They grew up together, the three of them. But things happened along the way, and relationships got complicated.
From a young age, Loraine had a thing for Isaac, trying several times to cross the line of just being friends. But Isaac, with his laid-back personality, would have shut her down ages ago if he didn't feel the same way. Everyone thought they'd end up together. But then, three years ago, there was a shakeup in the Salter family, and Isaac got kicked out. Loraine was quick to distance herself.
"Loraine and I are just friends," he said, implying that whatever choices she made were up to her.
Wesley sighed. "Alright, I'm out."
Brittany ran into William before clocking out.
"William."
He had just finished a video conference and looked worn out. "Hmm, I heard you gave your byline to Sydney."
He was planning on talking to her about it. He didn't expect Brittany to make that kind of move.
Brittany was angry. Sydney was still stirring up trouble behind the scenes, like she always did.
She didn't have the energy to argue, and she didn't want to cause him any trouble.
"William, you seem busy lately. Is it because of me?"
She had some past issues, and William brought her in. If the consortium found a handle on her and it affected his future, she'd feel guilty.
"Of course not." William shook his head, not understanding why Brittany would think that.
Brittany let out a sigh of relief. "William, it's getting late. I'm gonna head out."
William opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something, but didn't.
Brittany left the office and received a call from Hannah on her drive home. "Bri, I heard you and Sydney are working at the same company." "Yeah."
"Is she giving you a hard time?"
Hannah asked this after reading the chat records from their college alumni group chat. Sydney had been boasting in the group that she was family with Mr. Salter from Grandeur Capital, so everyone had to suck up to her.
Hannah rolled her eyes. Mr. Salter was a very cold person. Did he even know who Sydney was?
"No."
Brittany knew Hannah was hot-headed, and if she found out what Sydney had been doing, she might lose her cool.
"Bri, if she dares to mess with you, just tell me. I'll set her straight!"
Brittany rubbed her temples, parked her car, and got out.
"There's a dinner party at the Field family's tomorrow night. I'm going."
"What!?"
Hannah stood up immediately, but when her coworkers looked at her, she quickly apologized and moved to the hallway with her phone. "Are you nuts? With all the drama between you and Loraine, and now you're going to the party? Aren't you afraid of being bullied?" "Patrina said she'd give me my mom's keepsake if I went."
Hannah knew how much this mattered to her. She choked up, then finally said, "Alright, I'll get an invitation. I'll go with you."
"Hannah, you really don't have to."
"That's settled then. I'm going with you tomorrow. No arguments. Otherwise, I'll get mad."
Brittany knew she was worried about getting bullied, so she didn't refuse. "Okay."
After they finished talking business, Hannah started to vent.
"Brittany, you have no idea how exhausted I am. That strict boss has been breathing down our necks. I feel like I'm on the verge of getting fired."
Isaac, who happened to be passing by, was speechless.
Strict boss? Was she talking about him?
Nathan wanted to remind Hannah that her 'strict boss' was right there!
But he was scared off by the man's cold stare, so he didn't dare to warn her.
"Just because he's good-looking doesn't mean he's a good person. He's ruthless and lacks compassion."
Brittany smiled. "By the way, my husband said he found a job. But it might not be the recruitment invitation from Grandeur Capital, so I won't pass on the information to you."
Hannah grumbled, "What's your husband's name? I haven't even met him yet. When are you going to have dinner with me so I can meet him?"
"His name is Isaac." Brittany opened the fridge and said, before she could finish saying his full name, the call suddenly ended.
Hannah cursed at her phone as it shut off due to a low battery.
"What a crappy phone! It turns off all the time!"
Nathan was numb.
Hannah turned around, only to meet a pair of icy eyes. She froze. It took her a while to stammer, "Mr. Salter."
She was startled and wondered why no one had warned her that her 'strict boss' was right behind her. Did that mean he heard everything she had just said?
Isaac looked at her frozen face with a warning in his eyes. "Ms. Chester, do you think your workload isn't heavy enough? You have time to chat on the phone during work hours?"
"Mr. Salter, let me explain." Hannah tried to defend herself. "Mr. Salter, don't worry. I will work hard and won't do this again."
Isaac said coldly, "This is your last chance."
After he left, Hannah felt drained and slumped in her chair.
Back at her desk, Hannah charged her phone and texted Brittany.
[Brittany, my phone died earlier. He heard me complaining. I need to work now. See you tomorrow night.]
Brittany laughed when she saw the message, complaining about the 'strict boss' to his face-that's funny!
Brittany finished cooking dinner just as Isaac came home.
"Back home, let's eat."
Isaac gave a nod, noticing Brittany sitting by the dining table and dropping his briefcase.
He walked over, pulling out a bank card.
"What's this?"
"Your living expenses."
Their marriage might be a sham, but she's still doing all the cooking and grocery shopping. It's only fair she got compensated. Brittany didn't hesitate: "Once I get paid this month, I'll cover some of the rent."
"Whatever you want."
After dinner, Brittany retreated to her room.
She needed a dress for a dinner party, but she didn't have one, and cash was tight. Renting one was the only option.
The next day, after work, Hannah took Brittany to their usual luxury store.
Brittany had intended to rent a dress, but Hannah stopped her.
"You're my friend. I can't have you renting a dress. I'll buy one for you."
She picked a silver-white long dress for Brittany. The dress perfectly showcased her stunning figure, her waist so slim that it seemed as if it could be grasped with one hand. Her skin was as smooth as cream and as soft as silk. Hannah complimented, "Bri, you're the most beautiful person I've ever seen. Promise me you'll wear this dress often, okay?"
Flattered, Brittany blushed and said, "Alright, let's go."
Hannah chose a black strapless jumpsuit, her usual style.
They drove over to the Field family's mansion. Brittany was preoccupied, contemplating how to face Loraine.
Upon arriving at the Field family's place, Patrina and Finn were already there.
Finn was surprised to see Brittany gave her a scornful look.
Brittany stepped out of the car, her dress billowing.
Her long hair was held by an agate hairpin, and her features were delicate and clear.
Finn had seen Brittany's beauty before, but she seemed different tonight.
Although her face remained the same, she seemed to have transformed overnight.
Like a pearl dusted off, she shone brilliantly.
Her demeanor was filled with feminine charm. The moment she raised her eyes to look his way, Finn felt nervous.
Patrina noticed his odd behavior, biting her lip. Thinking: What else can this woman, Brittany, do besides attract men? Is she married to another man now?
"Finn, my sister has become more beautiful. No wonder she can do business with Mr. Tueley."
She was reminding Finn that Brittany had been played out by others.
The next second, the awe in Finn's eyes was replaced by disgust.
"Brittany, how shameless can you be here?"
Seeing him, Brittany was annoyed.
Hannah chuckled and said, "Finn, you're the shameless one. Have you ever looked at the ridiculous girlfriend you've chosen?"
Patrina wasn't as good-looking as Brittany and wasn't as capable either.
The Dustin family's taste was questionable; they ditched Brittany for such a pathetic woman!
Patrina turned red, tears welling up in her eyes.
Brittany adjusted her dress and said, "Patrina, don't forget what you promised."
Hannah took her hand and said, "Let's go in."
As they walked away, Patrina bit her lip hard. At that moment, she saw Loraine coming downstairs.
Loraine was as aloof as she was three years ago.
She stepped forward, greeting her awkwardly: "Ms. Field, it's been three years. How have you been?"
Loraine seemed to have forgotten Patrina. "You are?"
"I'm Patrina," she paused, "And three years ago, at the jewelry design competition, my sister Brittany plagiarized your design. She's here tonight; said she wanted to talk to you."
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