Ch. 181..190

Chapter 181 Lydia’s Appointment

Although the situation was quite comical, there were still some things which had to be clarified in the end.

The Gardner Corporation was a huge business, and Colton’s father only had a son and a daughter. As Colton was the head of the Gardner Family, if Hayden was thought to be his son, he would become the next in line to succeed, then.

However, this was not true, and if someone else found out at that time, they would say that Nicole was plotting to acquire the properties of the Gardner Family, and there was no way she could take on such a huge accusation.

She sighed since she couldn’t do anything about it and when she thought of her son, who had left with someone else without a care after eating halfway, she really had the urge to drag him back and give him a beating. I merely looked away for a second, and this rascal already went ahead and acknowledged somebody else as his father and grandmother.

“Sorry to trouble you, then, President Gardner.” All she could feel now was her throbbing head.

A smirking Colton said casually, “My mother likes children, so you don’t have to worry about Hayden when she’s with him.”

Nicole gave him a helpless nod; since Hayden had already left with Anna, she could only check up on him in the evening. All of a sudden, Nicole remembered about her appointment with Lydia in the afternoon and jerked her head toward Colton to ask, “What time are we going over tonight?”

“Around dinner time. I suppose there are some things to clarify,” Colton answered. After seeing how unconvinced Anna was earlier, he reckoned that they would have a lot of explaining to do, and they could do it properly over dinner.

On the other hand, Nicole looked a little hesitant. Dinner at the Gardner Residence? It somehow doesn’t seem so appropriate.

Pursing her lips, she held back her thought and nodded in agreement instead. “Okay.”

Nicole left Colton’s house at 3:00PM and drove at her own pace to the coffee house where she agreed to meet Lydia at.

It was already 3:40PM by the time Nicole arrived and she caught sight of Lydia sitting by the window when she paced over slowly.

“Sorry, I was on my phone for too long at home and almost forgot about this meeting.” Even though Nicole was apologizing, she didn’t look apologetic at all.

After pulling out a chair and taking a seat, she leaned back and looked at Lydia seated across her while uttering, “Tell me what’s up. I have something else to do later.”

Lydia wore a pleasing smile. After all, Nicole still held the evidence in her hands, so she could only speak humbly. “I saw the news yesterday that Daniella took the sleeping pills because she wanted to threaten you with suicide. Now that the misunderstanding has been cleared up, I plan to ask William to take back his words of severing ties with you so that you can return to the Anderson Family.”

Raising her brows, Nicole lifted her cup of coffee and took a small sip. With a sparkle in her eyes, she asked, “Why do you think I would want to return to the Anderson Family? What can the Anderson Family give me?”

Stumped, Lydia knew that she had a point. With Nicole’s current position, it was the Andersons who needed her more. She chuckled awkwardly as she continued unabashedly, “We’re a family after all, and you’ve been outside by yourself for such a long time without anyone to lean on. You’ll need a home at the end.”

“I do need a home, but not when it’s filled with people like you guys.” Nicole sneered.

Lydia was powerless against how stubborn Nicole was being, but her purpose today was not to sincerely invite her home; it was to find out whether there was any video recording in Nicole’s hands!

“In the beginning, your father and I have misunderstood you, but things have been cleared up now. So, don’t be mad anymore,” she said nicely.

However, Nicole knew very well what Lydia’s purpose was today, and she didn’t want to beat around the bush with the woman. “Just get straight to the point. I’m swamped.”

Seeing that she was getting impatient, Lydia hurriedly responded, “It’s nothing. I just want to ask whether the recording on the Internet is genuine.”

A smirk tinged the edges of Nicole’s lips, and she fixed her gaze on Lydia as she asked, “What do you think?”

 

Chapter 182 Cut the Pretense

Seeing the smirk on Nicole’s face, Lydia felt her heart fall. Is there really a video recording? Then, she forced out a smile. “That’s good if it’s real. Too many things have happened in the past couple of days, and I’m worried that it will do you bad if this recording was fake.”

Relaxing her brows, Nicole thought, Don’t think that I don’t know what you’re up to. “President Gardner was the one who gave it to me. Of course it’s real.”

The expression on Lydia’s face changed, and she looked really uneasy. Opening her mouth, she uttered the words in disbelief, “Colton Gardner?”

“Yes, who else can it be?” Just as Nicole wished, she saw that Lydia’s face had turned sullen.

Lydia held her fists tightly. I didn’t expect that Colton could actually have something like this, she thought, but let out a sigh of relief at the same time. If it’s Colton, he would have exposed it long ago if this voice recording was also a video recording. But since there’s nothing else going on, it shows that this is purely a voice recording.

