Ch. 61..70

Chapter 61 Get Lisa to Design the Dress

Colton typically spoiled his sister. Whatever she wanted, he would provide it, and besides, this request wasn’t an outrageous one. However, Joanna was currently out of the country.

“She’s overseas right now. It’ll be at least a week before she gets back. If it’s meant to be worn at your graduation, then the dress probably won’t be finished in time,” Colton replied honestly.

Wendy immediately pulled a long face, her pretty features distorting. She went over and tugged on Colton’s arm as she pretended to be angry. “What should I do, then? I came back specifically to ask Miss Joanna to design my dress.”

Colton regarded the family princess and laughed, somewhat exasperated. After a moment of thought, he spoke. “Why don’t you just pick a dress for now? I’ll get Joanna to make you a dress for your 18th birthday then, all right?”

Wendy’s birthday was in the middle of March, which was a month later. That would be enough time for Joanna to come back and get that dress ready.

“No, that won’t do!” Wendy shook her head, displeased. Girls loved looking pretty, especially during events such as their graduation ceremony. How could Wendy settle for less?

Seeing her daughter’s disgruntled look, Anna suddenly remembered something. She lifted her head to look at Colton. “I recall that Gardner Corporation has been working with Lisa from F&M Apparel recently, no? Why don’t you get Lisa to help instead, Colton?”

At the mention of Lisa, Wendy’s beautiful eyes gleamed. Her initially disgruntled expression turned bright, and she tugged on Colton’s arm again. “Really? Is Lisa working for our company?” As she spoke, she unwittingly pitched her voice higher. It was Lisa, after all, the Chief Designer of F&M Apparel. She was a designer that one wouldn’t necessarily be able to hire just because one had the money to throw at her. If she could wear one of Lisa’s designs, she would be able to turn countless heads!

“Lisa’s working at the company, but she’s only there because of a collaboration with Gardner Corporation. Your request is considered a private matter…” Colton said slowly as he looked at Anna.

Without waiting for Anna to speak, Wendy pulled on Colton’s arm again. “Colton, just help me ask her, okay? If she can’t fulfill the request, I won’t make you force the question again. How about that?”

Colton looked at those hopeful eyes. He had spoiled this girl since she was young. Thus, he really couldn’t quite refuse her.

“I can promise to ask her, but I cannot guarantee that Lisa will help you,” Colton replied helplessly.

Nicole had asked him for help regarding Joseph. He initially thought of leaving this matter aside for a potential favor in the future, but he hadn’t expected that he would use that favor so soon because of Wendy.

…

The next morning, Queenie brought Lydia to the Gardner Residence after Colton had left the house.

Anna was currently talking with Wendy about some idle domestic chatter when she heard Queenie’s voice in the distance. She frowned slightly, displeasure creeping onto her face. In truth, she did not like Queenie at all, and she couldn’t understand why Colton would keep this woman by his side. Women with Queenie’s background were a dime a dozen in Goldwick.

“Mrs. Gardner,” Queenie greeted as she pulled her mother forward with her. When she caught sight of Wendy, who had recently returned home, she quickly put on a smile. “Oh, you’re back, Wendy. Why didn’t you say so earlier? I could have come to see you.”

Wendy was indifferent toward Queenie. Queenie was the woman that her brother picked as his fiancée, her potential future sister-in-law, after all, so she simply nodded politely. “I only came back recently, so I haven’t told anyone.”

“Anna, we’re here today to invite you to Queenie’s father’s birthday celebration. If you have the time, we’d like you to come,” Lydia demurely stated their reason for being here.

Anna had always detested the Andersons. After all, there was a wide gap between the Gardners and the Andersons. Lydia’s reason for inviting her today was because she wanted the entire industry to laugh at Nicole!

“Don’t address me as if we’re on close terms. We’re not friends,” Anna stated coldly. She looked at Queenie through the corners of her eyes, her manicured brows knitting together. I have no idea what Colton saw in her. She’s neither capable, nor does she have an air of grace around her. Women like her are aplenty on the streets.

 

Chapter 62 The Birthday Celebration

Lydia and Queenie nearly couldn’t rein in their expressions upon hearing Anna’s words, but Lydia pressed on. “Nicole is back too. According to Queenie, she is currently working with Gardner Corporation. That’s why I came to invite you too.”

“Nicole?” Anna asked in mild surprise when she heard that particular name. She had heard about what had happened at F&M Apparel’s annual dinner, and she remembered that Nicole was Lisa. Upon hearing Nicole’s name, Anna’s expression softened slightly. Before she married her husband, Anna had been a somewhat famous fashion designer. However, she gave up her career as a designer because she had a new family. When she finally had time on her hands, she had already lost the drive she once had during her youth.

