No one expected the current Janelle to be so audacious.
This was a direct declaration of war against both the Rovellas and the Hills.
Everyone knew the Hills had now connected with the capital's powerful Lorenz family.
They had become the undisputed leaders of Graham City's elite.
Janelle was just a discarded piece thrown to the border.
The idea of her acquiring the Hills was ludicrous; she couldn't even make a dent in the Rovellas' holdings.
As everyone stood in stunned silence, Erik began to clap.
"As expected of the woman I've chosen. Pure dominance." Erik gazed at her with undisguised admiration.
"Janelle, take me with you!" Sara chimed in, grinning. Crush them! They deserved it for how they'd treated Janelle and her godmother five years ago!
"..." The rest of the crowd.
Were these three insane? Or had the world gone mad?
"Janelle! Do you think I'm dead?!" Westin roared, practically foaming at the mouth.
He was the current head of Blue Whale Co., Ltd. He'd fought tooth and nail to gain complete control; he'd never relinquish it easily.
Anyone trying to take Blue Whale from him was signing their own death warrant.
"Pretty much the same as dead," Janelle retorted coldly, utterly unfazed by his threat.
"Hah!" Mrs. Hill found it utterly ridiculous. "Delusions of grandeur! Janelle, do you think hiring some thug to spout nonsense here means you can acquire the Hills?"
"Truly, ignorance breeds fearlessness. No—wait—you've gone mad like your mother! Spouting delusions in broad daylight!"
"Not just you alone, Janelle, but even the entire Rovella family combined couldn't possibly stand against the Hills!"
Mrs. Hill clutched her chest, genuinely pained. Since Nelson became a research institute member and Elora hooked the Lorenz young master, the Hills had soared. No one in Graham City dared challenge them.
Now, the daughter of that bitch Madalyn dared humiliate them publicly before everyone!
"Janelle, have you had your fill of this spectacle?" Nelson looked at her like she was a freak. "Didn't you learn your lesson five years ago?"
"Don't worry. I remember those events clearer than anyone."
"Alright, time's up. I'll leave you with my best wishes: may you and Lillie grow old together, forever bathed in love's bliss."
"Enjoy your final revelry!" After tonight, they wouldn't have leisure for such frivolities.
Lillie's face was a mask of fury.
She was supposed to be the star of today's engagement banquet. Yet, thanks to Janelle, she'd become the laughingstock of Graham City's elite overnight.
"Sara, let's go."
Janelle turned and walked away, her mood considerably improved. Tonight, many people would likely lose sleep.
Sara followed Janelle out.
Erik let out a low, appreciative whistle. This woman... she was utterly perfect for him.
He loved how cleanly and decisively she took everyone down.
Watching Janelle leave, Nelson felt a complex twist in his gut.
Today's Janelle was undeniably wild. Yet, seeing her like this, his heart still raced uncontrollably.
Right. How could he have forgotten?
Five years ago, it was the same. She didn't need to do anything; a single glance from her could make him lay his heart bare.
"Nelson, what now?" Lillie grasped his hand tightly. "Do we continue the engagement banquet?"
"We continue," Nelson stated coldly.
He could get engaged, even married, to Lillie. As for Janelle... sooner or later, she'd come begging to him.
Then, keeping her on the side... wasn't impossible.
After all, that woman didn't need to do anything. Just standing there, she could set his blood boiling.
The rest of the banquet was a subdued, awkward affair, the formalities rushed through.
Once the last guests departed, Mrs. Hill finally snapped.
"After this disgraceful scene today, shouldn't the Rovellas give us an explanation?"
"Mother Hill, rest assured! I will deal with her severely when we get home!"
"She was just spouting nonsense! Forget the Hills, even Blue Whale belongs to Lillie! She won't get a single cent!" Westin groveled and apologized, his heart filled with murderous rage towards Janelle.
"Aunt Hill, I'm so sorry. I never imagined it would turn out like this," Lillie added her apologies.
Seeing Lillie, Mrs. Hill's expression softened slightly. Lillie had entered the prestigious M Research Institute alongside Nelson. Her son and daughter-in-law were both there; the future of the Hills rested on their shoulders.
"Lillie, this isn't your fault. Don't let it affect you. You and Nelson must stay strong together." Mrs. Hill patted Lillie's hand comfortingly.
Exhausted by the drama, Mrs. Hill left with Elora.
"You said the Lorenz representatives would come today? What happened?"
Elora didn't know either! "I'll call and ask." But the call went unanswered. Elora's face darkened.
"Enough. Don't linger in Graham City. Go to the Imperial Capital tomorrow." This hard-won connection couldn't be allowed to snap. "Fine. I understand."
Amber gave Lillie a few more instructions before leaving with Westin.
Lillie and Nelson retreated to the Grand Court Hotel's Presidential Suite. The moment the door closed, Nelson pinned Lillie against it, kissing her roughly.
His actions were aggressive, bordering on brutal, but Lillie welcomed it.
In bed, Nelson was usually conventional, leaving her perpetually unsatisfied. But today's Nelson was wild, and she reveled in his ferocity.
What she didn't know was that Nelson was picturing Janelle's captivating face. Imagining the proud woman beneath him was her.
After leaving the Grand Court, Janelle and Sara approached Sara's badly damaged red sports car.
Seeing her beloved car in such a state made Sara's heart ache.
"Oh, Reddie... I'm so sorry! You must be hurting! Big sis failed you!"
"..."
Janelle wrapped an arm around Sara's waist. Sara leaned into her, pretending to sniffle dramatically.
"Janelle, don't blame yourself. Given the situation, I understand."
"By the way, did you catch those people? Who sent them?"
Those men had clearly intended to kill them.
Janelle had returned alone this time, without her usual backup. Sara was genuinely worried.
"Sara, you're exhausted. Go home and rest. This car is done for. I'll get you a new one."
"What are you talking about? Do we need to say things like that between us? For you, I'd risk my life!"
"Alright. You head back first."
Sara glanced meaningfully at the man who had followed them out. "So... who is he? Looks wicked... but damn, he's hot! When did you snag that?"
That physique put top models to shame!
Janelle shot a cold look at Erik, who stood nearby observing them. "An enemy."
"?"
"Miss Winston, it's late. Let me see you home first." Erik signaled his assistant with a glance. The assistant immediately stepped forward.
"Janelle, do you need backup?" Sara asked, concerned. If he was an enemy, she couldn't just leave.
Janelle gently pinched Sara's cheek. "No need. Go rest." This man... she could handle him herself.