“That’s good as well. For Queenie’s sake, President Gardner will help you to investigate this matter thoroughly,” Lydia said, trying to convince herself as well as others.

With a grin hanging on her face, Nicole cast her a glance and took a sip of coffee in amusement. After that, she said in sarcasm, “Well, since when does Queenie have such a huge influence?”

Chuckling, Lydia said relentlessly, “Queenie is President Gardner’s fiancée, and he has to help you out since you’re her elder sister.”

Nicole clicked her tongue as she placed back her cup and stirred her coffee a couple of times with the spoon, staring down at the steam fuming from her coffee.

“If President Gardner was doing it for Queenie’s sake, he wouldn’t have given me this recording at all.”

The muscles on Lydia’s face froze, and she acted dumb to what Nicole was hinting at as she said, “It’s good that things have been cleared up and your innocence is proven. Daniella did this to herself, and we can’t blame anyone for it.”

“You can’t put it that way. If nobody came up with this plan in the background, Daniella wouldn’t have ended up dead.”

With the smirk still on her face, Nicole had a tinge of amusement flash across her eyes as she watched the woman in front of her steadily.

On the other hand, Lydia could only feign ignorance. “Yeah, the person in the background is so evil!”

Nicole took a peek at the time. Later, she had to go with Colton to his house and bring that rascal back. Thus, she didn’t have so much time to beat around the bush with Lydia here.

“Yeah. If this is all you wanted to talk about, then we’re done now. I have to go to the Gardner Residence with Colton later. I’m leaving.”

Her words made Lydia doubt if she had heard her correctly, and she jerked her head up, staring at her unblinking. “Colton? The Gardner Residence?”

Annoying Lydia was exactly what Nicole wanted, and she had intentionally called Colton directly by his name to make her seem more intimate with him.

Nodding, she said leisurely, “Yeah, I’m going there for dinner. What’s up? Would you like to join as well, madam?”

Despite Lydia’s efforts to suppress her anger, there was a layer of fury in her eyes, and she slammed the table, hissing through a tightened jaw, “Colton Gardner is your sister’s fiancé! How can you be so shameless?”

“Shouldn’t you be asking Colton this question? What’s the point of yelling at me?” Nicole said with a giggle, and there was no sign of anxiety on her delicately dolled-up face. Standing up, she lowered her head and straightened her clothes before she swept her eyes over Lydia, who was hopping mad. The exhilaration in her heart doubled, and she continued speaking with her red lips. “Lydia, keep your daughter in check. The police are still investigating the recording, so you’d better make sure she hides her tracks well. Otherwise, if anything turns up from the investigations, she’ll be the one put behind bars,” she said in indifference.

Instantly, Lydia sprang to her feet as well and met her eyes, barking, “Don’t spout nonsense here. Even if you have a recording, it has nothing to do with Queenie at all!”

“Aren’t you here today to find out about this recording from me? Cut your pretense because there’s no need for that between us. So, you can keep away your disgusting face.” After saying that, Nicole didn’t want to hang around any longer as she turned around and left directly.

Chapter 183 Gardner Residence

Lydia was enraged as she watched Nicole leave. Her palms were tightly clenched, her face solemn, and she looked like she was on the verge of bursting her vessels.

Nicole was right; Lydia was indeed here to learn more about the results of the recording. However, she did not expect that Colton had allowed Nicole to stay in his house and even brought her along with him to the Gardner Residence!

Queenie and Colton had been together for the past five years, but her visits to Gardner Residence were so infrequent that her fingers were enough to count her visits, let alone following Colton back for dinner. That had never happened to Queenie before.

Why can Nicole do so?

The Anderson Family now relied on the relationship between Queenie and Colton for their living. If Colton decides to end that relationship, Lydia couldn’t imagine what would happen to the Anderson Family…

As Lydia thought of these, her face became paler.

No. Absolutely no! Lydia thought. She would never allow the slut, Nicole, to destroy the Anderson Family!

…

Meanwhile, Nicole got into her car immediately after leaving the restaurant. She then lay on the seat with her eyes closed and an indifferent smile on her face.

The only thing that could get Lydia to call her and talk to her nicely was the recording. Lydia was probably afraid that the recording had been edited from the video and she was trying to find out more.

Well, she had already warned Lydia. If the mother-daughter duo continued to annoy Nicole, they shouldn’t blame her for what she would do.

Nicole stepped on the accelerator and headed to her intended destination after calming herself down.

The first place she went was Colton’s house. When she arrived, Whitney immediately went up to Nicole as she knew that Nicole had confronted Lydia earlier.

“How was it, Nicole? Have you dealt with her?

Nicole couldn’t help but laugh when she saw Whitney looking at her with interest. “Have you ever seen me being taken advantage of?” Nicole asked, while tapping Whitney’s head.

