Ch. 201..210

Chapter 201 As Long as She Loses

Queenie didn’t even have her lunch as she hurried over to Joanna’s office, after somehow finding out that Joanna wanted to compare the design draft with Nicole’s.

Queenie was greeted by the sight of Joanna designing a draft with her head down right after she barged into the room. “Director Schmidt!” she interrupted. “Long time no see.”

Joanna lifted her gaze to look at the agitated woman. After all, she wasn’t deaf. She had heard all the commotion and noise Queenie made when she stomped her way into her office.

With an innocent gaze, Joanna didn’t look particularly welcoming as she said indifferently, “Please don’t come to the Design Department looking for me if there is nothing of importance, Miss Anderson. We are not close enough for you to do that!”

Queenie could tell instantly what was happening when she saw how distant Joanna behaved.

She had thought that she could bring Nicole down in one fell swoop, especially when so many things were happening all at once. She would never have imagined that Nicole would turn the situation around on her instead.

Joanna wasn’t directly involved, but she could guess that this situation was Queenie’s doing. In order to not get any dirt on herself, she naturally would want to stop her contact with Queenie.

“You can’t say that, Director Schmidt. Didn’t you promise to design a gown for me? Of course I have to come and see for myself what the progress is so far,” Queenie said with a smile as she took slow steps forward.

Then, her eyebrows slightly lifted when her gaze fell on the design draft on Joanna’s desk.

With the youthful elements included in the draft, it didn’t take much for her to figure out who the design was for.

Joanna had a small frown on her face after hearing Queenie’s words. She didn’t think Queenie would take the words Joanna had said to brush her off seriously.

With that, she randomly picked a file and placed it on the desk. “Here are the drafts I designed over the years. Take a look, Miss Anderson. I will ask the factory to produce it if there is one that catches your eye.”

Instead of getting angry at Joanna for her nonchalant attitude, Queenie only smiled before she stopped beating around the bush.

“I heard that Mrs. Gardner and Wendy came this morning, and they went directly to Nicole’s office.”

Joanna stopped drawing and she lifted her chin to look at Queenie. Her eyes were narrowed as she stated in an unhappy tone, “It seems that you have also placed an informant in my Design Department.”

“Not really. After all, I will always be worried as long as Nicole is here. It will be hard for me to help you if something were to happen because no one is keeping watch,” Queenie replied with a smile.

“So? Are you here making a fuss because Mrs. Gardner and Wendy went to Nicole’s office?” Joanna sassed.

Queenie pressed her lips together and as she sat on the sofa with her legs crossed, she simply threw out, “Triton Studio.”

Joanna was stunned for a moment, and a hint of surprise appeared across her eyes. Not comprehending where the conversation was heading, she looked at Queenie and questioned, “What do you mean?”

“I have contacted Triton Studio. The designer who works there is willing to lend me this year’s latest jewelry,” Queenie boasted with her head held high.

Joanna hadn’t expected Queenie to have the ability to get something like that done. She had thought about helping Wendy to search for a matching piece of jewelry before, but Triton Studio only produced jewelry exclusively for the royal family. She couldn’t even meet the designer even though she had gone to them as ‘Master Engler’s apprentice’.

“Is that true?” Suspicious, Joanna couldn’t help but ask.

Seeing that she was interested, Queenie didn’t hold back as she took out her phone and flipped through the chat history. She then held it directly in front of Joanna’s face. “I am sure you have seen this jewelry before, yes?”

Joanna looked at the photo of the jewelry, and she instantly recognized that it indeed was a new product released by Triton Studio. Even though it wasn’t the brand’s signature product, it was still extremely precious.

Triton Studio would announce their new products every year and this product happened to be one of those that could only be looked at, but not touched.

Joanna dropped her surprise and the corners of her lips were lifted as she praised, “You are pretty good, Miss Anderson.”

Queenie then kept her phone and looked at Joanna. “I will stop mincing my words. I have already gotten the jewelry and I will deliver it to the Gardner Residence early tomorrow morning. Wendy will definitely ask for your design if you can make clothes that match the jewelry.”

Joanna didn’t have much emotion on her face upon hearing that. She only asked a simple question, “What are you planning?”

Being able to wear a piece by Triton Studio was an honor everyone in the world would love to have. Hence, she was sure that Wendy would not give up.

Queenie’s eyes glinted dangerously as she smiled and exclaimed, “The only thing I want is for Nicole to lose!”

 

Chapter 202 Finding the DNA Paternity Test Report

Joanna’s eyes lingered on Queenie for a long minute. Although the former didn’t know what grudges the two sisters had between them, there wasn’t a reason for Joanna to not do something that not only wouldn’t harm her in any way, but would also benefit her.

“Fine. I will design it according to this jewelry, but you and I are still not related to each other in any way.” Joanna wanted to draw a clear line between them.