Colton knew that deep down, she regretted not being able to continue pursuing her dream as a designer, so after Gardner Corporation had stabilized its footing, he insisted on making the corporation blaze a path in the fashion industry.

“That’s right. Lisa of F&M Apparel, and also the eldest daughter of the Anderson Family,” Lydia hastily added.

“Mom, it’s Lisa. Let’s go to the party,” Wendy said, hastily pulling on her mother’s hand when she heard Lisa’s name. If Lisa wouldn’t agree to her brother’s request, she would ask her personally instead. If Wendy could get Lisa to design her gown, she would be the talk of the town when she wore it to her graduation.

Anna knew what her daughter was thinking of course, and she gave an exasperated laugh. She looked at the two women in front of her and nodded. “All right,” she answered.

Seeing that Anna agreed at last, the smile on Lydia’s face turned even more simpering. A brief exchange later, she left with Queenie.

After working the entire day, Nicole seemed distracted as she sat inside her office. Lydia, clear her mother’s name? That was such a laughable thought. She didn’t believe it one bit.

But now that Queenie had mentioned that, Nicole wanted to see just what sinister motive they were hiding!

…

All the lights inside the Anderson Residence were on when night fell. As Queenie was Colton’s fiancée, plenty of famous figures from various industries and circles attended the party, all due to her high status. The venue was stuffed to the brim with important figures from Goldwick and Lumore’s business industry. When they arrived, they received another piece of news: the eldest daughter of the Anderson Family, Nicole, was the legendary Lisa.

Now, this gaggle of people who wanted to use the Gardners for their own gains became even more enthusiastic.

Nicole entered the premises through the main entrance. She was the daughter of William’s first wife, and was thus the eldest daughter of the Anderson Family. Although she disliked this title, she couldn’t allow anyone to look down on her. Today, Nicole didn’t dress herself up too much, having immediately made her way to Anderson Residence after work.

The moment she stepped onto the grounds, Nicole saw the noisy crowd fawning over each other. The massive lawn was teeming with guests, and there were hordes of luxury cars parked by the entrance.

Now that Nicole was here, the bustling venue turned far quieter as everyone’s gazes shifted to her. Many people had seen Nicole’s true face during F&M Apparel’s annual dinner, so although she wasn’t dressed up as fancily as she was that time, they still instantly recognized her.

“That’s the Andersons’ eldest daughter. I heard that five years ago, due to some money…”

The woman who said that was instantly cut off.

“Don’t just run your mouth; she’s the Chief Designer of F&M Apparel, Lisa!”

That woman promptly shut her mouth at that. Although everyone was here to suck up to Lydia and Queenie, they couldn’t afford to offend F&M Apparel.

Although the whispers were soft, Nicole still heard everything. She showed no embarrassment on her face. Instead, she lifted her lips into a small smile and slowly made her way forward.

“Nicole.” William had a smile on his face when he saw Nicole had come home. He tried to stop her, but Nicole pretended not to see him. Instead, she headed straight for Lydia.

William’s smile stiffened. He had been complimented repeatedly earlier because many people already knew about Nicole’s identity as Lisa, making his ego grow inflated. But now, Nicole treated him like he was thin air.

Nicole’s gaze fell upon Lydia. She raised an eyebrow and immediately asked the question she had. “Ms. York, is there something that you want to tell me?”

Chapter 63 Drugging?

Lydia started from that blunt question from Nicole. Fortunately for her, she had years of experience backing her up, and so she knew how to handle herself. She quickly put a smile on her face.

“Nicole, you left for quite a few years. It’s been a while since we last saw each other.” As Lydia pressed closer, she kept spouting her empty words. “You were a little extreme a few years ago, but you know how to correct your mistakes. Such a good girl. Your father kept rambling about you earlier this afternoon. I reminisced about you too. I’ve always wanted to have a good talk with you and clarify everything. That’s the only way certain unsavory rumors will be dispelled.”

Nicole couldn’t stop the mocking look in her eyes as she listened to Lydia’s fake niceties. Nicole was currently the Chief Designer of F&M Apparel; scores of people would be clamoring for her attention. And here Lydia was, demeaning her in front of everyone while also tying her back to the Andersons. Such a good move, that was!

Lydia lowered her voice after that so that only Nicole could hear her. “If you want to know more, then come with me first.”

A sneer rose to Nicole’s lips. Lydia had perfected the art of hiding a scheme behind a veneer of niceness. But Nicole did not object either, and she followed Lydia, leaving the place.