Hearing Nicole’s reply, Whitney laughed too. Then, she suddenly thought of something and asked, “Oh right, Nicole, are you really going over tonight?”

Nicole nodded and helplessly answered, “I have to. I can’t possibly abandon that rascal.”

Colton entered the room from outside as soon as she finished her words. After a brief glance at Nicole, he appeared to be surprised.

He thought she looked a little different today. She looked mature and elegant in a fitting dark blue dress, a neatly tied bun, and a pair of high heels.

“Are you done tidying up?” he asked nonchalantly.

She retracted her gaze and nodded. “It’s almost time. Shall we go now?”

Colton nodded in response to her question, after which he cast a glance at Whitney.

Whitney immediately sensed what he meant. “Nicole and President Gardner, you both better get going. I’ve a date later, so I won’t be joining.”

She ended her sentence with what appeared to be an awkward laughter.

Looking at Whitney’s mindless manner, Nicole didn’t feel like entertaining her any longer, and thus, she left the house right away.

She took Colton’s car, and after a short drive, they arrived at Gardner Residence.

Seeing that the door was wide opened, Colton parked his car directly at the front door.

Upon entering the house, Nicole heard voices of laughter and joking. As she approached nearer, the voices became clearer, and she realized that they belonged to Anna and Wendy.

At the same time, Nicole saw that Hayden was sitting in Benjamin’s arms. Though Benjamin appeared to be stern, his face revealed how much he pampered Hayden.

Furthermore, Hayden was also a sweet-talker who pleased everyone he met wherever he went. When Nicole walked in, he was complimenting Anna with his sweet voice.

“Grandma, you look so young. I’ll always see other people’s grandmothers as old, but you look as young as my mom.”

When she heard what he said, Anna was so happy that she couldn’t stop laughing.

Nicole, on the other hand, was speechless. This child really knows how to sweet-talk, she thought.

Benjamin was the first to notice both Colton and Nicole. With his arms wrapped around Hayden’s waist, he fixed his gaze on both of them and said, “You’re back.”

Colton nodded and replied, “Yes.”

“Hayden,” Nicole called out to her son in Benjamin’s arms.

It had only been a few hours since she had left him here, but this child seemed to be close to the entire family now.

Hearing her voice, Hayden turned around and smiled happily upon seeing Nicole. “Mom!”

 

Chapter 184 The Gardner Family Acknowledged Their Grandson

When Hayden called out for his mom, the entire Gardner Family turned their attention to Nicole.

Nicole was uneasy being the center of attention, but she remained calm and gave a casual smile.

Hayden is in Benjamin’s arms, she thought. I can’t possibly take him away just like that. Hence, she merely stood there in silence.

At the same time, Benjamin was curiously looking at her. He took a few more glances at her before saying, “You’re the Chief Designer of F&M Apparel, Lisa. I’ve heard about you. I’ve also heard about the plagiarism issue which happened a few days ago. Well, with your boldness, you’re qualified to be the daughter-in-law of the Gardner Family.”

Hearing that, Nicole couldn’t say a word of what she wanted to say—the words she had been deliberating on for the entire afternoon. She wasn’t expecting Benjamin to be so forthright.

Colton, too, was surprised that his astute father would accept Nicole so quickly.

Just when Nicole was about to say something, Anna immediately said with a smile, “That’s right. I misunderstood Nicole on the plagiarism issue. Since everything is clear now, I should apologize to her.”

Immediately after finishing her words, she stood up and gave Colton a look of reproach.

“You’re really good at keeping secrets. Hayden is already four years old; why are you not bringing him back to the Gardner Family?”

Colton was rendered speechless. He thought the same thing too—that Hayden was his son, as Hayden looked exactly as him—until he did the DNA test.

“Mom, can you calm down?” After a moment of hesitation, Colton opened his mouth.

Anna seemed to be overly excited.

Wendy, who was standing beside, pouted her mouth and said, “Colton, you didn’t even tell me that you’ve a son. That’s not right of you. Hayden is just too cute.”

She absolutely loved Hayden, who looked just like a mini Colton.

Not to mention that this child was such a sweet-talker, pleasing everyone with his words.

“He’s not my son,” Colton explained nonchalantly.

Wendy glared at him right after his words. “Colton, you cannot be a scumbag who dumps women like it’s a game!”

Benjamin’s expression also turned grim after he heard what Colton said. He immediately stared at Colton with sharp eyes.

“How did I educate you all this while? The child is so big now and you still refuse to acknowledge him?”

Anna immediately calmed him down by saying, “Perhaps they have their own thoughts on this matter. We should give them some time to talk things over since they have been apart for so long.”