Queenie was the one who did all those complicated things in the past. It might just work in Joanna’s favor if those were not made known to the public. The people close to Queenie might be dragged down if any outsider ever learned about the truth.

There was no way she would take on such a risk for Nicole!

It somehow didn’t bother Queenie to see Joanna acting cautious. After all, they were only joining hands because they needed each other. It was hard to say who would be helping who more.

She would work with anyone at all as long as she could beat Nicole!

Joanna happened to sort out her thoughts as soon as the jewelry was promised to her. The accessory was on the grandiose side, and even though it might not suit a woman of Wendy’s age, Joanna was happy with the jewelry’s brand alone.

The corners of her lips curled upward then. It didn’t matter how good Nicole’s design was as long as Joanna had a piece by Triton Studio. It was a good thing that she could pick suitable clothes to go along with the jewelry after she had seen it. She might not have been able to design something fitting if she hadn’t seen the jewelry beforehand.

Now that she was feeling more reassured, Joanna started designing with even more ease than she did before. She yearned to see Nicole’s face after losing!

…

Colton was about to drive Anna and Wendy back to the Gardner Residence when the younger woman sleepily leaned forward and threw her arms around the seat in front of her. As she had gone to bed late last night, she was starting to feel drowsy from sitting in the car for an extended amount of time.

Anna threw a glance at the backseat, and when she saw Wendy getting teary from her endless yawns, she couldn’t help laughing as she scolded, “You brat! You must have stayed up late again last night.”

Wendy kept yawning as she grumbled in a small voice, “It wasn’t that late.”

As Anna watched Wendy rub the corners of her eyes with her hands, the former tried to find a tissue. However, after finding none everywhere she looked, Anna swiftly opened the glove compartment in front of the passenger’s seat.

Coincidentally, there was a DNA paternity test report sitting quietly in the compartment.

Before Colton could stop her, Anna had already picked up the DNA paternity test report and tore it open to read it.

To her surprise, it was a report that proved Colton and Hayden were related by blood!

Anna’s eyes immediately went wide as she turned to look at Colton. In a shaky voice, she demanded, “What the hell is this?!”

Knowing that it was too late to stop Anna from seeing the report, Colton could only explain as he continued driving, “That is a forged report.”

“It is clearly stated here that you are related by blood! You said before that you have done a paternity test, and you told me that you are not!”

Anna refused to believe Colton’s excuse when the result was in black and white.

He was beginning to feel helpless at this point. He couldn’t possibly say that this paternity test belonged to Hayden and Joseph when Nicole didn’t want her own son to have any sort of relation with Joseph. All Colton could do now was try his best to keep the secret and not expose Nicole.

He hadn’t read the report at all after he got it back. After having it stuffed in the glove compartment for so long, it was finally unexpectedly found by Anna. It seemed like there was no excuse he could give to get himself out of the situation.

Wendy, who was on the verge of falling asleep a while ago, was suddenly awakened when she heard them talk about the DNA paternity test report. As she stared at the big, red words that confirmed Hayden’s birth with wide eyes and she recalled the words Colton said just now, she couldn’t help but roar, “You scumbag!”

After reaching the Gardner Residence at last, Colton pulled the handbrake and explained resignedly, “This really is a fake report.”

Still, Anna refused to believe him. How could the report be fake when it was produced in one of the top three hospitals around?

Looking back into Anna’s suspicious eyes, Colton didn’t know where he should start explaining.

 

Chapter 203 Admit It

Anna was about to go out with this test report when Colton quickly stopped her. “Mom, can you please let me handle this myself?”

He didn’t know what to say to his mother. It seemed like he would have to reveal that Hayden was Joseph’s son if he had to start explaining the details.

If a family like the Manns were to know that Nicole’s son was also Joseph’s, they might just force a marriage on Nicole. After all, she had great commercial value after she assumed the position as the Chief Designer of F&M Apparel.

Hearing Colton’s words, Anna thoughtfully looked at him with her lips pursed tightly. She only spoke again after a while in a light voice. “Colton, the most basic thing that a man should have is responsibility!”

He knew what she wanted to say, and even he hoped that the child was his own. However, the results that came back from the two tests he had were proof enough that Hayden had nothing to do with him.

“It is a long story, Mom.”

“Make it short, then,” Anna insisted.

Left with no choice, Colton could only explain, “This paternity test belongs to Nicole’s son and his biological father, which is not me. Nicole is doing this to keep it a secret.”

Anna continued to stare at him for a long time before she finally looked away.

“If you want me to trust you, let Hayden do another paternity test with you again someday. I will give up if the result comes out negative!” Anna huffed.

As he looked at his mother’s stubbornness, Colton could only nod as it seemed that it was the only way. “Okay. We will do that.”