Once both of them had left the crowd’s sight, Lydia quickly wiped the smile on her face faster than the eye could see. They walked down the corridor, never once stopping. Some time later, Lydia let out a cold chuckle and glanced at Nicole through the corner of her eyes in displeasure. “You want me to clear your mother’s name?”

Nicole’s smile turned frigid as well. She wasn’t a doormat that anyone could just walk over. Never had been! “Why else did I pretend to be an oh so patient and understanding daughter in front of everyone just now? So I can creep myself out?”

Lydia’s crow’s feet deepened as a cruel look came to her eyes when she heard Nicole’s condescending words. She clenched her fists. “Fine. Once we’ve ironed out the conditions, I’ll clear your mother’s name.”

The two of them walked into the backyard. Nicole stopped then. She had no idea what kind of plan Lydia had cooked up. There was no one around now, so there was no need for them to walk any further.

“Just tell me what your conditions are,” Nicole said to Lydia harshly. Nicole had always known that a tiger could never change its stripes. She didn’t believe that Lydia would change in just a few short years.

“Of course I have a condition for this.” Lydia pulled herself to her full height. She turned her back to Nicole as she smiled, a most smug one at that. Fixing her gaze on Nicole, she slowly enunciated her words. “I want you to be permanently ruined! Never to rise again!”

Nicole wanted to fire a rebuke back, but heat suddenly spread through her body. As an adult woman—and one who already had a child at that—she of course knew what the heat was. But she hadn’t consumed anything at the Anderson Residence until now; when could she have been drugged?

Could it be that sweet fragrance I smelled when I arrived in the backyard?

Nicole’s mind was addled. Her black eyes had already gone misty. She bit her bottom lip, managing to claw back some sanity from the sharp pain.

“Drugging me?” Nicole laughed, disdain on her face.

Lydia admitted it outright. She lifted her head up slightly to look at Nicole and gave a cold chuckle. “Nicole, today, I will leave you in shambles permanently. Forget about staying as F&M’s Chief Designer—in the future, you will be the laughing stock of everyone!”

At her words, a few large, muscular men emerged from the shadows.

Lydia had a smug smile on her face. She waved a hand and gestured at Nicole. “Ms. Anderson is feeling a little under the weather. Bring her upstairs so she can rest.”

 

Chapter 64 Tossed in Together

Meanwhile, the Mann Family had also received the Andersons’ invitation. Queenie immediately pulled Joseph upstairs to the second floor when he arrived.

Today, Joseph was dressed up to the nines, but his outfit still didn’t do anything to change his usual demeanor. The expensive suit he had on made him look like a greasy young man.

“Miss Anderson, you must have a reason for bringing me up here, right?” Joseph asked with a smile. He had attended William’s birthday party today primarily because Nicole would be here. Although Nicole did not believe the results of the paternity test, once they repeated the test this upcoming weekend, Joseph would still be confirmed as Hayden’s father. There was no escaping from the truth.

The elders of the Mann Family had begun to treat him nicer because of this. Even his own father praised him.

Queenie grinned coldly on the inside when she saw how Joseph brimmed with energy, but she still feigned a kind tone. “My sister wanted you to come. She said she has something to tell you here.”

“Nicole asked for me?” Excitement peeked through Joseph’s voice.

Queenie nodded. “That’s right. Nicole told me to inform you to wait here. She’ll be coming over in a bit.”

Joseph was ecstatic. The reason why Nicole would ask for him had to be because of her son. He hastily said, “Okay, I’ll wait for her here!”

Queenie’s smile became even more pleased when she saw the delighted look on his face. She nodded. “I’ll take my leave for now. Please wait here for a moment. Nicole will be here soon.”

Queenie then exited the room. There was an aromatherapy oil—with something extra added to it—being diffused into the room. Queenie was certain that Joseph would feel its effects once the door was closed.

Prior to Joseph’s arrival, Lydia and Queenie had already set up a hidden camera inside the room. The camera was linked to the screen on the main stage where the party was being held. When the time came, Nicole would sleep with Joseph. If she didn’t marry him after that, she would have to live her life in shame forever. And if Nicole did marry Joseph, she would be doomed still because he was a worthless, spineless man!

At the end of the day, Queenie would win and have Nicole eternally cut out of Colton’s life!

Joseph excitedly waited for Nicole inside the room. She must have wanted to talk to me about the paternity test if she asked me to wait here. At that thought, Joseph’s smile widened.

But why’s the room getting hotter? It’s still February, and the breeze outside still has a slight chill to it. Why is it so hot?

Before he could think even further, the door suddenly swung open. Two bodyguards immediately tossed Nicole inside.