Looking at the situation, Nicole sensed that something was wrong, and hence, she immediately explained, “Mrs. and Mr. Gardner, Hayden is indeed not Colton’s son. There’s nothing between Colton and me.”

Colton was indeed a good catch, but he was way out of Nicole’s league.

However, Anna did not treat what she said seriously. She merely gave Nicole a pat on her shoulder, and while having a kind smile, she said, “I understand, Nicole. No worries.”

“Mrs. Gardner, I’m not kidding. Hayden is really not Colton’s child. I didn’t even know Colton five years ago,” Nicole said anxiously. I’ve already said so, and the Gardner Family can’t possibly acknowledge this child as their grandson as they like, she thought.

Wendy couldn’t stand all the fuss any longer. Thus, she took a photo album from the table and handed it over to Nicole.

Pointing at one of the photos, she said, “Nicole, look. This is Colton when he was a child. And look at Hayden. Don’t they look the same?”

Nicole looked at where Wendy was pointing at, and to her surprise, Hayden was indeed a spitting image of Colton when he was a child.

Could this be a coincidence? Nicole doubted.

However, Colton had one DNA test done previously, and another after Joseph’s matter, and both results indicated that Colton and Hayden were not father and son.

 

Chapter 185 Denial

Although she was stunned by what she saw, Nicole insisted on explaining, “Mrs. and Mr. Gardner, President Gardner is really not Hayden’s father. We have done the DNA paternity test on this, and you can verify with President Gardner as well.”

“She’s right.” Colton, who was standing beside, nodded in agreement.

Anna’s smile froze. She knew that Colton wouldn’t deceive them on this, but Hayden really resembled Colton, and thus, she was unwilling to believe what she had heard.

Benjamin was the first to regain his senses. “Let’s have our meal first. Other things can be discussed later,” he said, with his face solemn.

Despite Nicole’s assertion that Hayden was not Colton’s child, Anna refused to let go of the boy and carried him all the way to the dining table by herself.

Seeing this, Nicole sighed. She wondered what this little child had done to captivate the entire family despite what she had said.

Meanwhile, Wendy had enough of the silence and awkwardness, after which she said with a sidelong glance at Nicole, “Although my brother is a bit indifferent, he’s attractive, wealthy, and has no luck with women. He’s a good life partner.”

It appeared to Nicole that they still didn’t believe what she said. Hence, she brought up Queenie and hoped that the mention of Queenie would end their speculations. Smiling casually, she said, “Even though I no longer consider the Anderson Family as mine, Queenie is still my half-sister and I can’t shamelessly come between her engagement to Colton. That’s just not right.”

“Colton, tell me. Did you decide to marry Queenie because of Nicole?” Anna asked while looking at Colton sternly.

In fact, when she had learned of their intended marriage, she found it strange. If it wasn’t for the fact that he had let Nicole down, why would he want to marry Queenie, who had nothing?

Colton stayed away from women for many years, and suddenly announced that he had a fiancée out of the blue. For a long time, Anna was perplexed by his decision, but he refused to explain anything.

He refused to discuss what had happened five years ago. That night, he was unknowingly drugged and Queenie saved him by chance. That was what prompted him to marry Queenie.

“No, Mom. You’re overthinking,” he answered nonchalantly.

Due to what transpired earlier, the ambience at the dining table was awkward.

Seeing this, Wendy attempted to improve the situation by changing the subject of their conversation. “Mom. I’ll be eighteen soon! Despite what previously happened to the design sketch, the clothes designed by Nicole really look fantastic.”

Anna followed up on what Wendy said and stopped deliberating on Hayden’s parentage.

“Yes, Nicole, I had previously misunderstood you. Wendy will be eighteen in two weeks, and she really adores your designs. Can you design another for her?”

With a smile, Nicole nodded. “It’s my honor. Miss Gardner, you can tell me your requirements later, and I’ll rush the first sketch as fast as I can.”

“Thank you, Nicole.” When she learned that Nicole was willing to design for her, Wendy smiled.

The entire atmosphere at the dining table improved greatly due to the change in topic.

“Colton, do take some time off from the company’s matters to plan Wendy’s birthday banquet,” Anna said earnestly.

“Sure,” Colton nodded and answered.

Throughout the entire meal, Nicole felt awkward as it was her first time eating with the elders of the Gardner Family and thus, she only ate a small amount.

Hayden, on the other hand, was completely at ease as he devoured all of the delicious food available. Anna doted on him, constantly filling his bowl and hoaxing him, despite knowing he was not Colton’s son.

After the meal, Nicole stayed for some perfunctory conversations before she left with Colton, with Hayden in her arms.