After Anna got out of the car, Wendy immediately followed after her as she asked in a low voice, “Mom, do you really believe what Colton said?”

Anna smiled at that, and she put away the paternity test result. “Colton might have his own reasons for not wanting to accept the child as his own, but since Hayden is my grandson, he shouldn’t have to live a life like a stray.”

Wendy’s eyes lit up when she heard that, and she quickly asked her mother in the same hushed voice, “What is your plan, Mom?”

“Since he doesn’t want to admit it—” Anna turned to look at Wendy. “—I shall do it for him. We will announce that Hayden is one of ours at your birthday celebration!”

Wendy didn’t say no to the idea. She liked Hayden. Not only was the baby adorable, he was also a sweet talker for his age. Wendy couldn’t even begin to describe how much she liked Hayden.

As for Nicole, Wendy didn’t mind her all that much. All she knew was that Nicole was a hundred times better than Queenie!

“Alright! Someone has to watch a scumbag like Colton, after all!”

Just like that, the muttering women had finished discussing Colton’s future.

…

When afternoon came, Nicole invited both Whitney and Scarlett to lunch.

Scarlett had always been more introverted. The other two would always feel her reservation when the three of them were together.

“There’s no need to hold yourself back.” Nicole smiled at her. “Whitney and I don’t put on airs. You can be at ease with us.”

Scarlett’s neck looked stiff when she nodded, and she was fumbling around with her words when she squeaked, “I am not… nervous, Miss Nicole.”

Seeing her rigid posture, Whitney couldn’t help laughing out loud as she reached out to hug Scarlett around her shoulders. Her smile remained on her face when she told Scarlett, “Miss Nicole and I don’t eat people, so you don’t have to be so nervous. Just treat us like friends and get along with us when you are with us.”

Scarlett visibly relaxed after the women reassured her.

As she nodded, she suddenly remembered something, and she lifted her head to look at Nicole. “Miss Nicole, Miss Queenie came over not long after Mrs. and Miss Gardner left this morning,” she informed.

Even though she knew that Nicole and Queenie were sisters, she had to say those words carefully as she could vaguely sense that the two had some conflict going on.

She came to a momentary pause before she continued, “Miss Queenie went into Director Schmidt’s office as soon as she arrived, and she only left after around half an hour.”

Nicole wasn’t surprised at all to hear this. There was no way she wouldn’t know that Queenie had some trick up her sleeves. After hearing Scarlett’s words, she was sure that Queenie was going to come at her with Joanna.

But Nicole had absolute confidence in Wendy’s gown. It seemed like things would not turn out as Queenie had wished for!

 

Chapter 204 Confidence

“Got it,” Nicole uttered while nodding.

Seeing how indifferent Nicole was, Scarlett hesitated for a while before she asked, “Are they going to do something bad, Miss Nicole?”

Nicole lifted her gaze and glanced at Scarlett. Before she could speak, Whitney, who was beside her, didn’t hold back as she blurted out, “See, even a young bud like Scarlett can tell that the 2 of them are up to no good, Miss Nicole!”

Nicole immediately glared at Whitney and put her finger in front of her lips to make a shushing gesture.

“There are eyes everywhere. Lower your voice,” Nicole said quietly.

Whitney only started to calm down a little then. “Don’t worry,” she whispered. “Miss Nicole knows about it all. Just look at how smart she is. Does she seem like someone who would be taken advantage of?”

Upon hearing that, Scarlett lowered her head slightly in agreement with Whitney.

Nicole didn’t know how she felt about what she was witnessing. Whitney would always end up in fights with other people when they were still in F&M Apparel. Nicole never thought that there would come a day when Whitney could harmoniously coexist with such a young lady in Gardner Apparel.

“Queenie must have come to Joanna because of the dress Wendy would wear for her 18th birthday celebration,” Nicole pursed her lips and said in a soft and calm voice. “There is nothing much to say about it. It is all a battle between our abilities. I don’t mind admitting defeat if she designs something better than mine.”

Even though she was saying this casually, she actually had the confidence that Joanna’s designs were incomparable to her own.

Knowing that Nicole looked down on Joanna, Whitney only let out a low chuckle before the conversation ended.

The trio then went back to the office after they had lunch. Nicole picked up a file and flipped to the design draft she had come up with. The clothes were almost done being modified. In fact, she had redone it many times in order to match the dress with the jewelry.

Right then, her phone started to ring as soon as she placed the draft back on her desk. She glanced at it, only to see that she was getting a call from Triton.

Triton Grant, the founder of Triton Studio, was a man in his thirties with a slightly eccentric temperament.

However, after Nicole had truly gotten to know him during their past collaboration in a project abroad, she realized that peculiar wasn’t the right word to describe him. Instead, he was but a man who was firm about his own design.

Since Nicole and him were similar in some aspects, it only took them a short while to get close with each other.