Joseph was startled by this. He hastily stepped forward, wanting to ask what had happened out of concern. When he looked down though, he saw that Nicole’s face had reddened. Her cheeks were unnaturally flushed, in contrast to her usually pale skin. Her pink lips were moist, resembling springy jelly. It made Joseph want to bite at them. Her eyes were slightly distant. She looked like she was seducing him when she looked at him.

Joseph’s heart was stirred. Heat rushed through his lower half. He had visited his share of nightclubs over the years, and he definitely knew that Nicole had to have been drugged, considering her state now. But that fit perfectly with his agenda. They would be together at some point anyway. There was no difference in doing the deed now or delaying it a bit more.

With that thought, he began to act on his impulses. At first, Joseph even politely asked, “Miss Nicole, are you okay? You seem to be in pain, judging from your expression. Do you want me to help you?”

Nicole lowered her head as she bent over on the ground, as though she was doing her best to hold something back.

Joseph swallowed. Seeing how Nicole neither answered nor refused him, his lecherous side reared its head. He reached out to touch her, but before he could make contact with Nicole, she suddenly lifted her head. Those misty eyes had cleared up, and there was even a mocking look in those clear eyes of hers.

Joseph was angered by Nicole’s gaze. This woman is looking down on me!

“Quit the act already, Nicole. You crawled into my bed five years ago certainly because of money. Aren’t you waiting for a man, since you look so seductive now? I’ll fulfill your wish!” he said cruelly, smiling all this while.

 

Chapter 65 The Show Begins

Joseph reached out with his hand and intended to take the woman before him.

Nonetheless, Nicole no longer had the fragile look and seeing as his hand was extending over to her, she swiftly stood up and took a step back to dodge the man’s perverted hand. She revealed a glower as she realized what was happening after having sensed the sweet aroma wafting in the air. Apparently, drugs were planted in this room. Isn’t Lydia so thorough with her tricks?

He, on the other hand, had no idea what had happened to himself. All he felt when Nicole entered was the desire violently gushing within him and tempting him to violate the woman in front of him. As his vision was filtered by charm, he ogled at Nicole with his lecherous eyes. “Oh, Nicole, stop pretending!”

As he walked up to grope her, the woman, with her movements so agile as if she wasn’t drugged at all, swung a punch at him, leaving him unconscious on the ground. She leered at him with stony eyes before turning to the door and twisting the knob, only to find out the door wasn’t locked from the other side. Those *ssholes must think I’m done. Heck, they didn’t even care to lock the door.

She consequently opened the door and tidied her crumpled dress as rage flashed across her inky eyes. She initially thought Queenie and Lydia called her over to flaunt their strengths, but little did she expect that they would actually prepare such a filthy, unscrupulous trap for her. If I’m not mistaken, there must be a camera hidden somewhere in the room. If I were caught doing whatever that was, I won’t be able to shake myself out of this even if Hayden isn’t Joseph’s son.

Pondering, Nicole tightly clenched her fists. She had always been a neutral, uninvasive woman, but since the Andersons had pulled a move on her, it was only right for her to return the favor.

On the other hand, after finishing her discussion with Joseph, Queenie delightfully tidied her room before going downstairs. However, right when she stood up, she felt a strike on her nape, and before she could scream for help, her entire body collapsed.

Some time later, when she regained consciousness, she felt like she was being crushed by a gargantuan boulder. She forced her eyelids open, only to discover that the person before her was Joseph. At this moment, Joseph, overwhelmed by lust, was reaching over with his hands to disrobe her. Immediately, she began to shriek as she forcibly shoved the man away, yelling at the top of her lungs, “Look closely, Joseph! It’s me, Queenie! Let go of me immediately!”

In that instant, Joseph, after having waited for a long time in the room, lowered his head and gazed at the woman with his immensely lecherous eyes. He revealed a smirk before he huffed fiery air out of his mouth. “Who cares? You’re both b*tches anyway. Weren’t you trying to sleep with me before changing your target to President Gardner? Well, lucky you, I’m gonna fulfill that dream of yours right now.” As he was speaking, his hands were already upon her.

At the beginning, Queenie was struggling with every ounce of her strength, but the fragrance in the room grew thicker as time went by and dwindled her consciousness. Gradually, her resistance eased.

Meanwhile, in the banquet hall of Anderson Residence, the massive screen, which was connected to the hidden camera, was turned on, after which intimate, alluring sounds blared from the speakers.

With that, Lydia smiled. I want to see how Nicole is going to get herself out of this. You’re going down, psycho!