 

Chapter 186 Don’t Simply Take Anyone as Your Relatives

After leaving the Gardner Family’s residence, Hayden stayed in Nicole’s arms and with his soft voice, he called her, “Mom…”

Nicole stared at him with a stern face. “How can you just follow a stranger? You never know what people will do to you.”

Hayden answered softly, “That won’t happen. She’s the mother of Mr. Handsome and my grandma. She treats me well.”

She was speechless by what he said. “Don’t simply take anyone as your relative,” she warned him while pinching his cheeks.

After hearing what she said, he felt wronged. He immediately looked at Colton with his arms spread out and said, “Mr. Handsome, carry me. Mom is always bullying me.”

Nicole couldn’t help but give him a slap on his backside upon seeing his mischievous manner. “Stop playing around.”

Earlier, she had felt so awkward before the Gardners all because Hayden simply addressed them as his family.

Colton was beside her all this time, so he heard everything that transpired between them. Suppressing his laughter, he said hoarsely, “My mom likes children. Furthermore, Hayden really looks like me when I was a child, so it’s inevitable for her to misunderstand the situation. Sorry for causing trouble for you.”

When she heard his sincere apology, Nicole quickly replied, “No, it’s not your fault. It’s also because of this child, who simply addresses people as his relatives, which has caused Mrs. Gardner to misunderstand.”

“I did not!” Hayden protested grudgingly. While pouting his small mouth, he continued, “That’s Grandma!”

Just when Nicole was about to say something, Colton, who was standing beside, laughed.

However, when he saw Nicole looking at him, he suppressed his laughter. Then, he turned to them with brows that seemingly curved into a smile as he said, “Perhaps this child is meant to meet my mom.”

Hearing that, Nicole did not say anything as she entered the car and went home.

…

Ever since Lydia returned from the restaurant, she didn’t have a good expression. Queenie felt worried when she saw Lydia’s expression, and with her lips trembling, she asked, “Mom, does Nicole really have the video recording?”

Sensing her daughter’s terror, Lydia immediately tried to conceal her worries shown in her expression and shook her head. “No.”

Queenie was relieved to hear this. As long as there is no video recording, it’s fine, she thought. The audio recording can’t prove that it was me anyway.

She continued, “That’s good, then. Why are you still pulling a long face, Mom?”

Gripping her fists, Lydia recounted what Nicole said in the restaurant earlier. Queenie’s face took on a ghastly expression when she heard what was said before she cried out, “What?! Nicole went to the Gardner Residence with Colton?!”

Lydia nodded with a solemn face. This was exactly what Nicole told her.

Queenie was shocked by the news that she felt dizzy and needed to support herself by holding on to the table. Her heart was pounding in pain and she could feel it.

She had thought that there was nothing between Nicole and Colton, but Nicole actually followed him back for dinner! Queenie’s face paled even more.

No. I cannot let Colton be led away by Nicole!

“Mom, it seems like we have to do something,” Queenie said after calming down.

Lydia frowned after hearing that. Both of them were on the cusp of trouble now, and if they were to do anything further, they might not get away with it. She hesitatingly said, “Queenie, why don’t we just forget about it? Nicole now has something unfavorable to us in her hands—”

“Mom.” Queenie interrupted before moving forward with her eyes dimmed and grabbing Lydia’s hands.

“We don’t need to do it ourselves. Do you remember Olivia Gardner?”

“Are you referring to the young lady of Gardner Family, who is now the daughter-in-law of the Schumacher Family?”

Benjamin had an elder sister, Olivia, who married a few years back the head of the Schumacher Family who was leading the Pinnacle Group. Even up until now, she still had a say in the Gardner Family.

“Yes. Mrs. Schumacher has zero tolerance against people with complicated family ties. We can try to make use of her!” Queenie said.

As long as she was able to make use of Nicole’s child, she wouldn’t have to worry about Nicole being accepted by the Gardners!

 

Chapter 187 Being Made Use Of

The weather was perfect the next day as the sun shone dimly and enveloped people with its rays.

Queenie finally secured an appointment with Olivia after putting in all of her efforts.

There were rumors that Olivia’s personality had changed drastically after the deaths of her two children, but no one knew what the change was.

They were both sitting in a café. Olivia never liked Queenie; she couldn’t understand why her nephew would fall in love with someone like Queenie—a person who didn’t have even a single virtue.

“Make it quick,” an impatient Olivia said while lowering her head to check her watch.

In a seemingly fawning way, Queenie said, “Mrs. Schumacher, Wendy will be eighteen in two weeks’ time. Will you be coming over?

Olivia frowned as she swept her gaze over Queenie. She didn’t expect Queenie to ask her out just for this reason. Feeling displeased, she responded, “Of course. She’s my niece.”

