Emmett walked over and glanced at Jean.He gazed toward Esme and said lowly, "Uncle's condition worsened. The hospital couldn't reach you and wants you to go over." Esme's face changed. She panicked. She grabbed Tyler and begged him, "Tyler, could you go with me?" Her phone was in her coat so she didn't answer the call from the hospital. Tyler furrowed her eyebrows. Jean sat in her place. She looked at them calmly and said lightly, "Go. I'm okay." Tyler furrowed his eyebrows. A hint of displeasure flashed across his eyes.He grabbed her hand and said coldly, "Come with me." Jean pursed her red lips slightly. She saw Emmett's constant gaze on her. His eyes were filled with resentment. She wasn't sure what would happen if she continued to stay. Jean decided to leave with Tyler to prevent Emmett from recognizing her. "Okay." She got up slowly and controlled her facial expression. It was as if she didn't know Emmett at all. Tyler left with Jean. The look on
Jean nodded at Simone when she saw Simone winking."Okay."She could handle a simple performance. After all, she had learned some skills while replacing Joyce in the past. The duo walked into the Page residence with the leader of the bodyguards tailing them. They walked past Emmett. Simone shot a reluctant glance at him. Emmett noticed the man beside Jean, who Tyler assigned to monitor her.Emmett watched while Jean performed. Standing beside her son, Jane saw his scorching gaze on Jean and whispered, "Emmett, what's wrong? Why do you look preoccupied?"He looked away as the light went out of his eyes."Nothing."He had thought over the different reasons Jean broke up with him, but never had he anticipated the events that unfolded after. Jane frowned when she saw Emmett fixating on Jean."Emmett, everyone knows about the relationship between Joyce and the Larsons. Rumor has it that they are divorced, but I still hope you steer clear of the Michaelses."Jane had gotten some info
Some of the guests, who were familiar with classical piano, agreed."Indeed, Ms. Michaels is quite rusty."Someone else chimed in, "That's understandable. She doesn't need a career thanks to the backing of the Larsons for three years."The seemingly harmless comments from various guests had insulted Jean deeply. When Glenn exited the restroom, he found Sydney and her group of friends hurling thinly-veiled insults at "Joyce". He intervened."Syd, stop it. You’re going to dampen the mood."Sydney's expression darkened when Glenn spoke up for "Joyce". Ever since they ran into her at the music festival, he frequently looked preoccupied. She'd be a fool not to see it for what it was—Glenn had been thinking of Joyce after all these years. "Oh, what now? Glenn Sotheby, do you think you stand a chance because Joyce's divorced?"When Sydney retorted, the other guests started murmuring."Joyce Michaels and Glenn Sotheby were the perfect pair in the world of classical piano.""That's t
Jean glared at Glenn. She wanted to leave the argument behind, but at the same time, she was acutely aware that she was representing Joyce, who had been confined to bed for three years. During that time, Jean herself never reached out to Glenn in any capacity either. Since Sydney and the other guests were turning Joyce into a topic of gossip, Jean had to respond accordingly.Sydney's expression was clouded by confusion when confronted by "Joyce", who seemed like a different person than her demure and timid self from a few years back.She snickered and retaliated unrelentingly, "Have you received a confidence boost from marrying into the Larson Family?"At that moment, Jane glided toward Sydney.With a polite smile, she whispered to the young lady, "The guests I invited today are VIPs of the Page Family. Syd, are you making a scene to humiliate me?"Despite the divorce rumors, "Joyce" remained Tyler Larson's legal spouse and attended the event in that capacity. The Pages wouldn't w
In the face of Jean's coolness and sincerity, Jane smiled and kept her doubts in check."Oh, there must have been a misunderstanding. Ms. Michaels, I hope I didn't upset you," she chirped.Jean gave her a slight nod. Jane's face was devoid of any embarrassment as she whispered, "We have a lot of guests today. If you find our hospitality lacking, please be understanding.""Mrs. Page, don't worry about it."After that, someone came to speak to Jane. She grabbed the chance to take off. Throughout the talk with Jean, she maintained a smile on her face. Even her threats didn't sound hostile. Jean finally understood that this woman was the reason Emmett's family remained influential even after the death of his dad.She gasped for breath as she felt suffocated by an invisible burden. When she cast her glance afar, she saw Emmett speaking to other guests amid the crowd. He donned a white suit that day and held a glass of red wine in his hand. He carried himself with grace and poise, just
Confused, Jean slowly lifted her head. He shot daggers at her and scoffed."Don't try anything in front of me with that pea brain of yours. If you're feeling sick for real, I'll get you to the hospital."She furrowed her brows as her heart pounded in her ears."I'm not sick."Staring at him blankly, she was gripped by fear. Something told her that he might have learned about the truth. He merely gave her a casual glance and looked away."If that's the case, don't act like you're sick and waste my time."She was left baffled as she fought the depressed feelings. After sending her to Teak Villa, he left in the car. He wouldn't visit the villa for a long time after that.Jean next heard about Tyler from Esme's update. Tyler and Esme's engagement was around the corner. A while ago, Coleen Larson was almost abducted, and most of the bodyguards at Teak Villa were reassigned to the Larson Residence as a result.Judy Larson fell sick from the shock, and Tyler was busy with both the inv
Thanks to the loyal chauffeur, nobody managed to track down Jean and Simone after they left Henkel. They traveled to Sun Valley City without issue. In the new city, Jean temporarily crashed at a place that Simone set up for her.A few days later, Simone was browsing the net on her phone but did not find any news regarding the disappearance of "Joyce Michaels". She felt relieved after learning that Jean's escape did not make headlines."You can spend your days at Sun Valley City without worry until the baby's born."Since Tyler did not bother to look for Jean, the issue might die down soon. Jean nodded at her friend, but she felt a tinge of disappointment deep within. The feeling went away when she heard Simone's cheerful voice."Congrats, Jean Michaels! You can be yourself again!" She was slightly taken aback when she heard her name. For years, she dared not say her real name out loud. She did not dare to admit that she was Jean Michaels. Simone's remark put a smile on her face,
Simone was hesitant and surprised. "Jean, I don't think you should."She looked at Jean's belly, thinking that it was too cruel for Emmett. Jean also stared at her belly and put on a determined face after taking a deep breath. "I can't let him waste his time on me. I'm no longer good for him. I'll feel guilty if I'm still on his mind."Simone recalled the sweet times that Emmett and Jean had shared. She felt upset when she saw Jean tearing up. Maybe Jean and Emmett were not meant to be. "Okay. I'll make the arrangements."Simone had seen Emmett at his lowest. She also knew that Jean wanted to force him into giving up since he had learned the truth about the twins. Better sooner than later.Jean nodded and fell silent. She was rather calm because she had prepared what she wanted to say to Emmett.Two days later, the pair finally met. Jean heard a knock and opened the door, thinking it was Simone. When she peeked through the peephole, she was shocked to see an exhausted Emmett