The guests, who were indulging in their respective conversations, were attracted to the sound and simultaneously turned to the big screen. Among them, the quickest to respond was a scoop of reporters who hastily grabbed their cameras to start recording. After all, not only would the Gardner Family be attending the banquet, but even Lisa from F&M Apparel would be in attendance as well. That was the reason why they were rather eager.

Lydia, at the same time, wanted to shatter Nicole’s reputation, so she generously invited numerous media journalists and reporters whom she could expose Nicole’s hideous and vulnerable moment to.

 

Chapter 66 Infidelity

Before Lydia could drown in her excitement, the reporters beside her, while recording the picture on the screen, described the scene in exhilaration.

“Isn’t that Queenie Anderson and Young Master Joseph? Oh my!”

“But isn’t she engaged to President Gardner? How could she do that?”

“Tsk, tsk. Look at them doing it so barbarously. Seems like they’ve done this before.”

“This visit sure is worth it!”

Hearing their remarks, Lydia instantly scowled. Isn’t it supposed to be Nicole? Why are they talking about Queenie? She turned to the enormous screen, and in the center of it, no doubt, was Queenie and Joseph. Trembling, she almost tumbled, and as she was hastily going to turn off the screen, Colton came in through the entrance.

He sported a full black suit, and his perfectly tailored slacks highlighted his abnormally lengthy legs. There wasn’t a trace of emotions on his face. And right as he entered the banquet hall, his eyes fell upon the screen. After all, the noise and the attention of the crowd drew him to turn to the screen.

Thoroughly panicked, Lydia quickly turned the screen off. Nevertheless, the sight of Queenie and Joseph fornicating was deeply engraved in the minds of the audience, turning the once-silent banquet into a lively commotion.

Infuriated, William had already seen through the scheme. He went up and glared at Lydia as he gritted his teeth. “What do you think you’re doing?!”

Anxiousness flashed across Lydia’s eyes as she speedily denied her involvement. “I-I don’t know either!” She had no idea how the supposed victim Nicole had turned into her own daughter, Queenie. Reminded of the scene on the screen, she swiftly lifted the skirt of her dress and got ready to go over. If she didn’t stop it right away, her daughter’s innocence would be stripped away.

Behind her, the reporters, having seen the blood-pumping scene, were tempted to storm into the building to catch the two in the act. Seeing as Lydia retreated, they briskly followed after. Although the bodyguards wanted to block them off, the number of reporters easily triumphed over them. Besides, all of the reporters had amassed years of experience, and they would risk their lives in order to get their hands on the hottest news. There was no way the bodyguards could hold them off.

Anna, on the other hand, had brought Wendy along to the banquet. The reason for her visit, apart from meeting Nicole, was to show some courtesy to Queenie, who had been with her son for so many years. Alas, her visit only led her to such explicit footage, and listening to the whispers of the guests, she couldn’t help but feel embarrassed. Although Queenie had yet to marry Colton, she was still widely known as Colton’s fiancée, but to see her doing something so shameless with Joseph on the bed, Anna was so enraged that her face blanched.

At once, Wendy attempted to comfort her mother. “Don’t be upset, Mom. She hasn’t married Colton anyway.”

Anna was shaking, but fortunately, someone was by her side to grab her, or she would have actually collapsed.

Seeing his mother’s pale face, Colton hurriedly went up to hold her. “Mom, are you okay?”

Anna heaved a sigh, visibly unwell. She reached out her hand and grasped Colton, saying, “Go check out what’s happening. If that’s real, the Gardner Family shall not take in such a treacherous woman!”

From afar, William caught the unfriendly expression on Anna’s face. As he was about to approach her, he overheard her utterance and immediately grimaced. Nervous, he went up to her. “Why don’t you take a seat first, Mrs. Gardner?”

At his arrival, Anna’s face didn’t turn any better. Followingly, she scoffed. “Look at the beloved daughter you raised.”

Upon those words, William’s face reddened, but he, too, had witnessed the inappropriate scene, so he could only hold in his frustration. “There must be some sort of misunderstanding, Mrs. Gardner. Queenie isn’t one to do something like this.” All these years, the Andersons were already at their lowest, and without the Gardner Family’s protection, they’d be done for.

Shutting her eyes, Anna obviously had no intention to entertain the man before her. With that, she turned to Colton. “Go see what’s happening.”

Chapter 67 Caught in the Act

Meanwhile, Lydia rushed to the room and opened the door, only to catch the two intimately snuggling against each other. Immediately, she opened up the windows and the door to disperse the scent in the air. Right when she did so, the reporters caught up and aggressively photographed the two on the bed. However, Queenie and Joseph were so narcotized that they didn’t even notice the others.

