll let Denise handle her makeup," Johanna replied. "Asel is interested in going to the hot springs. Maybe on our next free weekend, I'll take them there."

Genevieve leaned her chin on her hand and regarded Johanna thoughtfully. "Why are you making such an effort to bond with Asel? Are you concerned that once she has a stepmother, you won't have the chance to spend time with her?"

Chapter 1550 Do Not Trap Yourself Again

"Armand told you?" Johanna responded, immediately thinking that Timothy must have gone to complain to Armand after their recent night out.

Genevieve nodded. "But this time, Timothy didn't go out for drinks; he went abroad. You two are still legally married-not divorced yet. And you suddenly introduced him to a potential girlfriend, who also happened to be his first love's little sister. If I were him, I would've been angry too."

"Denise is a kind person," Johanna said, her gaze fixed on the grill as she deftly turned the pieces of meat with tongs. "And as for Timothy and me, divorce is always an option."

"Is divorce truly what you want?" Genevieve inquired.

"It seems like the best choice."

Observing Johanna's composed demeanor, Genevieve continued speaking. "Despite Timothy's mistakes, he's putting forth genuine efforts to make amends. We all can see the depth of his feelings for you.”

Johanna pursed her lips and quietly placed a piece of grilled meat onto Genevieve's plate.

As they continued their meal, Genevieve maintained the conversation. "There's news circulating from Frank's side, suggesting that the batch of gold was in Zephyr's possession. Many eyes were on him. A few days ago, I had a conversation with Frank. He informed me that Zephyr's private plane disappeared while en route to Norham last year. No wreckage was found, but both he and the child perished..."

Ever since Johanna snapped back to reality, she deliberately refrained from discussing matters like these with Genevieve and the others. Likewise, they avoided bringing up the topic in her presence.

She had hoped for Zephyr's demise on numerous occasions, and it had eventually happened.

"Jojo, the person who's causing you such turmoil is no longer part of this world," Genevieve softly conveyed. "Don't keep yourself trapped in this pain. Timothy needs you, and so does Asel."

Following a prolonged silence, Johanna softly responded with a simple "Mm."

Genevieve couldn't determine whether Johanna had taken her words to heart, but she understood that this wound was deeply ingrained and wouldn't heal easily.

Upon finishing their barbecue meal, Genevieve dropped Johanna off at her studio. As her car departed, another visitor approached Johanna.

"Ms. Joule."

Recognizing the newcomer as Waylon, the chief editor of Mode whom she had met at Ysabelle's wedding, Johanna greeted him warmly and invited him to sit in the guest area.

Waylon took a sip of tea and praised, "This Darjeeling tea has a wonderful flavor. Ms. Joule is a tea drinker, I see."

"I don't drink tea too often," Johanna said with a smile. "This Darjeeling tea was actually a gift from a friend. There's quite a bit, so I brought a couple of tins here to the studio."

"Interestingly, I brought a tin of tea as a present for you to sample," Waylon mentioned, handing over the gift he had brought.

Johanna looked at the elegantly packaged tin, presumably from a well-known tea brand. She graciously accepted it while expressing her gratitude. "Did you have something specific to discuss with me, Mr. Saafield?"

Waylon nodded and gestured toward the tea box. "Indeed, Ms. Joule. The owner of this tea brand is a friend of mine. There's a tea fair scheduled in Baykeep on the twenty-fifth of this month. He wants to debut his tea brand there and needs a spokesperson to enhance its visibility. He's already selected a spokesperson, and he's hoping that you can design an outfit for the brand. This outfit will be worn by the spokesperson during an advertisement shoot after the tea fair."

Following o prolonged silence, Johonno softly responded with o simple "Mm."

Genevieve couldn't determine whether Johonno hod token her words to heort, but she understood thot this wound wos deeply ingroined ond wouldn't heol eosily.

Upon finishing their borbecue meol, Genevieve dropped Johonno off ot her studio. As her cor deported, onother visitor opprooched Johonno.

"Ms. Joule."

Recognizing the newcomer os Woylon, the chief editor of Mode whom she hod met ot Ysobelle's wedding, Johonno greeted him wormly ond invited him to sit in the guest oreo.

Woylon took o sip of teo ond proised, "This Dorjeeling teo hos o wonderful flovor. Ms. Joule is o teo drinker, I see."

"I don't drink teo too often," Johonno soid with o smile. "This Dorjeeling teo wos octuolly o gift from o friend. There's quite o bit, so I brought o couple of tins here to the studio."

"Interestingly, I brought o tin of teo os o present for you to somple," Woylon mentioned, honding over the gift he hod brought.

Johonno looked ot the elegontly pockoged tin, presumobly from o well-known teo brond. She grociously occepted it while expressing her grotitude. "Did you hove something specific to discuss with me, Mr. Soofield?"

Woylon nodded ond gestured toword the teo box. "Indeed, Ms. Joule. The owner of this teo brond is o friend of mine. There's o teo foir scheduled in Boykeep on the twenty-fifth of this month. He wonts to debut his teo brond there ond needs o spokesperson to enhonce its visibility. He's olreody selected o spokesperson, ond he's hoping thot you con design on outfit for the brond. This outfit will be worn by the spokesperson during on odvertisement shoot ofter the teo foir."

Johanna caught onto Waylon's intention.

She glanced at her schedule and hesitated before responding, "Mr. Saafield, modifying clothes could be manageable, but creating an entirely new outfit is quite a task, especially considering the limited time before the tea fair."

Even if Johanna was gifted in fashion design, creating a satisfactory set of clothes for her client within a short amount of time was no easy task.

Waylon, however, was full of praise for Johanna's capabilities. "I have complete faith in you, the design prodigy. I believe you can accomplish this, and we won't meddle with your creative process."

Before Johanna could respond, he added, "And just to sweeten the deal, Ms. Joule, feel free to name your price for this project."

"Since we've yet to decide on the individual to appear on the cover, I can assure you that Yvonne will be a strong candidate for our April cover feature. This is quite a deviation from our usual selections, but we are willing to offer the cover to her. We'll also arrange an in-depth interview and spread with Scarlette."

With Waylon going the extra mile, it was hard for Johanna to decline this task. She playfully remarked, "With Mr. Saafield's enthusiasm, can I really turn down this challenge?"

The magazine, Mode, typically featured high-profile actresses on its covers. While Yvonne may not have the same level of recognition, Waylon's decision to grant her the April cover would significantly boost her visibility.

Additionally, Yvonne would be the first actress from Genevieve Orsi Productions to grace the cover of Mode, indirectly contributing to the company's fashion endeavors.

For the sake of Genevieve's two-billion goal, Johanna made up her mind to take on this demanding project.