Queenie seemed to sense Olivia’s dissatisfaction and quickly said, “The thing is that Colton has been hanging out very often with my sister, Nicole…”

Looking hesitatingly, Queenie said no more.

Upon hearing what Queenie said, Olivia curved her lips and as if she had found it comical, she looked at Queenie. “You’re not married to Colton yet. My nephew can be with whoever he wants to be with. Who are you to snitch about him to me?”

“It’s not what you think. I wouldn’t say anything if my sister is chaste. After all, I can’t possibly break them up if they’re in love with each other,” Queenie quickly explained moments after she understood Olivia’s sarcasm.

She’s not chaste? Olivia immediately caught what Queenie was trying to say. With squinted eyes, she looked at Queenie and asked, “What do you mean?”

Behaving as if she was in a difficult position, Queenie answered, “My sister sold herself to a man five years ago due to her financial situation. She became pregnant out of wedlock that night and gave birth to a son…”

At this point, Olivia finally understood what Queenie meant. With a solemn expression on her face, she slapped her palms on the table, causing a ruckus, and cried out, “Is that true?!”

After her children’s death, the Schumacher Family had brought home an illegitimate child under the guise that they needed a successor. That made her abhor those children who appeared out of nowhere.

Queenie nodded and sighed. “Although I’m Colton’s fiancée, I couldn’t say anything on this matter. After all, my words don’t carry much weight.”

Olivia lowered her head and looked at Queenie. Of course, she was aware of Queenie’s motive for this meeting, but if Nicole was here to meddle with the Gardners’ ties, she would definitely stand in her way.

After calming down, she swept a gaze on Queenie and responded, “I’ll investigate further on this. If this is true, I’ll expel those who shouldn’t be in the Gardner Family. You don’t need to take it upon yourself.”

She turned and left immediately after finishing her words.

Seeing Olivia leave, Queenie heaved a sigh of relief. This woman was not someone to meddle with, she thought.

However, she had achieved what she wanted, which was enough. Nicole should be the one to deal with what happened thereafter.

Meanwhile, Olivia gave Edith, who was in Gardner Residence, a call right after she exited the café.

Facing Olivia’s questions, Edith answered everything with honesty.

Upon hearing what was said, Olivia squinted her eyes while seemingly in deep thought. Nicole’s promiscuous incident five years ago had spread all over Lumore; it was impossible that that child was Colton’s, but Colton still brought her home for dinner.

And the funniest thing was that her sister-in-law had brought that child back herself, claiming that he was Colton’s child. How absurd could it be?

She would never allow something like this to happen. The blood ties of the Gardners must be pure, with no trace of filth!

Olivia knew that Queenie was planning to make use of her by telling her all of these, but if it involved the blood ties of the Gardner Family, she didn’t mind being used!

“Okay. I understood what you’ve said. Tell the others that I’ll be home tonight.”

Chapter 188 Design Sketch

Meanwhile, the police were still looking into the recording incident. Although Daniella’s husband disagreed with their way in handling Daniella’s body, he had no choice as it was a murder case.

After Nicole was cleared of being a suspect, she returned to Gardner Corporation right away.

All the recent happenings led the employees in the Design Department to suspect that she had been targeted by someone unknown…

However, since everything had been explained, they shut their mouths and said nothing more.

It was the same for Nicole as well. She didn’t say anything further and merely worked on her designs.

On the other hand, Joanna felt uneasy seeing that Nicole was able to clear herself every time. Though she knew that those were done by Queenie and she was not involved, her unease remained.

However, her priority now was to design Wendy’s gown for her eighteenth birthday banquet.

Anna had previously asked Joanna to assist in designing a gown for Wendy. She only had two weeks left, and she must seize this opportunity to prove herself.

She hadn’t been sleeping well these few days as all she could think about was the design sketch.

After numerous revisions and giving it her all, she finally managed to come up with her first sketch.

As she massaged her eye bags, she felt like she wasn’t in a very clear mind as she had been burning the midnight oil for the past few days. Dark circles surfaced underneath her eyes and even acne revealed themselves on her face.

“Miss Schmidt, are you still on your design sketch?” A lady entered the room with a cup of coffee in her hand.

Putting the cup of coffee carefully on the table, she continued with a smile, “You’ve put in so much effort for Miss Gardner and Mrs. Gardner. They will be moved once they learn what you did.”

Joanna raised her head and after noticing that it was Lexi who was speaking, she smiled warmly and took the coffee. Taking a sip of it, she continued, “That’s not worth mentioning. It’s what I should do since it’s Wendy’s eighteen-year-old birthday banquet.”