Hasty, Lydia wanted to stop Queenie, but the latter, out of her mind, was tightly groping Joseph as she continued grinding on him.

“Queenie, Queenie!” Lydia yelled, but to no avail. She then grabbed a bottle of water and splashed it onto Queenie’s face, and thanks to the chilliness of the water, Queenie was able to regain consciousness.

At once, she opened her eyes and saw the events happening around her. Catching the reporters by the door, she quickly grabbed the blanket to cover herself, shrieking, “Ahh!”

Nevertheless, Joseph was still under the effects of the drug. Watching as Queenie was about to leave, he grabbed her hand and wanted to subdue her with his body, but Lydia swiftly stopped him and shielded Queenie behind her.

Despite this, the drug’s effect was so strong that the ardor in Joseph’s eyes still persisted. Without a care in mind, he went over to tug Queenie back to bed.

Although Queenie’s zeal had yet to wane, with so many people on the spot, including the salivating reporters, she was overwrought. Like a miserable victim, she held onto her mother and screamed at Joseph, “Unhand me, you monster! Let go of me!”

At that moment, Colton squeezed through the crowd and entered the room, only to see the mess of a scene. He was visibly irritated. Squinting his eyes, he wordlessly kicked Joseph out of the room.

Joseph fell to the ground, and a splash of water followingly hit his face, to which he finally came to his senses. He raised his head and saw the group of reporters as well as a bitterly scowling Colton. He instantly grew agitated. What on earth was I doing?

“Colton, listen to me. I really didn’t cheat on you. I was fixing my makeup in my room, and all of a sudden, someone knocked me out and carried me here.” Looking at Colton’s hostile face, Queenie quickly went up to explain. She reached out to grab Colton, but the man took a step back and evaded her hand. Awkwardly grasping the air, she gritted her teeth as her eyes glistened with tears. She then sniffled and pulled a woeful look. “Please believe me, Colton. I was drugged! I don’t even know how I turned out this way!”

Despite that, Colton remained expressionless, but given that Queenie was still his supposed fiancée, he couldn’t just stand idly by and watch.

“That’s right, President Gardner. Queenie has been with you for five years. She’s not such a person. You know that too, don’t you?” Lydia speedily backed her up. If they were to lose the Gardner Family as their backbone, the Andersons would have nothing to live on.

Eventually, there were some changes on Colton’s face. He looked down at the miserable Queenie. With a face feigning not a hint of sympathy, he coldly stated, “I’ll look into this. We’ll talk again once the result comes out.”

Seeing as Colton was willing to believe in her words, Queenie, relieved, loosened herself and smilingly replied, “Thank you for believing in me, Colton.”

Yet, the man remained emotionless. “I don’t believe you. I’m only doing this because you’re carrying the title of my fiancée.” If Queenie was truly cheating on him, the Gardner Family would also be turned into a joke for a period of time.

With that, Queenie’s face paled as her collars-gripping hands greatly tightened, her knuckles turning white from the grip. As her lips trembled, tears profusely gushed out of her eyes.

Chapter 68 Pity Card

In that instant, her heart was filled with immense vexation, and her reddened eyes overflowed with malevolence. It must be that b*tch Nicole! It must be her! She must have planned all this! Hell, she almost dragged me into the mud! Queenie trembled with rage, yet she couldn’t bring herself to say a word.

Meanwhile, seeing as the drama was over, the reporters, craving for more, hurriedly interrogated.

“Miss Anderson, as President Gardner’s fiancée, why are you here? Is there a secret relationship between you and Mr. Mann?”

“Yeah, Miss Anderson. Spending time in a room with a man alone and with your clothes undone. Have you broken up with President Gardner, or are you two-timing?”

Those insensitive remarks from the reporters felt like needles piercing through her skin. Despite her anger, she bit her lips and retained her sorrowful facade. She looked at the reporters with a face that screamed of pity. Accordingly, she raised her hand to wipe off her tears and spoke up as if she was a victim, stammering, “I don’t know either. I-I was drugged and brought here… And when I came to, things had already happened… Wah…” After voicing her statement, she lowered her head and whimpered in her mother’s arms, all while acting like an innocent, clueless child.

As the reporters were about to ask more headlining questions, they were interrupted by Colton. “That is all for today. We’re all here for the birthday party. I don’t think you’d want to look into such an irrelevant matter,” he said with his spine-chilling voice. As his piercing gaze swept across the reporters, every one of them was utterly spooked.

However, if such news were to get out, the society would surely be outraged. Therefore, despite Colton’s words, the reporters were reluctant to give up as they wordlessly clutched their cameras.

