Ch. 381..390

To Be Yours Again by Taylor Chapter 381-Try Me!

Alec lit a cigarette by the door, gazing up at the night sky, deep in thought.

Footsteps sounded from behind him. It was Mortimer, surprised that his son was still there.” You’re still here. Good. I need to talk to you about something.” Alec tossed the cigarette on the ground and snubbed it with,his foot. “Really.

What?” “Break up with Jenny Walter and never have any contact with her again,” Mortimer said swiftly, oblivious to his son’s hostility.

Alec sneered but said nothing.

“How could a woman like her be on the same level as you? She’s obviously just in for your money. She’s not fit to be your wife, Alec!” Mortimer had no clue about Jenny’s background. Old Mr. Faust didn’t tell him either, so Alec wasn’t going to start.

His hands curl into fists by his sides. “A woman like her? She’s a hundred times better than that whore you ran away with.” Mortimer’s face darkened immediately. “Don’t you dare talk about her like that!” “You’re protecting her even after her death? How romantic. Like finds like, I guess.” Alec’s mother had committed suicide because of them. His perfect family was ruined all because of his degenerate father. Even Max had suffered, all because of this man and that woman who had long died.

“You fucking brat!” Mortimer lunged at him, fist already midair.

Unfortunately for him, Alec was no longer that sad little boy prone to abuse. He grabbed Mortimer’s wrist, flinging him away. “You don’t have much time ahead of you, old man. If you want to live comfortably for your remaining time, I advise you to stay the hell out of my life! As for Jenny -if you touch even a hair on her head, I’ll make sure you wish you never did!” So what if this man was his biological father? He had long thought him dead.

Mortimer was unfazed by the threat. He sneered, “Don’t forget that I’m still the head director of the company, Alec Faust. I’d like to see what you’re capable of, especially when the board will do what I tell them to do, even kicking you out as president.” Alec didn’t show any fear. “Really? Fire me, then. We’ll see just how much the company depends on me.” Mortimer gritted his teeth angrily, then took a deep breath to calm himself. He couldn’t show a hint of weakness in front of Alec. “Stay away from Jenny Walter if you know what’s good for her, or you won’t get a warning before something happens to her.” “Don’t you dare touch her!” Alec warned.

Mortimer grinned menacingly. “Try me.” He had all the power Alec had, given he was still the Faust Group’s head director.

The father and son glared at each other, each longing to tear at the other’s throat.

Finally, Alec relented. “Just….stay away from her, and I will too.”

To Be Yours Again by Taylor Chapter 382-Not like It Used to Be Saturday night was La Vie Jen Rose Designs official launch. Jenny had rushed to the office early in the morning to finalize the preparations.

Jade crept to her side and whispered, “Is Alec coming?” Jenny grew still. She did call him last night, but he seemed busy with work and couldn’t make it to tonight’s event.

“No. He’s busy with work.” Jenny shook her head.

Jade looked disappointed. Alec’s attendance would’ve added more influence on the company’s opening. “It’s fine. I trust our company’s worth,” she murmured, as if reassuring herself.

Once the preparations were complete, they proceeded to the storefront where their models and outfits were. The staff were busy making sure everything was ready.

“Nervous, Jenny? The world will soon witness your brand’s capabilities.” Jenny shrugged. “I have faith in my creations.” She gazed at all the outfits ready on their hangers, and confidence and pride swelled in her chest.

“Good for you, ’cause even I’m nervous.” Jade was actually afraid of disappointing Jenny. She had long lost her edge after spending years away from the field.

Jenny smiled and encouraged her, “You don’t have to be, Jade. You’ve done your best, and your best is THE best. Believe in yourself, Jade. Believe in us!” Jade nodded, beaming at her. She then glanced at Felicity walking past. “Your cousin’s really turned over a new leaf. She’s been really hard working lately.” Jenny was surprised to see that too. “Good. That way Uncle David can stop worrying about her.

