Chapter 8
Revenge didn’t need solid proof. For Janice, just making their lives harder was satisfying mough.
As payback for Reina’s antics, Janice went straight to Malcolm’s place late that night. When he returned, exhausted and unaware, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him without hesitation.
As the heat between them excalated, Malcolm surrendered to the moment, Janice then bit his neck just behind his ear, levering a visible reininder.
When they were done, she didn’t linger. She slipped out of his apartment complex and immediately called Reina
“Was it you who sent those people to cause trouble at my clinic?!
Reina’s voice was sharp with denial. “What trouble? What are you rambling, ut in the middle of the night? Are you insane?”
Janice snorted at her feigned ignorance. “If you didn’t do it, then you won’t mind a little surprise I left behind. Keep an eye on Malcolm. You’ll see
“What did you do?” Reina’s voice rose, panic creeping lin
Janice chuckled. “Good luck figuring it out. “
She hung up, already imagining Reina’s fury when she discovered the mark she’d left on Malcolm
The next day, Janice met with Kody at a private club to discuss her plans for the clinic. After giving his name to the host, she was escorted to a dimly lit
private room
Kody’s cheerful voice called out from inside. “Come !!
He was seated at the table, and across from him sat someone with their back to the door, their lace hidden from view. At the sound of the door opening, the person tumed, and Janice froze in her tracks.
It was Malcolm, g
Her breath hitched for a split second before she regained her composure, Masking her unease, she walked in with a smile and greeted Kody as though Malcolm wasn’t there
“Sorry to keep you waiting, Kody,” she said smoothly
Kody stood and pulled out a chair for her. “You’re right on time. Hungry? What do you want to eat?”
Janice casually flipped through the menu, feigning disinterest. “Didn’t know we’d have company.”
Kody gestured toward Malcolm “My cousin happened to be nearby, so I asked him to join us.”
Janice nodded, not saying anything, though her eyes couldn’t help drifting to Malcolm. He sat stiffly, his expression as cold as ever, though his clenched jaw betrayed his irritation.
When their eyes met briefly, Malcolm frowned. She had been in his bed less than 24 hours ago, yet now she acted as though he were a stranger.
Suppressing the urge to react, Malcolm kept his gaze neutral and his tone icy.
Janice turned back to Kody, completely ignoring Malcolm. “I wanted to discuss the clinic’s expansion. I’m planning to scale up and tighten security after
some recent events,”
”
Kody frowned. “Tighten securities? What happened?
Janice explained the incident at her clinic, and Kody’s expression darkened with concer
“Strengthening security is a smart move,” he agreed. “And what about the expansion? What’s the plan?”
“I want to open a high–end wellness center in the city center, Janice said, her tone calm and condident.
Kody’s eyes lit up. “That’s a great ideal The wellness market is booming right now. You’re going to crush it.”
Janice smiled, her confidence evident. “I believe in my skills ”
Across the table, Malcolm scowled. He couldn’t shake the memory of last night–or how easily she seemed to dismiss it.
Kody offered his full support. “How much are you thinking for the initial investment? I’m in.”
“About a million for now, with potential adjustments as we grow
Before Kody could respond, Malcolm’s sharp voice cut through the air. “A million? For a high–end wellness center? Are you opening a lemonade stand?” His voice was laced with unmistakable sarcasm.
Both Janice and Kody tumed toward Malcolm Janice frowned, her expression icy, while Kody looked mildly exasperated.
“Come on, man, don’t start,” Kody mattered under his breath, trying to keep the peace.
Malcolm ignored him. “A high–end wellness center? Have you even thought this through? Location, renovations, equipment, staff–nothing about this is cheap. A million dollars? That’s a joke”
Janice inhaled deeply, suppressing the irritation bubbling up inside her. Her gaze turned sharp as she met Malcolm’s eyes. “Mr.Gomez, remind me how