Staring at them, Colton, standing up straight, continued, “Whatever it is that you recorded today stays here.” Right as he finished his sentence, numerous bodyguards appeared and surrounded the reporters.

Intimidated, the reporters became nervous, but one of them mustered up the courage to question Colton, “So are you going to snatch them away from us, President Gardner? Right in the open?”

Hearing that, Colton revealed condescension on his face as he shot him a piercing gaze, countering, “Do you think they’d have the chance to reach the mass?”

Upon those words, the crowd was reminded that Gardner Corporation focused their business in network technology. Even if they didn’t surrender their gadgets, they most likely wouldn’t be able to publish the contents. Besides, most of the media companies were affiliated with Gardner Corporation, and if the reporters were to upset the Gardner Family, things wouldn’t end well for their respective companies. Thereupon, the reporters who realized this turned in their recording tapes to the bodyguards. Gradually, the rest followed suit.

Gardner Corporation was so influential in the country that its presence alone resembled a monarch, while the relatively small media companies were as puny as an ant, and anyone who dared to go up against Gardner Corporation would be stepped on, like an ant.

Seeing as the reporters had surrendered their recording tapes, Colton stopped bothering them and turned around to leave.

On the other hand, watching as Colton showed up and left without showing any affection to her, Queenie hopelessly sat on the ground and bitterly cried in Lydia’s arms.

Followingly, the reporters followed Colton out.

With the crowd dismissed, Queenie started cursing. “Mom. I’m sure… I’m sure it’s the doing of that b*tch Nicole!”

At her daughter’s wailing, Lydia, too, felt pained. She initially thought they would be able to bring Nicole down this time and seal her within helplessness. Out of her expectation, Nicole fired back and set her daughter up. She held Queenie as she gently patted her back, clenching her teeth. “Don’t worry, Queenie. I’ll never forgive her! And I’ll make sure that she wishes she was dead!”

 

Chapter 69 Give It to Me

The night sky was so dark it resembled the finest black fabric in the world.

Meanwhile, Nicole was leaning against the railing as she coldly stared at the turmoil unfolding beneath her with her eyes slightly lowered. The matter was supposedly resolved, but all of a sudden, a burning sensation surged in her body, eating away at her will. She bit her lips as she gripped the railing. Squinting her eyes, she had never expected the drug Lydia set up to be so strong, so her only option right now was to go home. As for her mother’s innocence, one day, she would surely force it out of Lydia.

Right when she was about to leave, a man’s raspy voice stopped her. “You’re here, Miss Nicole Anderson.”

Intuitively, she turned around, and her gaze fell upon Colton’s sable eyes. She was stunned for a moment before quickly regaining her senses. She then pursed her lips and greeted him with a beam. “Yes.”

Due to the night’s dullness and the fact that there was no lighting where they were, their vision was almost pitch black, which was why Colton couldn’t see her weird expression.

“Are you not going downstairs?” Colton took a few steps forward and came before Nicole.

As he neared her, Nicole could smell the scent unique to the man, just like the scent from five years back. Zoning out, she quickly snapped out of it and subconsciously stepped back as an unusual redness occurred on her snowy cheeks. “Maybe not. I’m just an outsider, and I’ll surely make a fool of myself if I show up down there.” Finished, she subconsciously gulped her saliva as she held her shaky body up with her hand. For some reason, Colton’s approach gave her an irresistible sensation to get close to him. Hence, she clenched her fists and pricked her palms with her fingers, attempting to suppress her urge to act rashly.

Colton said nothing more. He was aware of a thing or two about the grudge Nicole had against the Anderson Family, as well as how the Anderson Family was scornful of her. “Do you know what happened earlier?” Lowering his gaze, he casually quizzed all of a sudden.

With that, Nicole pretended to be calm and clueless, asking, “What happened?”

Hearing her answer, Colton lowered his eyes and softly uttered, “Nothing too important, actually. Since you don’t know, let’s forget about it.”

They stood not too close to each other, about ten inches apart. Yet, Nicole could still feel the itch in her throat and the thumping desire to pounce at the man. However, she tried to hold it in. As she lowered her gaze, she swiftly stated, “It’s late. I should go.” If she were to tarry any longer, she might actually do something she would regret. Having said that, she was about to turn around and leave, but Colton suddenly grabbed her wrist.

“Miss Anderson, I have something to ask of you.” His grab wasn’t forceful. As he was holding her, he could feel the terrifying heat on her skin in his palm. He slightly frowned, and as he was about to say something, Nicole quickly jerked her hand away before hastily stepping back.

“Just tell me what it is, President Gardner. I’ll help you out if it’s within my capabilities.”