After she pressed a button on her phone, she smilingly said into the phone, “I wonder why you are calling me.”

Triton’s raised voice came from the other end of the call then. “Didn’t you want to borrow the new jewelry from me? Is it for the young miss of the Gardner Family?”

Nicole nodded and hummed before she bluntly told him, “That’s right. It will be her 18th birthday in a little more than a week. I designed a set of clothes for her, but I keep feeling that something is missing. That is why I wanted to borrow the jewelry from you.”

“You do know that the jewelry in that design is the main product this season, don’t you? We have always only made jewelry for the royal family in my studio,” he bragged.

Nicole smiled soundlessly when she heard that. “How can I not know? We’ve worked together for three years.”

“I am only lending it because of you. I wouldn’t have left it in anyone else’s hands even if someone scary and powerful were to ask for it!” Triton sounded like he was sulking as he spoke.

Nicole was aware of his temper, so she didn’t argue with him. “I know,” she cooed. “I owe you one.”

“What are you talking about?” Triton quickly cut her off. “We are appreciating each other’s work. I have also seen the lady from the Gardner Family. She is classy and has good looks. I have also seen the clothes for the graduation party last time. The jewelry was too low-class to be worthy of the clothes you design. It will definitely look a lot better if you use my jewelry to accessorize your clothes this time.”

Nicole wasn’t at all surprised to hear his arrogant words. Triton had always regarded himself as someone better than everyone else, which was why it didn’t matter how much money was being offered to him by the wealthy. They couldn’t buy, or even borrow, the jewelry he designed as long as he wasn’t up for it.

This also indirectly made Triton Studio internationally notorious for being a tough nut to crack.

 

Chapter 205 Gem

After Nicole quietly listened to his bragging, she finally brought up the most important question. “Did you send someone just to deliver the jewelry?”

Triton, too, calmed down when he caught the serious tone she was speaking in. “Mhm.” He nodded. “Because of how precious this piece of jewelry is. Not only because I was the one who designed it, the gems on it are extremely expensive as well. I sent my assistant to keep an eye on it.”

Nicole had also seen that piece of jewelry. There was a large pink diamond in the middle, which alone was worth hundreds of millions. It was also the biggest pink diamond in the world. Because of this, this piece of jewelry was being promoted as the main piece by Triton Studio this year.

There were also numerous diamonds of different sizes embedded around the pink one. The pink diamond probably was the main reason the jewelry had a youthful look to it. This was also why Nicole wanted to borrow this specific piece from Triton.

“You don’t have to be so nervous about it. The Gardners have a huge family business. They can afford paying for it even if they were to lose it,” Nicole said half-jokingly.

However, Triton didn’t sound pleased at all after hearing her joke.

“This is not just about money. This is a work of art. Our years of friendship will come to an end if it really ends up being misplaced!”

Nicole quickly apologized when she heard that. “Okay, okay. I’ve said too much, Mr. Grant. I will make sure the jewelry gets back to you in one piece!”

Seeing how sincere she was at admitting her fault, Triton proceeded to disclose something to her.

“A member of the royal family wants to wear this in June. There cannot be any losses or damages.”

Nicole couldn’t help but freeze when she heard that. In normal circumstances, the first person to wear such jewelry would be the hotter topic of conversation. She didn’t expect him to give her such an opportunity.

Concerned, she asked, “Will it be alright?”

Upon hearing her worried tone, Triton let out a chuckle, “It’s fine. She can choose not to wear it if she minds it.”

So this was the confidence of someone with actual capability.

Nicole continued to chat with Triton for a while. Due to how valuable the jewelry was, there was no need for Nicole’s side to keep up with its maintenance. Triton’s assistant would be the one to handle the whole process by the time. Other than the time Wendy would put it on, the piece of jewelry would be taken care of by his assistant.

Near the end of their phone call, Triton let out a deep sigh and whined, “If it isn’t because I have too many things happening that I can’t get away from, I would definitely be keeping my eyes on the jewelry myself!”

“Alright.” Nicole giggled. “I will come find you when I am done with my business in the country. We have to have a get-together then!”

The two of them didn’t further exchange pleasantries, and they hung up when they were done talking.

Nicole then took a look at the details of the jewelry that Triton sent her. After peering at it for a long minute, she eventually turned to her own design.

The design draft was to be handed in tomorrow. Looking at the draft in her hand, she thought that she would just make a few minor tweaks. She would have to wait until Wendy was done choosing a design before telling her about the jewelry. That would seem like a fair thing for Nicole to do.

Otherwise, as long as this piece of jewelry was here, she had a feeling that Wendy would choose her design over Joanna’s no matter how Joanna’s might turn out.

Nicole didn’t want Joanna to think that she had won with anything but her capability.

After the lunch break, Colton suddenly arrived at Nicole’s office when she was about to get off work.