“Mm. Let’s hope she keeps it up,” Jade agreed.

Their staff quickly settled everything. Jenny and Jade went to the store entrance to get ready for the opening. They had called up several reporters, so they had to maintain appearances.

Jade cut to the chase. “Thank you for coming to our grand opening. We hope for your continued support, and we promise we will not disappoint.” Their store was in an upper-class shopping center frequented by Parrington’s rich and influential. They now crowded around the shop, hopeful for what it would bring them.

As Jade continued speaking to the press, Max appeared from out of nowhere, squeezing between Jade and Jenny. “Where’s Alec? Isn’t he coming?” Jenny frowned. Why was someone asking about Alec again?

She didn’t know how busy he really was; all she knew was that he was going back on his promises but never telling her the reason. Jenny truly didn’t know if Alec was telling the truth anymore. They hadn’t seen each other for some time,too, only keeping in touch via text.

Fear struck through Jenny’s heart at the realization that things were not what they used to be.

“I’m not sure. He said he’s been busy. Do you have any clue with what?” Jenny asked Max in return. She knew his relationship with Alec had eased up some.

Max frowned. “I’m not sure either. There hasn’t been much going on with the Faust Group, so he shouldn’t be so busy.” The moment those words left his mouth, he was filled with regret. He quickly added, “But then again, he might be busy expanding his company’s reach into the country.”

To Be Yours Again by Taylor Chapter 383-That’s It?

Jenny’s smile soured just the slightest as doubt crept into her mind. Yes, the Faust Group hadn’t been up to much lately, so why had Alec been so busy? He didn’t even have time to grab a quick lunch with her.

Something was wrong.

Jenny quickly stopped those thoughts from spreading. She decided to make a trip to the Faust Group after tonight to finally get an honest answer from Alec.

As Jade ended her speech and applause followed, their shop officially opened.

The crowd flocked in, and Jenny, alongside her staff, tended to the customers.

Their prices raised several gasps and hushed whispers, being on par with several international luxury brands.

“Look at the price on this!” someone cried unabashedly.

Jenny went up to the woman who had spoken up. “Would you like to hear about what materials we use for our clothing?” “No, actually. I just want to know why you’d dare price your items as high as the Shanelle across from here.” Obviously, this woman was rich. But still, she didn’t want to waste her money.

“We use the finest silkworm cocoons to spin our threads for our clothing,” Jenny explained with a smile. “Every piece is woven by hand, too, so the price must be equivalent to the craftsmanship.” The woman sneered, “That’s it?” “La Vie Jen Rose Designs mains in haute couture. Our country should have its own luxury brand, too, no?” Jenny wasn’t upset. She had prepared for this sort of confrontation.

The woman continued sternly, “You think you can just make haute couture as you like? Do you have the centuries of blood, sweat, and tears the other brands have put in?” “Is our culture’s five millennia worth of hard work and perseverance enough?” Jenny continued to smile. All her designs were based on traditional techniques and inspiration, no less high-end than all the foreign brands.

“Hmph!” The woman was at a loss for words and turned away to continue shopping.

Those who could afford to walk into the shop today had enough excess to spend on what caught their eye, so money was not an issue. That’s why La Vie Jen Rose Designs soon got its first purchase-two silken robes, light and airy.

Just as Jenny thought things were going swell, someone said, “Hey, your items look similar to the ones from that other shop that opened the other day.” “Yeah, I thought so too,” another responded.

The woman who had purchased the robes stopped and grumbled upon hearing that. “What’s the meaning of this? You better give me a good explanation, or I’m not wearing this.” Jenny and Jade went up to them. “Which shop are you referring to, miss?” “The one opposite yours. Dream Vonne Designs.” Dream Vonne? Wasn’t that La Vie Jen Rose Designs’ previous name?

Was Yvonne up to something?

