The Mysterious Billionaire and His Substitute Bride (Ethan and Janet)
Chapter 810 Nothing More Important

"Don't make fun of me, Janet. You know I won't break my word." Garrett instinctively glanced at Laney and studied her expression. Without missing a beat, he put his arm around her shoulder and smiled. Then he turned to Janet and explained, "This is Kelly Astley. She is just someone my mother arranged to be my secretary. She got sick and asked for a long leave of absence to recuperate abroad. She returned to work just recently."

In a sharp about-face from his womanizing days, Garrett was now the epitome of a devoted husband. He barely even looked at other women these days.

The corners of Kelly's mouth twitched when she heard that, but she could only nod along and say, "Yes, it's exactly as Mr. Harding said."

Indeed, it was by Vera's orders that she was by Garrett's side. Aside from being his assistant, Kelly was also tasked to deal with the women who came pandering to Garrett and dissuade them from trying to be his wife.

She had done her job pretty well over the years. However, she eventually went through a burnout phase from all the pressure, so she filed for a leave of absence.

When Kelly returned, Garrett not only had a wife, but a child on the way as well. And this wife of his was just some unknown bodyguard.

Kelly was understandably livid. She couldn't accept the fact that she had lost to a woman of a much inferior status to hers.

In her mind, she already had Vera's approval when the latter had asked her to be Garrett's secretary. If Laney hadn't gotten pregnant, Kelly was certain that she would have eventually been Garrett's wife. Janet could tell from the way Garrett spoke that he had no feelings for Kelly.

But she couldn't really say the same thing about Kelly. Besides, Laney was pregnant now and it was inconvenient for her to do many things.

"So, Miss Astley is merely a secretary," Janet remarked coldly. "Since you are aware of your position, you would do well to act accordingly."

Kelly's face froze, and her cheeks turned pink with embarrassment. She knew then that Janet had seen through her intentions.

She shot Janet a hostile gaze.

Kelly had no idea who Janet was since she was still away when the news circulated all over the country that Janet and Brandon got married. She noted Janet's plain dress however and guessed that she was nothing more than a pretty-faced designer from a middle-class family.

Kelly had seen all types of women in the years she had worked for Garrett. She had no doubt that Janet was just another one of the ambitious misses who wanted to get his attention.

Kelly scoffed to herself, thinking that Janet's type was the most stupid of all. She had probably deluded herself into thinking that she had a good relationship with Garrett, and was therefore acting presumptuous toward the women who were actually close to him.

"I assure you that I know what to do. Like Mr. Harding said, I am the secretary especially chosen by Mrs. Harding. You must be the designer from W Marks, right? You would do well to attend to your job, too. You'd better hurry and modify the dress we need, and then send it to the Harding residence in person. Don't waste time dilly-dallying, or you will be in big trouble." Kelly made no effort to conceal her animosity as she bossed Janet around.

Before Janet could retort, Garrett opened his mouth and snapped, "Shut up, Kelly! You can't afford to offend her. The matter of the dress is no big deal, it doesn't warrant so much fuss. I can send someone to take it once it's done."

Kelly gnashed her teeth in frustration, but since Garrett had spoken, she could only lower her head. "I understand, Mr. Harding."

"I apologize, Janet. Please pay her no mind. I'm taking Laney to the restaurant for a bite. Would you like to join us?" Throughout the exchange, Garrett was only worried that his dear wife might be starving or uncomfortable anywhere.

"I'm not going," Janet shook her head. She didn't want to disrupt the lovebirds. "Someone is waiting for me at home."

Garrett chuckled at that. "Well, aren'tyou sweet?" He turned to Laney, his eyes filled with warmth. "Let's go, then. What do you want to eat?"

"I..." Laney didn't even manage to finish her sentence when Kelly interrupted her.

"Mr. Harding, Mrs. Harding, I'm afraid it isn't dinner time yet." She walked over so that she was standing before the couple, and made a show of checking her watch. "You still have a meeting lined up on your schedule, Mr. Harding. If you don't go now, it will be too late."

"Postpone the meeting." said Garrett nonchalantly as he took Laney's hand and ushered her past Laney. "There is nothing more important than having a meal with my wife."

Laney quietly tugged at his sleeve, telling him that he didn't need to do this much. Work should come first.

But Garrett only smiled and patted the back of her hand.

"But..." Kelly spoke again, only to sputter into silence when she was met by Garrett's icy glare. She quickly composed herself and swallowed her dissatisfaction. "Understood. Please be careful on your way and have a nice dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Harding."

Kelly maintained her neutral expression until the couple was out of sight.