She took her time to look at the tall stature of the man in front of her, and how his handsome face was slightly tense as his lips were tightly pressed together into a straight line. Even though he was wearing a smart, well-fitted suit, he somehow looked a little worn-out.

Standing up, Nicole took a few steps toward him until she was standing in front of him. “Is something wrong, President Gardner?” she asked.

The man reacted by nodding with a frown on his face. He even looked as if he was troubled by something.

Nicole couldn’t help but wonder if her eyes had gone bad, because what could possibly make Colton look so unsettled?

 

Chapter 206 Anemia

Colton walked further into Nicole’s office, and only spoke in a low voice after he looked up at her. “My mother saw your son and Joseph’s DNA paternity test.”

Nicole was stunned for a second, but she quickly snapped back to reality when she recalled how the test result was still with Colton from the time he helped her switch out the result.

Thinking that she would never accept Joseph as the father of her child, Nicole had chosen not to take a look at the result then.

Her face was pale as her eyes darted around, and she somehow began to panic. “What is the test result?” she asked carefully.

The corners of Colton’s lips fell and in a hoarse voice, he revealed, “They are blood-related.”

He didn’t know what was wrong with him. He was the one who didn’t bother to read the report when he got it, but he was now also the one who was inexplicably angry when he found out the result.

Upon hearing his confirmation, Nicole felt her heart skip a beat as she clenched her hands tightly. Even her gaze began to dim. She didn’t think the person from five years ago really was Joseph!

She slowly closed her eyes when she felt the lump in her throat. She knew Joseph. She was sure that he would definitely come and take Hayden away from her if he were to find out that the boy was his biological son.

Joseph, who led a life of debauchery, had more women outside than one could count. On top of that, he was someone who used underhanded tactics to spread his evil everywhere. He would never do anything earnestly.

She couldn’t even begin to imagine how Hayden’s future would turn out if she were to let a man like Joseph be the boy’s father.

There was no way she would allow that to happen!

Looking at Colton, Nicole asked in a small voice, “What about Mrs. Gardner?”

“Mom still doesn’t know the truth.” He shook his head. “She thinks that Hayden is my child.”

Nicole let out a wry laugh at that. Now that he had helped her hide it, she feared that the peaceful days at the Gardner Residence were no more.

Both of them had denied that Hayden was Colton’s son before, but now Anna had found out the truth. Colton had also told a lie in order to not let Hayden’s true identity be known.

The Gardners might not believe it at all if she were to not properly explain it to them.

“Thank you, President Gardner, but I will have to give a clear explanation so that Mrs. Gardner doesn’t misunderstand,” Nicole said, her face pale.

Colton nodded at that. Although his mother had promised him she wouldn’t mention it, he knew she wouldn’t stop pestering him about it if she didn’t get an explanation.

“Let’s make time someday. I will have the doctor come to the Gardner Residence and personally do a paternity test in front of my parents. That will prove your innocence as well,” he suggested.

Nicole nodded in response. This seemed to be the only way they could go about this for now.

She couldn’t help feeling touched, seeing him go to such lengths just to help her.

All of a sudden, her vision started turning black. She was about to walk back to her seat when her legs unexpectedly went numb from standing too long that her body seemed to melt into a puddle as she took her first step.

The moment she fell backward, Colton quickly stepped forward, catching her right against his chest just in time.

The man’s broad chest emitted faint warmth that somehow felt like it was burning the back of her torso.

Feeling like the posture was too intimate for her, Nicole quickly tried to get up, only for her to helplessly fall against him again as her strength still hadn’t returned to her body.

Colton now had both his hands wrapped around her waist to stabilize her. His thin lips, too, seemed to inadvertently brush against her earlobe before his gravelly and magnetic voice rang out.

“Are you alright?” he murmured.

She felt electrified all over her body and his voice seemed to flow directly into her heart. She hurriedly shook her head and blabbered, “I am fine. It is probably my anemia.”

Her health had not been at its best ever since she gave birth to Hayden. She only got better after her living conditions had improved with time. The only thing that stayed with her was her anemia.

Nicole must have blacked out temporarily because she had received such shocking news after she had been standing for too long.

 

Chapter 207 Misunderstanding

Nicole thought about getting up quickly, but this would make her unstable. She might fall again if she were to act rashly. After thinking about it for a while, she decided to stay nestled in Colton’s arms.

He hugged her both hands, and using a little of his arm strength, he wrapped one arm around her waist. He used the other to put her arm on himself as tried to help bring her to rest on the sofa.

But before he had time to act, he heard an energetic female voice coming from behind. “Holy sh*t! You two! There is something going on between you, isn’t there?!” Whitney had witnessed Colton and Nicole hugging each other as soon as she opened the door to come in.

From her point of view, Colton was holding Nicole as the woman lay weakly in his arms. They looked really close!