Although Colton was bewildered, he started to express his thoughts earnestly. “So, my sister is graduating this year, and she plans to attend the graduation prom. Therefore, I’d like to ask you to design a dress for her. Only if you have the time, that is.”

On the other hand, Nicole could feel the effects of the drug getting stronger. There wasn’t any issue back when she was alone, but after Colton came, her body temperature speedily rose as the urge within her intensified. Hastily, she nodded and replied, “Of course.” Finished, she was about to leave, but out of nowhere, everything turned dark. She tripped herself and almost fell to the ground, but luckily, Colton, thanks to his agility, managed to grab her.

Holding her in his arms, Colton only noticed then the inordinately scorching temperature of the woman’s body.

There was nothing but blackness in Nicole’s vision. When she regained consciousness, the man’s scent gushed into her nostrils. Her heart skipped a beat, and as intimacy slowly surged in her eyes, she opened her mouth and licked her dry lips before she wrapped her arms around the man before her. With a voice so subtle yet so fatally alluring, she whispered, “Give it to me…”

 

Chapter 70 Drugged

Dazed, Colton, watching as Nicole was getting strange, regained his senses and held her up, inquiring, “Nicole, are you okay?”

Nicole inhaled the unique scent from the man’s body that was swirling at her nose. The ambiguous smell stormed into her nose, making her tempted to stick her body against him. Her mind was in a mess. A minute ago, she was still managing to retain her rationality, but after taking a whiff of Colton’s scent, she felt that she was about to lose herself. With both her arms around Colton, Nicole, as if she no longer cared about decency, grasped him and aggressively rubbed herself against him, all while she muttered, “It’s so hot… Give it to me…”

Consequently, Colton’s body froze. The woman in his arms, too, carried a fragrant aroma. It wasn’t a thick perfume scent, but a subtle, refreshing aroma that was natural and rather nice. Regardless, judging by Nicole’s look, he easily figured out that she was drugged. The woman was fondling across Colton’s chest with her petite hands, and as she was touching him, he felt a burning sensation surging within him, to which he quickly grasped her hand. After all, if she were to go on caressing him, even he couldn’t assure how things would end up.

“Nicole, can you still hold it?” Colton calmed himself down before asking.

Opening her moistened eyes, Nicole turned to look at him with her confused eyes. She could no longer understand what Colton was saying. In that instant, all she knew was that her body was unbearably hot, and that she craved the man before her.

Receiving no response, Colton could only pull out his phone and give Harvey a call. After the call went through, he cut to the chase and directly blurted, “Harvey. Twenty minutes. My place.”

“Why? You must have pissed someone off and had your *ss beaten, huh?” On the phone, Harvey vilely questioned.

Harvey Yates, after getting his master’s degree in medical school, started a small clinic that specialized in treating wealthy individuals. Since they used to live near each other back then, and thanks to Harvey’s shameless attitude, he and Colton eventually got to know each other.

“A friend of mine was drugged, and it’s serious. Hurry over.” Colton finished his sentence in one breath. Then, he lifted Nicole up. If he were to let the symptoms go on, something atrocious might happen. With that, he carried her and rushed down the staircase. Under the rays of the lights, he could finally see her awfully red cheeks. Those once-snowy cheeks were now as red as a beetroot.

“No way! Colton, you absolute beast! Did you fall for another girl, who doesn’t share the same feeling, and now you’re forcing it onto her?” Before Colton managed to hang up, the momentary silence was suddenly torn apart by Harvey’s energetic voice.

At once, Colton had the urge to go profane, but he suppressed it and patiently said, “Cut the nonsense and get over here fast! Or else!” Annoyed by Harvey’s talkativeness, he swiftly hung up.

In the meantime, Nicole, who was in his arms, wasn’t exactly calm as she snuggled her face against his chest. Even with his clothes on, he could still feel the temptation growing with her constantly teasing him. He lowered his head and stared at the woman in his embrace. If it weren’t for his persisting determination, he would have done her on the spot. Without contemplating any further, he carried her into his car before getting into the driver’s seat and hitting the gas.

…

Today was William’s birthday. What was supposed to be a merry day turned into an intercourse plight.

After Queenie and Joseph were sent to the hospital, the reporters, upon Colton’s warning, had shown themselves out of the building.

Meanwhile, William, scowling, grew enraged upon seeing Lydia, whose face was dirtied with tear stains. Exasperated, he raised his hand and ferociously landed a smack on her face. “What the f*ck do you think you’re doing? Will you finally be satisfied when my reputation sinks into a sh*thole?! Will you?!” he outrageously roared.

The incident that took place tonight had utterly disgraced the Anderson Family.