Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online
“Just tell me next time. I could have sent someone to come in my stead,” Jeremy sighed, though his tone had softened considerably now.
“I promise I will next time.”
Just then, a set of familiar footsteps rang out from behind them. It was a precise and confident stride. Jeremy instantly recognized who it was.
He turned around.
Alyssa approached them. She was dressed in an azure sundress and matching coat. She stood out against the backdrop of pink rose shrubs. Her hair was in an elegant bun today, revealing her neck. She didn’t wear lipstick but still stood out.
Some women didn’t need makeup to look beautiful. Some queens didn’t need a crown to command power.
Liana had turned green with envy and hatred.
She thought she had dressed strikingly enough in red. Yet the minute Alyssa had walked in, she had been delivered a resounding defeat.
Jeremy swallowed hard, unable to move his eyes away from Alyssa.
Alyssa ignored him. She walked past him as if he were invisible.
That fueled the flames of irritation in his chest.
“Oh? I never thought I’d see you here, Ms. Burton. It must have been hard toget an invitation to this event, huh?” Liana said in a mocking tone.
“It wasn’t easy.” Alyssa smiled. “Only those who are unbelievably close or on good terms with Rose Emerson would be invited today, and each one a pillar in the fashion community-that or a VVIP client of hers. I wonder which category you fall into, Ms. Gardner?”
“I-“Liana turned red, as if she had just been slapped in the face.
Alyssa’s words had successfully drawn everyone else’s attention to Liana and Jeremy.
“None, Ms. Gardner. The same goes for Mr. Walsh. You two must have had an exceedingly hard time getting here, hm?” Alyssa cocked her head.
Enraged, Liana stormed up to her, finger in her face. “You and everyone else here know who Jeremy is! Do you really think Ms. Emerson would refuse him if he asked to be here today?”
Alyssa nodded courteously. “You have a point there.”
“What about you? What right do you have to attend today’s event, huh? Are you some ‘pillar’ of the community? Or some big client?”
“None of that, I’m afraid.”
“So what if you’re dressed up nicely? You’re just a country bum who got her golden ticket early on in life!” Liana shrieked. She could only humiliate Alyssa this way.
She was terrified that Alyssa might suddenly reveal she was married to Jeremy. If that happened, Liana would be labeled a sleazy mistress.
“That’s enough, Lia!” Jeremy ordered, his tone sharp.
Everyone’s gaze then fell back on Alyssa.
Was this remarkable and beautiful young woman really from the country? They couldn’t tell one bit. Her sense of fashion and confidence was too outstanding. But if she really was, then how did she manage to get an invitation for today’s event?
“I was trying to be polite, Jeremy, but she clearly harbors hostility toward us. Plus, wasn’t I telling the truth?” Liana pouted, feeling like she had won once again.
“Ms. Emerson is here!” someone suddenly cried out.
Above the guests on a winding staircase was Rose Emerson herself, slowly descending. She was dressed in a rose-colored jumpsuit straight from her brand Rozabela, her hime cut hairstyle giving her a proud, royal look.
But the moment she spotted Alyssa amongst the guests, her expression changed.
A grin spread across her face as she ran the remaining way downstairs.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming over, Madam? I’ve missed you, you old geezer!” She squealed happily, running toward Alyssa.
Madam? The guests were shocked to hear Rose call Alyssa that, especially Liana, whose jaw had fallen open.
What was their connection? Why was Rose referring to her with such respect? Wasn’t Alyssa only 24 years old?
Rose was only four years older than her, and she had already been in the fashion industry for at least a decade. She’d had countless achievements, like being in the spotlight of International Fashion Week and receiving accolades.
So, who was Alyssa to her then?
“Who are you calling old? Have you ever seen a 24-year-old senior | citizen?” Alyssa scowled, crossing her arms in front of her chest. “Women | never age.”
“That’s because I respect you too much, Madam!” Rose leaned against Alyssa, her hand around her waist inan affectionate manner. “You should have told me before you came over. I haven’t even cleaned up properly yet!” 1 didn’t plan to, originally. But one of my meetings was canceled allof a sudden, so I had time to come visit.”
