The Mysterious Billionaire and His Substitute Bride (Ethan and Janet)
Chapter 1305 New Neighbor

The new neighbor swaggered towards Laney, smirking as he greeted her, "Hello, I've just moved in next door. Nice to meet you."

Laney clenched her teeth, glaring at him. "Garrett, why are you here? Haven't I told you to stop bothering me? Why move in right next to me?"

Feigning innocence, Garrett lied smoothly, "The Harding Group is considering buying some land in this city. I'm here to investigate and just happened to stay next door. I only came by to check on you and ensure my daughter's well-being."

The moment Garrett's words hung in the air, Evan darted over, a business proposal clutched in his eager hands. In a solemn tone, he said, "Boss, feast your eyes on this proposal."

Garrett scanned the document, nodding seriously. "Hmm, it's good. But give it some more thought."

Laney hesitated but reluctantly relented. "Do as you please. Live there if you want, but don't bother me." She turned to leave with the trash, but George offered to help. "I'm free right now. Let me give you a hand."

For the first time, Laney didn't refuse.

Inside, Garrett exhaled a sigh of relief.

As they walked, he contemplated whether to explain the incident at the store to Laney.

By the time they disposed of the trash and returned to her doorstep, he still hadn't mustered the courage. Fearing Laney wouldn't believe him, he hesitated.

Laney stood in front of her door, eyeing Garrett coolly. "Do you have something to say? If not, I'm going inside."

After a few moments of silence, Laney furrowed her brow and turned to leave, feigning disinterest.

"Wait!" Garrett reached out, grasping Laney's arm, his words tumbling out in a jumble. "I didn't... I didn't hit lan. He fell by himself. As for the divorce papers and wedding ring, he might have orchestrated it." His voice quivered, pleading, "Laney, can you please believe me?"

Gazing into Garrett's anguished eyes, Laney's heart softened. "Alright, I believe you."

His eyes sparkled with hope. "Really? You do? Then can we fire lan? I'll help you replace someone else..."

"Garrett." Laney's voice was weary. "I'm not going to fire lan."

The color drained from Garrett's face as realization struck. "You've fallen for him?"

With composure, Laney replied, "It's not love, but gratitude I feel towards him. During the darkest days of my life, lan cared for me and provided company. The pain from those times is etched in my memory. You, my husband, were never there."

Waves of guilt surged through Garrett. His eyes brimmed with torment, and his lips quivered, unable to muster a defense.

Laney offered a faint smile before continuing, "We've already accumulated countless misunderstandings. One more won't change much. The crux of our issues is inequality. You and your family have constantly belittled, pitied, and manipulated me as if I were a mere plaything. I refuse to endure a life tethered to the whims of the wealthy and powerful, and I won't subject my daughter to such insecurity." Garrett prepared to make a promise, but lan

emerged from Laney's house, cutting their conversation short.

His heart ached, as if pierced by needles.

So, Laney was already living with lan... Garrett thought, disbelief welling up within him.