Just then, Yvonne walked into the store, sneering as she glanced at the available clothing. “I can’t believe you’d mimic my designs, Ms. Walter. Here I thought you were capable enough to make your own. Give me a proper explanation, or I’m afraid I’ll have to take this matter to court.”

To Be Yours Again by Taylor Chapter 384-Copycat?

Yvonne was enjoying the scene she had caused. Two of her staff stood by her side, holding robes similar to the ones the woman had purchased from Jenny’s store.

The woman quickly compared her purchase with the ones shown. Her face fell when she realized they were nearly identical. She tossed a robe at Jade, demanding, “What is this? You expect me to wear a copycat’s work?!” She was an influential woman in Parrington, so wearing something like this would surely ruin her reputation.

Jade tucked the robe in her arms and glanced at the ones Yvonne’s staff were holding. “We can guarantee there was no copyright infringement involved.” “No?” Yvonne sneered and walked up to Jenny. “How would you explain the similarity in our designs when we’ve been open for a week now?” Jenny knew Yvonne was coming directly at her. All this copycat stuff must’ve been her idea too. She just had to figure out how Yvonne got her designs.

“I have the fashion drawing for this robe because I drew the design myself. Do you?” Yvonne smiled, then held out a hand to her assistant. “Of course I do.” She gave the paper to Jenny. “Take a long look and tell me whose design is original.” Jenny’s eyes widened, staring at Yvonne’s design in shock. The design was the exact same as hers, if not for the different paper material.

Jade was just as taken aback. She asked quietly, “What is going on, Jenny?” “I don’t know…I think someone stole my design and gave it to her.” Not just her design-that person must also have seen the clothes after they had been finalized; otherwise, their designs wouldn’t have been so similar, Jenny suddenly caught onto something. Her eyes scanned the shop before landing on Felicity at the far corner.

The woman shivered and-before Jenny could call her out-immediately left the store.

How dare she?

Jenny had brought Felicity from the countryside to Parrington and let her stay at her own home, but this was what she repaid her with? Stealing her work for Yvvone?!

Clenching her fist, Jenny let out a deep breath to regain her composure. “You know full well how you got this design.” “Yes, our designer drew it herself.” Yvonne sneered, thinking Jenny wouldn’t be able to prove the truth.

Jenny had a few seconds of thought before taking out her phone. “I’ll call the police then.” She wouldn’t be able to prove her or her brand’s innocence without the help of the police. It was the only way the public would believe in them again.

“You…” Yvonne gaped in surprise. Clearly, she didn’t think Jenny would go down this route.

After making the call, Jenny announced to the customers in her shop, “Thank you so much for coming to our opening tonight, everyone. I’m afraid we will have to close for the night, given we’ve been accused of infringing others’ copyright. But rest assured, once this matter is settled and we’ve proven our innocence, we will reopen with a bang.” “You really didn’t copy their design?” the woman who had bought the robe asked.

Jenny shook her head. “Thank you for your support, ma’am. Don’t worry-we’ll refund you your money. Do catch up with the police for updates on this case

To Be Yours Again by Taylor Chapter 385-What’s Their Relationship?

The police came, and the customers soon left. Yvonne didn’t understand how Jenny looked so confident. Did she have evidence?

She cautiously went up to Jenny. “Do you have proof that you didn’t copy our work?” “Don’t you worry. I’ll be handing all our proof to the police. You just worry about whether you missed something. Or your reputation will be ruined once the truth comes out.” Jenny grinned.

Yvonne was shocked by her confidence but quickly recomposed herself. “Hmph!

We’ll see just what you can come up with!” Before she left the premises, she turned around to upset Jenny even further. “Alec hasn’t been coming to you recently, has he?” Jenny frowned but ignored her.

“Don’t you wanna know what he’s been up to?” Yvonne grinned. “Because I know exactly what’s going on with him.” “Nope. We’re alright. Thank you for your concern.” Jenny turned to leave.

