Noting how calm Toby was, Yvette checked her phone before texting him."You must come back early, Toby. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."Toby read Yvette's message. His gaze stilled as he typed out a curt response."Got it."Once Yvette received his reply, she secretly exhaled in relief and drove off.After finishing her work at the studio, Jean went to Michaels Group for a meeting.By keeping herself busy, she would not need to head back to Teak Villa so soon.Jean was still unused to the lack of Dorian's presence in Teak Villa.She had to keep herself busy to avoid overthinking.During the meeting, Derek suggested casting Glenn in Heroes.Derek's eager recommendation of Glenn made Jean's expression turn cold. She said grimly, "Glenn Sotheby isn't signed to our company. We should be reserving our best projects for our own celebrities."You should really change your habit of siding with outsiders, Mr. Cochran."Jean openly voiced her dissatisfaction.Derek stiffe
Recently, the Larsons had been selling off their assets.Rumors had spread across the entire industry.Some said the Larsons were done for, while others said the family was cashing out their assets before heading abroad to invest their money.All kinds of theories abounded.Timothy knew that Jean was someone who kept her emotions to herself. Thus, when he saw the way she threw herself into her work, he did not feel good about it. "Jean, here's this month's progress report."Timothy passed the monthly progress report to Jean."Got it."Jean took the progress report from him with an impassive expression.She pored over the information, leaving no stone unturned.Timothy was good at running a business. Otherwise, he would not have been able to build Michaels Group up to its present heights.After reading the report, Jean's expression was even more indifferent."Good job," she said unemotionally.Then, she closed the folder and handed it back to Timothy.Jean remarked, "Mr.
Jean had repeated herself. No matter how tough Derek was, his expression changed this time."Ms. Michaels, do you really think I'm scared of you? I personally fostered many celebrities of Michaels Group's media company," he scoffed.Jean coolly replied, "Many of the celebrities under your management left the company eventually. I'm sure you're even more aware of the issue behind that, Mr. Cochran."Derek's expression shifted ever so slightly.Jean picked up the report on her desk and tossed it back to Derek."You don't seem to be aware of your position yet, Mr. Cochran," she commented grimly. "Take your report and get out. Come and see me when you've figured it out."Jean's arrogance made Derek's expression harden. He glared icily at her and took a deep breath before snarling, "Let's hope you never have to regret what you've done today, Jean."She eyed him impassively. His forceful retort did not rattle her.As if nothing had happened, Jean continued to stare calmly at Derek an
Jean was startled to see him, but moments later, she began to smile faintly."Mr. Jacobs."When Toby saw Jean approaching, he smiled and came over to her.Jean was still holding her jacket. Toby glanced at it before taking her briefcase from her and saying, "Put your jacket on first. It's getting cold. You might get sick again."Toby calmly took Jean's briefcase from her. It was as if it had been his job to do it in the first place.At first, Jean was startled, but she soon nodded in agreement.After putting on her jacket, she wanted to take her briefcase back from Toby."You can give it back to me now," she said softly.Yet, Toby did not pass the briefcase back to Jean. He simply said, "You overworked yourself today. I'm sure you're exhausted. I'll help you carry your briefcase. It's not a big deal."Upon hearing that, Jean chuckled and said, "I don't feel that tired."At the very least, she liked this workaholic side of her.Toby chuckled at her reaction. "I never thought
Soon, it was time for Jean to make good on her promise and head back to Jacobs Residence with Toby.During this time, with Toby's help, Jean made all the necessary preparations.She knew she was only putting on a show with Toby. Therefore, during the flight to Dortsham, she did not feel nervous at all.When Coleen found out that Jean and Tyler had married in secret, she told Tyler to bring Jean back to see the family. During the car ride to Larson Residence, all of Jean's limbs had been cold and numb.At the time, Jean did not know about Lilian.Along the way, Tyler had shown her a lot of care as well.Back then, she was truly a coward.As she thought about her past self, she suddenly realized just how many years had passed.Throughout the journey, Jean barely spoke.Toby's eyes fell on Jean. After seeing the way she focused on the view outside the window, he said quietly, "You're doing well so far. Don't worry. I'll be with you the whole time."Jean snapped out of her reveri
Jean was indeed nervous. After all, this was a prominent family. Even though her identity was just an act, she couldn't help but feel anxious.If she didn't manage to please Miriam, it would certainly be a significant loss for Toby.Toby held Jean's hand tightly and said in a gentle tone, "Don't worry. I know you can do it."Nodding, Jean entered the Jacobs villa with Toby.The interior of the villa was luxuriously decorated. As Jean was led in by Toby, she noticed that a few people were standing in groups in the courtyard."Hey, isn't that Toby?" one of the guests chirped. "And that person beside him must be today's star—his girlfriend," another said.Toby didn't introduce her, and Jean didn't ask about them. She looked at the two who had spoken with an indifferent gaze. She furrowed her brows when she noticed the mockery in their eyes.It was clear that even though Toby was now in charge of the Jacobs family, these people still didn't take him seriously.Toby walked past th
Jean remained composed despite Finn's words. He knew Jean looked identical to Joyce. It was clear that he was trying to provoke her.Toby glanced at Jean, worried that she might be uncomfortable due to this.However, Jean maintained a calm smile and muttered gently, "Thank you for the praise, Mr. Finn. My sister and I do resemble each other, and many people often mistake us."Upon hearing Finn's words, Miriam studied Jean closely. "Oh, your sister is the pianist, right?"Jean nodded gently. "Yes, Grandma."Miriam clapped her hands. "A pianist! I love listening to music. Can you play the piano?"Jean replied with a smile, "My piano skills are not as good as my sister's, but I can still play."Miriam nodded. "I heard from Tobt that you're currently managing your family's company and pursuing painting as well, right? You're a talented young lady. Our family is lacking someone like you."Despite receiving Miriam's compliment, Jean remained calm and didn't become overjoyed by it.
Miriam smiled excitedly. Toby ordered the maids to bring in the gifts. A few of them were those that Jean picked out. One in particular was an item from Aeston.It was a toy made from woven straw and was hard to come by. Toby had searched far and wide before finally obtaining it from an elderly farmer. These toys were commonly used by locals in their region as entertainment to cure boredom.When the others saw that this toy was made of straw, their faces fell in disdain. Elena Stirling sneered and commented, "I was wondering what it would be. But it's nothing more than this shabby thing? What do you take my family for, Ms. Michaels? This rubbish is hardly worth our time."Elena had remained silent earlier, searching for something to mock. However, now that she saw the simple straw toy Jean had presented, she finally found an opportunity.The Jacobs family was a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, considered to be a wealthy household. Jean maintained her composure, o