Chapter 44: A Series of Setbacks
“Tell me, what kind of person is Hanson in your eyes?”
Normally, Amy would have retorted, “What does my relationship with Hanson have to do with you? Why should I tell you?* But she felt an unexpected urge to answer, “He’s…different. Like he has his own aura, a cold aloofness that somehow makes the summer sheat feel cool. He’s nothing like those noisy boys. When he studies…”
Lily finally understood. Her daughter wasn’t in love with Hanson; she was in love with the “idea” of Hanson, a romanticized version built on atmosphere and perceived mystique. It had nothing to do with Hanson himself.
Seeing Lily’s silence, Amy continued. “In high school, I lost my wallet and phone. Hanson lent me his phone to call the housekeeper. He’s usually so cold, I thought he’d refuse, but he didn’t. Later, heard he saw me wandering around and deliberately went to help me; he doesn’t usually take
that route…”
That was how their friendship began.
Lily shook her head. If this happened after high school, she strongly suspected Vivian had orchestrated the loss of the phone
phone and wallet, with Hanson playing along. Lily and Amy’s wager was this: Amy would pretend to be penniless in front of Hanson and see how he reacted over time. Amy told Hanson a fabricated story, claiming to have learned a family secret: she wasn’t actually a Janson daughter.
Her father supposedly revealed that the Janson family had provided her with a luxurious life for seventeen years, and that was enough. After graduating high school, she would have to suppor herself. Why such coldness after so many years of care? Because her deceased mother had exploited her position to switch her own child with Amy, ruining another girl’s life to secure a better future for her own child, who was also a cruel child who abused the Janson’s child. Her father now disliked Amy for it.
This wasn’t Lily’s suggestion; it was Amy’s dramatic improvisation. Hearing this, Lily simply smiled; let her daughter have her fun… Lily had intended for Amy to shed her Janson heiress status to see if Hanson was genuinely interested in her, or her family’s wealth and influence, but Amy had created a soap opera–worthy plot twist.
That’s what she told Hanson.
Hanson reacted perfectly; his eyes were filled with concern, his words overflowing with care for Amy, showing no signs of being bothered by her supposed loss of status. His sincerity made Amy feel a pang of guilt; was it fair to test someone with lies?
*If
do as I you
say, I can help you convince your father.*
Lily’s words echoed in Amy’s mind, easing her guilt slightly. She was doing it for their future! While Hanson maintained his composure in front of Amy, he was inwardly panicking. Immediately after parting ways with Amy, he contacted Vivian.
Vivian was stunned. Amy was a fake heiress?! What about all her years of manipulation? Her first thought was the impact on herself.
Distracted, she quickly responded to Hanson’s inquiries.“I understand. I’ll look into this!” Vivian then went straight to John. Her magazine was preparing a special feature with an interview of a Janson Group vice president, so she went along with the journalist.
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Chapter 44: A Series of Setbacks
“Vivian?”
Hearing the secretary’s announcement, John had her ushered in. Vivian relayed Amy’s story
“Mr. Janson, Amy can’t be a switched child! She’s so much like her mother! Have you been deceived by that woman, tricked by a stranger’s child?!”
Vivian believed Amy was Lily’s daughter. Her mannerisms were identical to Lily’s! The thought enraged her. She hadn’t been able to correct those mannerisms all those years ago.
“What does it matter to you?”
John’s emotionless response sent Vivian reeling backward. She had known John as long as Lily had. Ben years ago, when Lily was absent, she’d tried to fill the void, yet she still felt like a stranger to him.
The blow worsened. John’s next words were like an icy dagger.
“Vivian, you’ve already received more than enough from the Janson family. Don’t be greedy. You know how much genuine affection you’ve shown Amy.”
“From now on, mind your own business. Don’t interfere in the Janson family’s affairs, and don’t try to get close to Amy for your own benefit.”
“And don’t use the Janson family’s name
for your Own gain Ever again!
John remembered her
her bossy attitude toward Lily, his eyes filled with disgust.
“Wh…what do you mean?” Vivian’s face paled.
John, losing patience, pressed the intercom to have his secretary escort her out. Vivian didn’t dare make a scene. She knew how ruthless John could be.
understand. You’re blaming me, but I didn’t know about the switched children! Lily raised the child for two years, and even she didn’t realize it was the wrong one,” Vivian offered, believing that was the reason for his harsh treatment.
John didn’t
bother to explain. He had never cared what Vivian thought
“Fine, no need to support my arm, I can walk by myself!”
Have
Too afraid to confront John, Vivian angrily brushed past the secretary after leaving the office The secretary, unflappable, remained professional, gesturing politely towards the elevator. Have a good day, Ms. Janson.”
In the elevator, Vivian didn’t realize the full weight of John’s words. Only when she reached her car did she receive a call.
“Editor–in–Chief, out of the twenty A–list celebrities we invited, only three confirmed, Nodin Kasse’s agency says he can’t make it, and…”
The assistant’s voice faltered. Vivian impatiently urged, “Just say it!”
“Kone Jewelry just announced they’re pulling their sponsorship. Other sponsors are contacting us to inquire about the situation, saying they might pull out too, if Kone withdraws.”
The assistant, who had worked with Vivian for five years, had never seen so many problems erupt in such a short time! The magazine’s fashion gala was only two weeks away! Major fashion magazines often held galas under the guise of charity events. These events attracted celebrities and high–profile figures; their success reflected the magazine’s influence and the editor’s connections. Vivian had consistently excelled in these events. Her status in the
Chapter 44 A Series of Setbacks
fashion world was thus firmly established, with celebrities showering her with attention and respect.
Now, everything was falling apart.
Vivian felt like she was going to throw up. Kone Jewelry was a Janson Group subsidiary! The celebrities‘ absence was surely orchestrated by Lightning Entertainment, a company majority–owned by Janson Group. Fashion icon Nodin Kasse was also likely influenced through Lightning’s connections…
Problems loomed everywhere.
Vivian’s world went dark. Then darker still.