“Really? Then why does it seem like you don’t know anything that’s going on?” If only Jenny knew about Mortimer Faust, she wouldn’t be so confident. “Did you go to his study, by the way? Seen the picture he hides there? She looks like you, doesn’t she?” Yvonne called after Jenny was a distance away from her.

Jenny came to a stop, then turned to Yvonne. “Who is she?” She couldn’t ask Alec, nor had she found any answers online. Yvonne was her only lead. Of course, she wouldn’t wholeheartedly believe in Yvonne. She only needed a name to investigate that mystery woman.

Yvonne looked annoyingly happy with herself. “Looks like you did see the picture.” “What’s her relationship with Alec?” Jenny asked. Unease churned in her chest the more delighted Yvonne looked.

“You’d never imagine a man like Alec would get rejected by a woman, would you?” Yvonne said after a pause.

“Rejected?” Jenny thought, eyebrows knitting together.

Yvonne was in a terribly good mood now, eager to make Jenny as upset as possible. “You don’t need to worry too much, honestly. It’s not like they were dating.” Her “consolation” didn’t help. “What are you saying?” “I’m saying, as much as Alec did like her back then, they never dated.” Yvonne knew a lot more about the man than Jenny did, after all.

“Alec liked her?” The thought made Jenny’s heart plunge.

It pleased Yvonne to no end. “The woman rejected Alec when he confessed his love to her. He’s never let go of her since. Now he’s dating you in memory of heryou’re her substitute, Jenny. He’s such a jerk, isn’t he?” Yvonne nearly floated three inches off the floor with delight.

As aware of Yvonne’s ill intent as Jenny was, all this news still upset her.

Was this all true? She bit her lip, doubt now firmly planted in her heart.

Yvonne didn’t seem to be lying, given how happy she was telling Jenny all this.

To Be Yours Again by Taylor Chapter 386-I Can Handle It “What’s her name?” “Quinn Blue.” The web browser she had opened up was filled with information about Quinn Blue.

Jenny had been lauded as an academic when she was still in school and even after. But after seeing all the records and accomplishments this woman had, she suddenly felt inferior. Quinn had both intellectual and athletic prowess, as well as developed several humanitarian projects.

Jenny shook her head, trying to shake away the sensation from her mind.

Quinn was beautiful, yes; an academic, yes; but that was none of Jenny’s business. They were two different people.

She shut her laptop, deciding to have a talk with Alec about that woman. If he really only thought of Jenny as a substitute, then they might as well end things.

She wasn’t about to be someone else’s substitute.

A knock on the door made her jump in surprise.

Could it be Alec? Did he rush over after hearing what happened at the store?

Jenny hurried to the door, hope gathering in her heart. It had been so long since she’d seen the man in person.

When she opened the door, she froze in place.

“Are you alright, Jenny? I came over right after I heard what had happened at the store. Don’t you worry, I’ll take care of everything for you,” Christopher explained, seeing how upset Jenny looked. He thought she was reacting from the shock at her store.

Disappointment tasted bitter in Jenny’s mouth, along with self-depreciation.

How could Alec not have heard about what happened to La Vie Jen Rose Designs when even Christopher had? Was he so busy that he couldn’t even come to see how she was doing?

“No need. I can take care of this myself,” Jenny refused. She hadn’t worried about the copycat issue at all. Felicity could never have guessed that she had cameras installed in her private office and in her study. All she had to do was get evidence of Felicity meeting up with Yvonne to end this farce once and for all.

All she needed was time.

“I know you don’t like me, but you shouldn’t have to deal with all this alone. Do you really want to risk seeing your hard work go to waste and your brand close shop?” “I really don’t need your help. I have all the evidence I need.” As annoyed as she was with Christopher and his ulterior motive, she was still grateful for his offer to help.

Seeing how serious she was, Christopher sighed with relief. “Good then. Just let me know if you need any help.” Jenny’s doubtful stare bore straight into his soul.

