Chapter 4
Janice glanced at the check Malcolm had tossed her way but made no move to take it.
After a moment, she let out a soft laugh. “Well, aren’t you generous? Certainly more than Garrett.”
Earlier at the Ludwig residence, Garrett had only offered her a measly 50 thousand dollars to get lost.
Malcolm’s expression hardened, his patience clearly wearing thin. “Don’t push your luck.”
Too drained to argue further, Janice slumped against the table. Her fingers trailed up Malcolm’s forearm, her touch slow and suggestive. “What do you mean by that, Mr. Gomez? I’m afraid I don’t understand.”
Malcolm grabbed her wandering hand and flung it aside with a firm grip.
Janice let out a dramatic, half-joking yelp, pouting as she rubbed her wrist. “Oh, Mr. Gomez, you’re so rough. Don’t tell me you’re into that kind of thing now.”
The room filled with an icy tension. Malcolm’s face was unreadable, but the anger simmering beneath his calm exterior was impossible to miss.
Then, his phone buzzed.
Janice’s sharp eyes caught the name flashing on the screen—Reina Ludwig.
Malcolm turned, clearly intending to step outside to take the call, but Janice was faster. She threw herself against his back, one arm snaking around his neck while her other hand hit the “answer” button.
“Hello?” Reina’s hesitant voice came through the line. “Malcolm, where are you? You left dinner so suddenly… Was something wrong with the food?”
Malcolm pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly annoyed, and opened his mouth to respond.
Before he could get a word out, Janice pressed closer to him, her lips brushing his ear as she let out a soft, suggestive hum.
On the other end, silence fell.
Janice’s lazy smile widened as she reveled in her small victory. She was about to take it further when Malcolm’s hand shot out, gripping her neck just tightly enough to make her gasp.
The pressure cut off her breath, and her face reddened as her chest heaved. Despite the discomfort, her fingers teasingly tapped his phone screen, daring him to lose his composure.
Janice had a talent for walking the razor’s edge of his patience.
Grinding his teeth, Malcolm ended the call with a clipped goodbye. Shoving his phone into his pocket, he stormed out without another glance at her.
Janice collapsed onto the bed, coughing as she rubbed her neck. Tears pricked her eyes from the strain, but her laughter bubbled up anyway—unrestrained and unapologetic.
She couldn’t wait to see Reina’s face the next time they met.
…
The following morning, Janice rose early and headed to the most exclusive salon in Oakridge.
“Make it bold,” she instructed the stylist as she studied her reflection in the mirror. Her exposed shoulders and neck bore faint, visible hickeys.
When the stylist reached for the concealer, Janice shook her head with a sly smile. “Leave them. They’re part of the look.”
…
Reina’s engagement party took place at a swanky five-star hotel owned by Ludwig Corporation. Garrett had spared no expense, inviting industry elites, arranging aerial drones for live coverage, and hiring media crews to capture every moment.
Janice found the venue easily, thanks to the publicity. As she stepped out of the cab, all eyes turned to her.
Her natural beauty was undeniable, but today, she was radiant. Her makeup accentuated her striking features, her every glance and movement dripping with a sultry confidence.
The deep red gown she wore hugged her figure, its high slit revealing legs that seemed to go on forever. Against the sunlight, her pale skin seemed almost luminous.
Even the oversized photo of Reina in her bridal gown couldn’t compete with Janice’s entrance.
What truly captured everyone’s attention, however, were the hickeys she displayed so brazenly.
Ignoring the whispers around her, Janice strode straight up to Garrett and Lizzy, both of whom looked like they’d swallowed lemons.
“Since I didn’t get an invite,” she said with a picture-perfect smile, “I thought I’d drop by to wish my dear sister all the best.”
Garrett’s face darkened, but with so many guests and reporters watching, he forced a tight smile. Leaning toward her, he hissed, “What do you think you’re doing?”
“I told you,” Janice said lightly, unfazed. “I’m here to celebrate Reina’s big day.”
With a shrug, she sauntered into the venue, leaving him seething in her wake.
Janice picked up a glass of champagne, swirling it lazily before raising it—not toward Reina, but toward Malcolm.
“Congratulations, Malcolm,” she said softly, her voice like silk.
Malcolm’s gaze lingered on her hand, his expression unreadable.
Reina, meanwhile, clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms. She couldn’t hide the venom in her eyes.
The previous night’s phone call had haunted her. She’d spent hours convincing herself she’d imagined the woman’s voice. When she’d tentatively asked Malcolm about it, he’d brushed her off, claiming she must have been mistaken.
But now, seeing Janice in that dress, with those hickeys… it all clicked.
Reina’s fury boiled over as she grabbed a glass of wine and approached. “Thank you, Janice. I truly appreciate the gesture…”
Before Janice could react, Reina “accidentally” tipped her glass, spilling wine down the front of Janice’s dress.
“Oh no! I’m so sorry, Janice!” Reina gasped, feigning concern.
Janice stepped back, avoiding Reina’s attempts to dab at her dress, brushing her off.
“What a shame,” Janice said, sighing theatrically as she examined the stain. “I actually liked this dress.”
She paused for effect, then added, “I suppose I’ll have to head upstairs to clean up. Don’t let me interrupt your party.”
Reina forced a smile, relieved to see her leave.
…
Janice barely rounded the corner upstairs before a cold voice stopped her.
“Hold it.”
She turned to see Garrett glowering at her.
“Mr. Ludwig,” she said mockingly. “What can I do for you?”
“What’s your endgame here?” he demanded, his voice low and threatening. “If you ruin Reina’s engagement, I’ll—”
Janice cut him off with a laugh, her gaze sharp.
“You should know by now,” she said coldly, stepping closer, “that I don’t respond well to threats.”
Her voice dropped to a whisper. “And you should also know that since Mom’s death, I’ve had nothing to lose. No ties. No fears. No weaknesses.”