“You better take some rest, Miss Schmidt. Look, even applying make-up can’t conceal your dark circles now,” Lexi said with concern.

She was also a designer in the Design Department, but when Sabrina was here, Lexi was too busy licking her boots and thus, she never had the chance to work with Joanna. Now that Sabrina was no longer around, she immediately took this chance to fawn over Joanna.

“I know. You can leave first.” Joanna nodded. After finishing half of the coffee, she again focused her gaze at her design sketch.

Seeing that Joanna was occupied, Lexi was preparing to leave. Just as she was about to step out of the room, Joanna stopped her. “Wait a second. The launch of our new designs is approaching. Collect all sketches in the Design Department and hand it to me for my checking before I hand them over to Lisa.”

Lexi’s heart sparked joy after she heard Joanna’s instructions. Although this task seemed like a miscellaneous one, it practically gave her the authority to decide which sketch to accept.

“Sure. I’ll do it now,” she replied happily and left the room.

Joanna, in fact, knew what thoughts Lexi was harboring. Sabrina was once her capable assistant, but now that she was no longer here, Joanna had to find someone else to do all the work that she didn’t have the time to do.

…

Meanwhile, Whitney followed Nicole to the Design Department of Gardner Corporation. Nicole initially wanted Whitney to just stay in Nicole’s office, but using the excuse of wanting to find out more about the opposing side, Whitney refused Nicole’s offer and walked around.

Nicole didn’t think it was a big deal, so she let her wander around.

The employees in the Design Department were always skeptical of those whom Nicole brought in. Hence, toward Whitney, they also looked at her inquisitively.

That didn’t bother Whitney, though. Instead, she greeted all of them on her own initiative. “Hello, I’m Whitney, Lisa’s assistant at F&M Apparel. I’m not very good at designing, but I’ve no problem with doing menial tasks.”

 

Chapter 189 This Is Not Somewhere You Can Sit

Most of them in the Design Department were disdainful of Whitney’s arrival. They were all designers, and with the exception of the interns, almost all of them looked down on an assistant.

It was only for Nicole’s sake that they didn’t express it out loud.

Hearing Whitney’s self-introduction, Scarlett also moved forward and introduced herself, “Hi Whitney, Scarlett here. I’m Lisa’s assistant at Gardner Corporation.”

Whitney waved and replied, “Hello, Scarlett.” It was as if she’d known Scarlett for a long time.

Following their greetings, they simply chattered for a while before they stopped saying anything more.

Whitney randomly found an empty chair to sit on, and coincidentally, that was Sabrina’s seat before she left. Its entire area was like a small cubicle isolated from any noise outside while having good lighting at the same time.

However, before she could sit long, a woman appeared before her. Seeing that Whitney was on the seat, the woman looked at her condescendingly and asked harshly, “Who are you?”

Whitney was irritated by the woman’s arrogant attitude. She raised her head and responded, “I’m an assistant. Are there any issues?”

“A new assistant?” Lexi asked, raising her voice a few decibels. “Are you aware that this seat is not for an assistant?”

Everyone in the office turned to look at Lexi when they heard her voice. Since Sabrina left, Lexi was the first to fawn over Joanna, and all of them didn’t want to offend her.

Whitney frowned, and as if she found it amusing, she asked, “There’s no one here. Why can’t I have this seat?”

“Because I am going to move here. Do you have any issues with it?” Lexi asked.

“I have.” Whitney stood up. Squaring off her gaze with Lexi’s, she continued, “Didn’t your mom teach you to be polite? You’re so mean with your words, as if you’ve just eaten some explosives. Does everyone in the world have to do as you please?”

Whitney was never a submissive lady. She was straightforward and refused to beat around the bush.

Lexi was extremely displeased after being reprimanded. She had just been given authority by Joanna and was still in the limelight, but now, she was being scolded before everyone. Her expression turned grim and while she glared sternly at Whitney, she said, “You’re just a new assistant. Who gave you the authority to shout at me?”

“Ha,” Whitney sniggered. With her hands on her waist, she retaliated, “You’re the one who started the nonsense.”

“What did you say?” Lexi’s expression changed.

She intended to move over here after Sabrina left, but to her surprise, there was someone unknown sitting here before she could do so.

After knowing that she was just a new assistant, Lexi thought that she had nothing to fear, and that she could use this chance to establish her authority over everyone else in the Design Department.

However, never did she expect that the person in front of her had such a sharp tongue, making her the one being laughed at.

“I can let you have the seat if you don’t go insane and talk politely. But given your attitude now, I’m not going to do so!” Whitney said righteously.

When Lexi heard that, her face paled with rage. After all, Whitney had completely humiliated her, and the worst of all was that she was disgraced before everyone else in the office.