“I promise I just want to help you out. I don’t expect you to repay me with anything.” Christopher shrugged. Yes, he wanted Jenny to be with him, but he wasn’t that shameless to prey on her in her time of need.

Jenny smiled. “Really? So, you won’t make me be your girlfriend?” “Only if you want to-” “Nope.” Christopher huffed, then asked, “Have you had dinner, by the way?” Jenny shook her head. She didn’t have much appetite since the incident at her store.

“I’ll treat you then.” Christopher grinned.

“No thanks.” She just wanted to stay at home alone.

“How about…we eat here, then? I’m not too hungry, so you don’t have to make me much,” Christopher said cautiously.

Jenny stared at him incredulously. “You expect me to make you dinner?” “Of course,” Christopher responded flatly.

It wasn’t like he knew how to cook.

 

To Be Yours Again by Taylor Chapter 387-You’re Interested?

Christopher stared at the bowl of instant noodles and reconsidered marrying Jenny.

Was his grandfather toying with him?

Jenny shot him a look. “You’re lucky to have something to eat right now. If you don’t want any, you can leave.” Most men were probably like Christopher, she thought; never lifted a finger to cook or clean for themselves. Alec was a rare one, for sure.

Jenny felt a little sad at that. The thought of not being with him anymore, of not eating his cooking ever again, was terrible.

“You really went all out, huh.” Christopher sat down to eat the noodles. He was hungry, after all.

Jenny ignored him and quietly ate her food, wondering when to meet with Alec again. Before that, she’d have to deal with her company. She couldn’t let Yvonne frame her for copyright infringement.

Christopher didn’t leave after finishing his meal.

“Why are you still here?” “Let’s chat for a bit, hm? You’re not busy, are you?” The man lounged on her couch. He couldn’t just leave after finally stepping into Jenny’s apartment.

“Who says I’m not busy?” Christopher grinned. “Then busy on, busy bee. I’ll be right here. Won’t interrupt you.” Jenny glared at him, but he pretended not to see. Instead, the man began to swipe away at his phone. With a sigh, Jenny grabbed her laptop and got to work.

“What are you up to?” Christopher asked. The clicking of her keyboard was distracting.

“Hacking into some cameras.” Christopher sat up, surprised. “You know how to do that?” Jenny rolled her eyes. “You think I’m just here to look pretty?” She wasn’t going to waste her breath any further with Christopher.

Christopher coughed awkwardly, ashamed to reveal that he had thought so before. He knew she was a doctor but didn’t think more than that, until now. Jenny was way different than he had grown to expect.

“Are you a hacker?” he asked, standing behind her to peek at her laptop screen.

He marveled at the camera footage Jenny had tapped into.

Jenny swiftly shut her laptop, glaring at him. “What nonsense are you talking about? No, I’m not.” “Of course, of course,” Christopher held his hands up. He knew the truth, even if she denied it. Where’d you learn all this, by the way?” According to his research on her, she had grown up in a small village in the countryside. There was no way she could’ve learned how to hack into things there, right?

“My mentor taught me,” she replied swiftly.

Well, Christopher hadn’t any leads on that.

“You really don’t need help with your company? It won’t be easy to deal with Yvonne now that the Blooms are backing her up.” In truth, he wasn’t worried about the Blooms at all.

Jenny sneered. “Wouldn’t you know more about the Blooms than I do? Plus, they’ve got enough on their hands right now to deal with.” She figured Yvonne’s move today had gone uninformed on the Blooms’ end. They likely hadn’t approved of it, nor would they.

Christopher nodded. “Good point. Yvonne is really something.” Jenny grinned. “Oh, so you’re interested in her? I can introduce you two.” He gazed at her in shock. “You’re really trying your best to kick me out, huh?” Just then, someone knocked on the apartment door.

“I’ll get it,” Christopher said before Jenny could stand up, already walking toward the door.

