The Mysterious Billionaire and His Substitute Bride (Ethan and Janet)
Chapter 816 Pretending To Be Sick

Vera looked up at Kelly.

Kelly had been chosen by Vera to work for Garrett from the very beginning. She was slim and stylish and radiated natural beauty.

Though Kelly had graduated from a famous university, she'd been born into an ordinary family and was easy to control. Vera made her the Harding family secretary.

"You're smart. It's true; it's easy to get to know rich men at charity parties full of celebrities." Vera let Kelly sit down and said gently, "At first, I was hoping Garrett would grow fond of you. Now it seems as though you're not destined to be together. You've done so much for the Harding family over the years, and we all know it. You will be rewarded. If there's a man who's suitable for you, I will introduce you to him." Kelly smiled, nodding obediently. "Thank you, Mrs. Harding."

She was not at all interested in other rich families; all she wanted was to marry into the Harding family and to be with Garrett. She had persisted for so many years that she didn't mind waiting a while longer.

For the next few days, Vera had been following the doctor's instructions by going easy on Laney. For now, Laney was free from the etiquette and musical instruments lessons. Finally, Laney was able to breathe a little.

One night, Janet called her.

"I've modified the dress for you. Are you free tomorrow? If so, I'll send it to you."

Laney agreed, then told Vera about it.

The second day.

As planned, Janet arrived at the Harding family home with the dress.

"Why didn't the driver send you here?" Vera asked. Noticing that Janet hadn't arrived by car, Vera frowned. "I'll ask our driver to send you back," she said firmly. Vera seemed nice enough.

"It's okay," Janet replied with a smile. "The studio is quite close to here." Handing the dress to a maid, Janet said, "Will you send this to Laney's room and help her try it on?" This time, the dress should fit Laney perfectly. And it did!

Laney put the dress on and twirled in front of the mirror. "It's so beautiful," she marveled. "You're so talented, Janet."

"It's a team effort," Janet replied, holding the dress' hemline.

Realizing that Vera hadn't said anything yet, she turned to her and asked, "Mrs. Harding, what do you think of the dress?"

Vera nodded with satisfaction. "You have excellent taste in design, and you're a very talented dressmaker. Laney will look stunning in it."

Hearing this praise, Laney looked at her friend with a proud smile.

"It's such a shame that she can't go the charity dinner in the dress," Vera added.

The smile on Laney's face then froze.

Janet and Laney looked at each other before they turned to Vera. "Mrs. Harding, why can't she?" Janet asked, confused.

Gently, Vera replied, "She can wear it at the next event. She shouldn't go to the charity dinner since she hasn't been feeling well. I'll take Kelly with us instead. Garrett would have too much to worry about if Laney went."

"You're right, Mrs. Harding," Janet agreed, smiling. "Laney is pregnant. It would indeed be inappropriate to go to an event with so many people."

Laney was a little disappointed. It had taken Janet so much time and energy to make the dress, after all.

Vera chatted with Janet for a while. Since she still had work to do in the studio, Janet had to leave shortly after.

Laney walked her to the door and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, Janet."

"Sorry for what?" Janet replied with a smile. "Mrs. Harding paid me for my work."

Laney returned Janet's smile but didn't say anything more. Since she had decided to pretend to be sick, she needed to maintain the facade, or risk being discovered.

Apparently, the price for her dishonesty was having to miss out on the charity event.

She then walked back to her room, depressed.

The thought of Janet's efforts being made in vain, as well as the thought of Kelly attending the charity event in her place, made Laney quite upset.

She had no appetite and didn't want to have dinner. Rather, she went to bed and slept.

Sometime after midnight, she woke up from hunger.

She touched her belly and stood up, remembering that she'd seen a pizza in the kitchen earlier that day.

Vera and the servants would most likely be asleep at this hour. No one would notice it.

She carefully put on her slippers and snuck into the kitchen.