Nicole couldn’t help rolling her eyes when she heard Whitney’s booming voice.

Her friend was still at the door, her eyes looking like they were about to pop out.

Colton only let go after he helped Nicole get to the sofa. As she sat down, she held her head with one hand. The fuss Whitney had caused earlier seemed to have given her a headache.

She stepped forward quickly as soon as Whitney noticed how bad Nicole looked. Staring at her pale face, the former asked, “Are you anemic again, Miss Nicole?”

Nicole nodded. Still feeling a buzz in her head after hearing Whitney’s voice, she only spoke again rather disdainfully after she let her dizziness pass. “Lower your voice, you. You are so noisy that you are giving me a headache.”

Whitney immediately closed her mouth and rubbed her nose in embarrassment. She then looked at Colton, who was standing off to one side, and apologized, “I am sorry, President Gardner. I misunderstood the situation.”

Colton was very graceful and didn’t mind her at all. Instead, he lowered his worried gaze to glance at Nicole before he looked away.

“Have a good rest. You can come up straight to my office if you have any problem.” He turned around and left after saying that.

After he went out, Whitney hurriedly poured a glass of water for Nicole.

Nicole’s face did look better after she took a few sips of the drink.

Seeing her weak appearance, Whitney couldn’t help but worriedly ask, “Wasn’t your anemia cured a long time ago, Miss Nicole? Why did you suddenly…”

Nicole curled the corners of her lips as she let out a bitter laugh before she put her hand on the bridge of her nose.

Rubbing it, she muttered, “Probably because I have been staying up late. My health hasn’t been the best these days.”

Whitney also felt terrible when she saw how unwell Nicole looked. She thought for a while before asking, “Did President Gardner need you for something?”

As soon as Whitney mentioned this, Nicole slightly wrinkled her forehead as she summarized the story for Whitney. Even Whitney didn’t look all that well after listening to Nicole’s words.

“Is Hayden really the son of that playboy Joseph?” Whitney asked in disbelief.

As much as Nicole didn’t want him to be, it was a fact that she had no choice but to slowly nod her head at.

“No, but… Just look at Hayden’s appearance and temperament. They don’t feel like father-and-son at all. I might believe it more if you told me that the child is President Gardner’s,” Whitney muttered in disbelief.

Upon hearing this, Nicole turned to glare at the woman. Nicole hadn’t even scolded her for yelling as soon as she entered her office.

Whitney must have noticed the odd glint in Nicole’s eyes, and she quickly explained, “I am just worried about you. I was worried that President Gardner had done something to you after being inside here for so long, so I came in to play the part of the hero that would save you, the princess!”

Nicole couldn’t help rolling her eyes again as she looked at her delusional friend.

Knowing that she had overthought things, Whitney wiggled closer to Nicole and apologized, “We have to always be on our toes. Isn’t that right, Miss Nicole?”

It was hard for Nicole to stay angry at Whitney, now that the latter was sincerely apologizing. In the end, Nicole couldn’t bring herself to nag Whitney as she looked at the woman’s smiling face.

“I have to explain this as soon as possible. Otherwise, it might make things troublesome for the president.”

 

Chapter 208 I Know My Limit

Hearing that, Whitney quickly nodded in agreement. “Even though Mrs. Gardner doesn’t have any bad intentions, I reckon you two should explain it clearly. Or else, no one will believe your words, now that the DNA paternity test result is just sitting there as proof.”

Nicole somehow started to feel resigned. She didn’t even feel half as helpless as she did when she was accused of plagiarizing a design draft before.

After all, she had complete certainty of what happened in the past. But the thing that Anna had misunderstood now…

Nicole didn’t know whether to laugh or cry when she thought about it. Just how did such a simple misunderstanding spiral out of control?

“Mhm.” Nicole nodded and continued, “President Gardner also only held back on explaining because of me. I have to repay him for his help.”

She only stood up after the dizziness subsided.

She then reached out and massaged her forehead. She was most probably feeling uncomfortable because she had been staying up late these days to complete the design draft.

Whitney also felt more relieved then when Nicole’s condition didn’t get worse.

“Your health is still the most important thing, Miss Nicole. No matter how grand Miss Gardner’s 18th birthday party may be, it can’t compare to your health.”

Knowing that Whitney was worried about her, Nicole nodded and waved her hand. “I know my limits. I got it.”

…

At night at the Gardner Residence, Anna was still drunk with joy about Hayden being her grandson, or so she thought.

She took the paternity test result and showed it to Benjamin, and after he glanced at it, his face turned solemn. He only spoke after a while.

“Did Colton give you this?”

Anna shook her head in response and gushed, “I found this myself. Colton would never have admitted to it if I didn’t!”

Benjamin continued to look at the report for a long time before he slowly closed his eyes, “I will get Richard to properly conduct a test in a few days. We will take Hayden into our family if it is true.”