To Be Yours Again by Taylor Chapter 388-8 Don’t Listen to Him The door opened to Alec standing before it, much to Christopher’s surprise.

“What are you doing here?” “Why are you here?” Both men spoke up simultaneously, surprised by the other’s response.

Alec’s expression darkened. He stormed past Christopher to find Jenny eating instant noodles at the dining table. She had been looking forward to seeing him, too; it had been a while since they had spent time together.

Christopher closed the door and sat down in front of Jenny. “Do you want something to eat, Mr. Faust? Jenny can make another bowl for you.” Alec gritted his teeth, very upset with what was going on. He had rushed over after hearing what happened to La Vie Jen Rose Designs just to console her. But here she was, holed up with Christopher, having dinner together. Who knows what would’ve transpired if he hadn’t been here in time?

The rage in his chest was ablaze. He had held on all these days just to prevent Mortimer from hurting Jenny.

What had she been doing, hm? Turning her attention elsewhere, apparently. She probably hadn’t worried about him, either.

Sensing all was not well with Alec, Jenny said to Christopher, “Are you done with your food? Get out, then.” “Really, Jen? After what we just…” Christopher hesitated, looking upset.

Jenny knew he had said that deliberately to get Alec fired up. “What the heck are you on about? We didn’t do anything, so don’t try to pull something!” She strode over to the door and opened it, wishing she could drag Christopher out herself.

Pain lanced in Alec’s chest as he watched them “flirt.” He had come here for nothing.

“That’s enough!” he growled and left the apartment without a second thought. He shouldn’t have come there and ruined his expectations.

Jenny’s heart immediately plunged. She glared at Christopher, then ran after Alec into the elevator. “Don’t listen to him. He’s only saying that to split us up.” Alec bit his lip. He knew, of course, but Jenny shouldn’t have given him a chance to do so in the first place or even let him into her home. What if Christopher had done something to her?

“Are you done with work?” Jenny asked, trying to change the topic, but his continued silence irritated her. “Do you really think you have the right to be this upset over one little thing when you were away for a week, Alec Faust?” she said sternly.

Alec froze in place. He turned back to find Jenny looking away, pouting angrily.

Regret welled in his chest. He was the one who let things turn out this way in the end.

With a sigh, he reached over to pull Jenny close. “I’m sorry. I’ve been really busy with work. I didn’t mean to neglect spending time with you.” “Busy? Busy with what?” Jenny knew Alec didn’t have a good reason, given not much had been going on with the Faust Group.

To Be Yours Again by Taylor Chapter 389-Who Told You That?

Alec didn’t know how to answer Jenny’s question.

The Faust Group had only kept him busy for a little. He hadn’t come to find Jenny because of Mortimer Faust. His father had eyes and ears on his tail. Alec feared he would do something to her if they found out he had been seeing Jenny.

Besides, he had been occupied with winning over the board of directors and plotting to kick Mortimer off it. It hadn’t been easy with most of those old men supporting Mortimer. They had been the ones who voted the man for the spot all those years ago and had long been upset about Alec’s new way of doing things.

Alec hadn’t told Jenny any of this. He didn’t want her to worry or let her know his father was alive.

“Aren’t you going to say anything?” Jenny’s smile fell.

To her, Alec remained silent because he didn’t know what to say, showing that he actually hadn’t been busy these few days.

Sensing Jenny’s displeasure, Alec explained, “It’s just been a lot of paperwork I have to look through.” “Oh. What kind of paperwork? If you tell me, I might be able to help.” Jenny stepped closer, wanting him to elaborate. Alec frowned in response because she wasn’t normally this meticulous.

“Do you think I’m lying to you?” he asked quietly.

The elevator reached the first floor, and the two stepped out, the atmosphere still tense.

“Lying?” she thought.