If she let it go like this, she would be looked down upon by everyone in the future.

Gripping her hands, she slapped her palm on the table and said loudly, “You’re a new assistant, but with such attitude of yours, you’re fired! Get out immediately!”

Whitney, of course, wouldn’t accept defeat. “Well, you don’t have the right to chase me away,” she laughed and said.

Lexi laughed upon hearing what she said. She worked for Joanna, and Joanna had the final say on whether this new assistant could stay. Hence, she could just say a few words to Joanna and this new assistant would definitely be sacked.

Seeing that the situation seemed to get out of hand and the atmosphere was tense, Scarlett immediately went to get Nicole.

 

Chapter 190 Having a Spat

“You have to leave today!” Lexi yelled in a high tone. If this lady before her didn’t leave, she’d never be able to assert herself in the Design Department again!

“To where?” At this moment, Nicole walked out and swept her gaze over Lexi who was shouting.

Upon seeing Nicole, Lexi tried to restrain her arrogance and politely addressed Nicole, “Miss Lisa.”

Nicole slowly strode toward them. Whitney’s crossed arms and cold smile gave her a good idea of what was going on.

“What happened?” she asked with her brows furrowed.

Before Whitney could say anything, Lexi, who was standing nearby, began acting like a thief who cried foul, saying, “Miss Lisa, this new assistant was sitting here earlier. I requested her to change her seat but she refused and even scolded me!”

Looking at Lexi being pre-emptive, Whitney did not say anything but merely sneered.

Nicole looked at Whitney and asked again, “What went on?”

This time, Whitney replied in an idle manner, “I was sitting here quietly, minding my own business, when a mad dog appeared out of nowhere and started barking at me. I was annoyed, so I talked back.”

Lexi’s face turned ashen with rage when she heard Whitney referring to her as a mad dog. She immediately pointed her finger at Whitney and questioned, “Who’s the mad dog you’re referring to?”

“The one who replied to me!”

Nicole almost burst out laughing when she heard Whitney’s reply. Whitney was her assistant designer in F&M Apparel, someone who had command over others. Of course she wouldn’t let herself be bullied.

“Look, Miss Lisa. Despite being a mere assistant, she can be this arrogant. What’s more in the future?”

Knowing Nicole was there, Lexi suppressed her desire to retaliate and turned to complain to Nicole.

However, Nicole was someone who would always side with her own people; she had no intention of siding with outsiders.

So, she nodded and responded, “Whitney knows what she is doing. Since you were the one who was mean with your words first, please refrain from such spats in the future. I’m not going to hold anyone accountable this time.”

Lexi’s expression changed as Nicole finished her words. Why was Nicole unconditionally on this new assistant’s side?

Just as she was about to open her mouth and explain further, Nicole interrupted. “If we’re to pursue this further, we would need to check the surveillance footage. Things would become even more disgraceful if more details were revealed then.”

Nicole’s words rendered Lexi speechless. She knew that if they really were to check the surveillance footage, it would clearly show that she was the one who started the argument first.

While she was still stunned from what Nicole said, Joanna walked out after noticing the commotion outside her room. She looked at the crowd, strode toward them and asked, “What is going on?”

Lexi, seemingly aggrieved, answered, “Miss Schmidt, this new assistant scolded me.”

“New assistant?” Joanna fixed her gaze on Whitney.

“Yes. She is my assistant designer in F&M Apparel, and she’s here now to assist me in our collaboration with Gardner Corporation.” Nicole, who was standing beside, explained.

Lexi’s expression changed after she heard Nicole introducing Whitney. There was a world of difference between an assistant and an assistant designer.

And Whitney was Lisa’s assistant designer from F&M Apparel. Designers like Lexi might not even be able to work as an assistant in F&M Apparel…

Whitney continued at a leisurely pace, “Yes. I’m here to assist Miss Lisa. I was sitting here peacefully when this lady walked over and said this seat is hers. However, this seat doesn’t appear to be occupied; it’s empty.”

Joanna figured out what was happening. She turned and looked at Lexi, and with her brows furrowed, she asked, “Are you planning to quit now? Or, are you dissatisfied with your seat? Why don’t I give you mine?”

Hearing what Joanna said, Lexi started having cold feet. She shook her head and said, “No, Miss Schmidt. I don’t mean that. I…”

The more she wanted to explain, the more she found it difficult to express herself.

Without waiting for Lexi’s reply, Joanna retracted her gaze and looked apologetically at Nicole.

“My apology for the inconvenience caused, Miss Lisa and Whitney. There’s no one occupying this seat. You can have it if you want.”

With that, Nicole pursed her lips and nodded. She didn’t pursue further and replied, “Sure. Thank you, Director Schmidt.”