Anna also thought the same. It would be better to have this investigated thoroughly. After all, the Gardners couldn’t possibly pass on their large inheritance to someone who wasn’t one of theirs.

“Alright. Richard will also be attending Wendy’s birthday party in a few days. I will call him later and have him come back a few days earlier,” Anna said with a smile.

Richard Jenkins, Anna’s nephew from her side of the family, had been running a private hospital abroad. He had top-notch medical skills that were recognized internationally.

As soon as they finished talking, someone suddenly walked in outside—it was Queenie and a man they didn’t recognize.

Not liking what he was seeing, Benjamin left for his room after he took a glance at them.

Queenie was not embarrassed at all by the treatment. Instead, she slowly approached Anna and when her eyes fell on the older woman, she smiled and asked, “May I know where Wendy is, Mrs. Gardner?”

As Anna looked at her, she suddenly felt pity for Queenie. If the child really was Colton’s, Colton might have only taken Queenie as his fiancée to cover up the truth.

No matter what, he had let Queenie down. When Anna thought of this, she suddenly didn’t bear as much hatred toward what Queenie had done before.

Presently, she called for Edith, “Go upstairs and tell Wendy to come down. Tell her that Queenie is here.”

Edith wordlessly nodded and headed upstairs.

Only then did Anna turn her gaze to the man beside Queenie. The man who looked to be in his thirties had on a suit with white gloves, and he was holding a black suitcase in his hands.

“And this is?” Anna was slightly puzzled.

Hearing this, Queenie quickly introduced, “Mrs. Gardner, this is someone from Triton Studio. I have mentioned to you before that I specially found someone from Triton Studio for Wendy’s birthday, yes? This is the person I got.”

Anna’s face immediately beamed with joy when she heard Queenie’s introduction. She had thought about borrowing or buying jewelry from Triton Studio for Wendy to wear to her birthday party, but she had given up after her requests kept getting rejected.

“Oh—you didn’t have to,” Anna courteously murmured with a smile.

 

Chapter 209 Jewelry

Wendy saw Queenie as soon as she went downstairs. However, the former couldn’t help but feel no particular positive emotion toward Queenie ever since Wendu had found out that Colton and Nicole were together.

While she came over, Wendy asked, “Is something the matter?”

Anna reached out and tugged on her arm. “Wendy,” she said with a smile. “Queenie borrowed jewelry from the Triton Studio for you!”

Wendy’s eyes lit up the moment she heard the name. She had invited many friends and classmates to the celebration of her 18th birthday. It was the perfect time for her to impress others with her glamor.

Her mother had been rejected when she made requests to borrow a piece from Triton Studio, but Queenie unexpectedly managed to get her hands on one.

“Really?” Wendy looked over suspiciously.

Seeing the joyful look on her face just now, Queenie smiled and replied, “Of course! This right here is someone from Triton Studio.”

The man was extremely stoic as he began to introduce himself. “Hello Mrs. and Miss Gardner. I am a designer from Triton Studio. Kevin Carter is the name.”

Anna stood up and greeted with respect, “Welcome, Mr. Carter. Can we take a look at this jewelry first?”

Kevin nodded and explained while opening the safe, “This jewelry was designed by me. It seems that Miss Gardner’s 18th birthday will be soon, and Miss Queenie kept begging me to lend it to her. I only agreed to her request after seeing how sincere she was.”

Right as he finished talking, the box was gradually opened, revealing an extravagant green gemstone. It even reflected light beautifully under the illumination of the lights in the room.

Anna had seen this piece during Triton Studio’s press conference. Even though it was not the main item, it was still a product that was extremely hard for anyone to successfully borrow.

Wendy’s eyes had begun to glow the moment she saw the jewelry. She was sure she would be the most dazzling one on her birthday party if she were to put it on.

She had already planned to doll herself up and be the most breathtaking person at her birthday party. Now that she had this piece of jewelry, her plan would definitely work!

Anna was full of smiles herself as she nodded. “I will have to thank you for this, Mr. Carter. You can tell me anything you want. We will try our best to fulfill your wishes.”

Kevin shook his head and told her solemnly, “Triton Studio is not short of money. I am only bringing this piece here for Miss Queenie’s sake.”

The smile on Anna’s face became even more evident after he said those words. She turned her head to look at Queenie as she said gratefully, “It is all thanks to you, Queenie!”

Queenie quickly said modestly, “This is something I should do as Colton’s fiancée.”

After she finished speaking, she pretended to lower her head shyly.

She had used all the connections she had and busied herself in and out before she finally got hold of Kevin. And the biggest reason Queenie went through all this was to remind Anna that Queenie was Colton’s betrothed!

As soon as Anna heard her mentioning this, she looked slightly embarrassed, but it was a fleeting emotion gone too soon for anyone to notice.