“I’ve truly been busy lately, Jenny. Please don’t worry about it, okay?” Alec relented. He had been responsible for her doubts, after all.” Jenny sighed and sat on a nearby bench. “Promise you’re not lying to me? That you’ve been truthful to me about everything?” Alec paused, sensing Jenny’s emphasis. “Of course I haven’t lied to you. Even if I did, I’d have a good reason for it.” Like right now, he lied to Jenny to protect her from Mortimer Faust. That was a good reason for a white lie, right?

Jenny wasn’t happy with his answer. With a sigh, she decided to go straight to the point, or she’d be worried forever.

“Then…” She met his eyes. “What about Quinn Blue?” The moment Jenny said that name, Alec froze. Shock colored his eyes, followed by rage. “Who told you that?” he growled.

Jenny had never seen this side of him before. “It doesn’t matter. What matters is who I am to you- Jenny or a substitute for Quinn?” “Substitute?” Alec gritted out, eyebrows knitting together. “What the hell are you talking about? You’re you, and Quinn is Quinn. What do you have to do with each other?” “Really? Then explain to me why we look so alike?” It couldn’t be a coincidence, right? Alec wouldn’t have chosen her just because she resembled Quinn.

To Be Yours Again by Taylor Chapter 390-Let’s Break Up Alec’s forehead furrowed even further as he stared incredulously at Jenny. “You saw the photo?” Jenny didn’t respond. There was no reason to deny it.

“You dug through my study?” he asked furiously. He had kept the photo in his study, tucked away in an inconspicuous place. She wouldn’t have seen the picture if she hadn’t been thorough.

Jenny wasn’t afraid of him now. In fact, she found it amusing. “Yes, I did.” She was curious about what Alec would do now.

Right now, he had the urge to hit someone. But not Jenny-himself. He took a deep breath to calm himself down. “Things aren’t what you think they are, Jenny. Quinn and I have nothing to do with each other anymore.” “Oh? Then explain to me what the situation is right now. Can you swear that you didn’t approach me in the first place because I looked like her?” Jenny demanded and was met with Alec’s silence.

He did approach her because she resembled Quinn. Later, he grew to like her for her, and it stopped having anything to do with Quinn.

Jenny didn’t know this. She stared at him, heart nearly shattering into pieces.

Tears welled in her eyes. “Wonderful. Just wonderful!” She never expected herself to become a substitute in a relationship.

“Jen…” Alec murmured softly, heart aching for her pain too.

“You’ve said enough. I understand everything now,” Jenny sneered, thinking she finally knew why Alec laid eyes on her. It made sense, too, because a man like Alec Faust didn’t fall for just anyone. Of course it would be for someone who looked like the woman of his dreams.

“You don’t understand. Quinn has nothing to do with why I like you,” Alec tried to explain. He was sure Jenny had misunderstood him.

Jenny wouldn’t believe a thing he said right now. All she saw was his futile attempt at lying. “I don’t deserve being the substitute for someone lovesick.” “You’re not-” “Let’s break up,” Jenny cut him off. There was no longer sadness in her eyes, just clear determination.

Maybe she had decided the moment she saw that picture of Quinn Blue but never said anything for the sake of that tiny shred of hope in her heart that it was just a big misunderstanding. But she knew now she hadn’t misunderstood anything.

Alec only liked her because she shared Quinn’s looks.

Her statement left Alec gaping in shock. He never guessed it would come so easy to Jenny. He came to his senses after some time. “Are you sure?” Jenny met his gaze. “What’s there to not be sure about? I know I’m not as rich and powerful as you are, but that doesn’t mean I’ll gladly become a substitute.” She’d rather be the only woman he loved. Nothing less than that. Yes, she would be sad, upset, angry, but she rationalized things through and told herself to stay collected.

The anger in Alec’s chest that had burned upon seeing Christopher Spade had begun to spread like a wildfire. But he could only let it burn and burn away within.

“I respect your choice.” He didn’t say anything more than necessary. Then, he turned away and left, leaving Jenny standing where she was in silence.