“Ah … so this was just a convenient trip for you then. Don’t I mean anything to you?” “I’m sorry? Why are you speaking so indignantly to me? Do I need to teach you some manners?”
The two bickered like close friends while the other guests gaped in awe.
Jeremy’s breath hitched, conflicting emotions rising in his chest. He recalled the suit she had made for him.
It finally dawned on him why the stitching and design was so immaculate. She must be the one who made Rose Emerson. & He had initially thought Allison was just good with her stitchwork, hence ignored pursuing any further possibility. It looked like he had underestimated her.
Someone who had the respect of an internationally-renowned fashion designer … Bitterness swelled in Jeremy’s heart.
Why had she never shown this side of her, this true side of her, to him in their three years of marriage? @? “Miss … Ms. Emerson, my name is Liana Gardner. I’m Mr. Jeremy Walsh’s fiancee.” Liana went forth, unabashedly, to try and shake Rose’s hand.
But the latter wanted nothing to do with her. In fact, Rose took a step backward as if avoiding the plague, pulling Alyssa alongside her. “I don’t remember your name showing up on my guestlist.” @ Hn “1 don’t know where you got your invite, but I did not send you one. As you can see, this is a private event, not open to outsiders. Leave, Or I’ll have someone make you.” Rose was incredibly upfront, with a hint of pride and confidence in her tone.
Liana turned pale. She swiftly tugged on Jeremy’s sleeve, begging him to help her.
“Ms. Emerson, I apologize on both our behalf. We weren’t aware this event was private. But my fiancee has always admired your work. She had always wanted to meet you in person. So please, we hope you may reconsider,” Jeremy spoke up, voice steady.
Something sharp lanced through Alyssa’s heart.
Jeremy had never asked someone for mercy or forgiveness before. He was always the one people asked it from.
But now, he was willing to set his pride aside just so Liana could get what she wanted.
A faint sneer appeared on Alyssa’s lips. | Only Liana was able to get Jeremy’s | kindness and love. Once upon a time, Alyssa had made the mistake of thinking she might convince him to think otherwise.
Liana clung to Jeremy, doing her best to look innocent. Secretly, she was cackling with glee.
“you’ve never attended an event like this. We’re not in the same industry, after all,” Rose drawled. She took a long look at Jeremy, then smiled slyly.
Well, since you’ve asked so nicely, you can stay.”
Upon hearing that, Alyssa was baffled. She tried to give Rose a warning look, but the latter wouldn’t so much as glance at her. In fact, her eyes were nearly burning a hole into Jeremy’s pecs.
Alyssa couldn’t help but inwardly cursed at the situation.
“Thank you.” Jeremy nodded gratefully. But before he could say much else, Rose continued, “You can stay. But she leaves.” She pointed at
Liana.
Liana was shocked. Her face was flushed. She felt thoroughly humiliated. “Why me? I’m his fiancee!” she cried.
The guests flinched at the distasteful noise, finding her increasingly uncultured.
“Tsk tsk.” Rose shook her head. “I wouldn’t have been able to tell, honestly.”
“You¨CLiana was so angry that she nearly stomped her foot.
Rose took another sly look at Jeremy, this time smirking. “Mr. Walsh can stay because he’s an attractive man. And because he’s dressed well for the occasion.”
She then eyed Liana’s outfit. “You, on the other hand, are a mess. Your colors are a terrible intrusion to this place and everyone else’s color palette. Please leave before I heave my guts up.”
Alyssa cupped her forehead, suddenly recalling something.
This mentee of hers was an incredible and diligent young woman, but when it came to that of the opposite S**, she was always the first to cave in!
“That’s not very kind of you, Ms. Emerson. We meant no harm, so there’s no need to be hostile,” Jeremy said lowly.
“Oh? Mr. Walsh, don’t you think I’m already being courteous enough by asking your fiancee to leave when she humiliated my mentor? I could have sent her off with all her limbs snapped in two.” Liana’s smirk never disappeared as she spoke.
The atmosphere turned uncomfortably silent. Even a pin drop could be heard.
Alyssa glanced at Rose in shock. So, Rose did overhear what Liana had said to her earlier.