Due to the preciousness of the jewelry, Anna arranged for Kevin to stay in a hotel owned by the Gardners, and even got bodyguards to guard the jewelry.

The one and only Gardner Hotel might not be their brand’s main cash cow, but it was still an exceptionally luxurious five-star hotel in Goldwick.

Anna only got rid of the smile on her face after Queenie and Kevin left.

Although Wendy was happy, she suddenly remembered something as she thought about what had just happened. “Mom, even though the jewelry looks good, don’t you think it is a little mature-looking for me?”

Anna nodded in agreement at that. As it was a green gemstone, it naturally would look on the classier side. It would make a perfect accessory for someone who was older.

Still, it was a piece from Triton Studio. Being able to wear one was an honor on its own.

“Also, this jewelry might not fit just any design of clothes. Let’s wait for Nicole and Joanna’s design drafts tomorrow. I am afraid we will have to trouble them again if their designs don’t work out,” said Anna.

They were going all out for Wendy’s 18th birthday celebration. They would make it as big and grand as they could. After all, Wendy was the little princess of the Gardner Family.

A piece of jewelry from Triton Studio was what they needed to brag about Wendy’s noble status. They had no choice but to make the clothes an ornament to the jewelry instead.

Chapter 210 President Gardner Is Good Looking

Nicole spent the entire night pondering on how to explain to the Gardners that Hayden was not related to Colton.

She was also taken aback when she first saw Colton. In fact, she had also suspected that he was Hayden’s father, but it turned out that they were not biologically related.

It would be nice if the Gardner Family were just like any other family, but they weren’t. Though filthy rich families of this kind appeared to be harmonious, there were many hidden stories or rules within them.

Nicole’s impression of Colton was good. Despite his negative attitude during their first few meetings, he had subsequently helped her.

She rubbed her brows as she was unsure how to explain their complicated relationship.

She considered searching for Harvey and having him perform a thorough examination in front of Anna. However, Nicole remembered the previous incident at Colton’s house and she knew from that that Colton was quite close to Harvey.

In that case, Anna would not believe anything Harvey said. After all, she may be suspicious of both Nicole and Harvey conspiring to deceive her.

At last, Nicole decided to request that Anna appoint a doctor of her choice for Colton and Hayden to conduct another DNA paternity test.

In fact, she herself was feeling rather speechless by this because Hayden and Colton already had three DNA paternity tests performed!

Nicole then decided to meet with Anna privately after she turned in her design sketch the next day.

…

In the morning, Nicole went straight to Colton’s office and shared her thoughts with him.

Colton was dressed in a cream-colored suit today. Such a color wasn’t for everyone, but his fair and good complexion made him look like a prince charming in the suit.

After a brief moment of thought, he raised his gaze and stared at her. “Yes. My mother is aware that Harvey is close to me, and if the report comes from him, she may not believe it,” he commented, to which she nodded in agreement.

“We’ll have to ask Mrs. Gardner to look for a doctor, then. Looks like I’ll have to trouble you and Mrs. Gardner with this.”

Nicole felt a little guilty as Colton had already spent a lot of effort on this matter.

Colton smiled. His hands were in his pockets and something flashed through his gaze as he murmured, “Nicky, what if Hayden is really my son?”

She had not expected him to ask her such a question. Stunned, she raised her head to look at him, her eyes flashing with surprise.

After a few moments of trying to calm herself down, Nicole tried to wear a smile and said, “President Gardner, stop teasing me. You… You know who Hayden’s father is.”

Though she was extremely unwilling to accept it, the DNA paternity test revealed that Joseph was the one who was related to Hayden by blood.

With the DNA paternity test result in mind, Colton smiled deeply at Nicole’s slightly terrified expression. “I’m just kidding.”

That made Nicole relieved. His sudden question shocked her earlier and she almost thought he was interested in her.

She then raised her head and looked at him again. It was now morning and the sun had just risen. As the golden rays shone on his white suit, Colton appeared to be a being that descended from Heaven.

Being a fashion designer, particularly a well-known one at that, Nicole had seen many attractive men. However, she was still captivated by Colton at this moment.

When the man noticed she was staring at him, he curled his lips slightly and took a step forward with his long legs. “Nicky, am I good looking?” he asked, his deep voice echoing beside her ear.

A startled Nicole averted her gaze and awkwardly touched her nose. At that point, she couldn’t bring herself to look at him any longer. How could I have spaced out while staring at him earlier?!

But it was undeniable that Colton was attractive. His attractiveness stemmed not only from his delicate facial features, but also from the natural elegant aura he exuded. The combination of the two set him apart from the crowd.

“You’re indeed good looking, President Gardner. Your figure is gorgeous too and you’re suitable to be a model!” Nicole replied in a formal manner.