“From Cabbage Bargains to $10M Vice President: How a ‘Useless Housewife’ Exposed Her Husband’s Pregnant Mistress, Reclaimed Her Daughter, and Left the Gibsons with a Grandson That Wasn’t Even Theirs!”
Part 1: The Weight of Cabbage
The morning air in the wet market of River City was thick with the scent of damp earth, bruised scallions, and the low, collective hum of working-class survival. Janet Jones pulled her frayed wool cardigan tighter around her shoulders, her fingers raw from the autumn chill. She stood before a wooden crate of cabbages, her eyes scanning the pale green heads with the practiced precision of someone who used to balance multi-million-dollar ledgers.
“Ma’am, I’ll take two heads of cabbage,” Janet said, her voice quiet but steady. She reached into her worn purse, counting out a few crumpled bills. “Can I have them for nineteen dollars, please?”
The vendor, a stout woman with flour-dusted hands, sighed, shaking her head. “You’re bargaining over stuff this cheap, Janet? Nineteen? That’s barely making back my wholesale cost.”
Janet offered a small, apologetic smile. Every dollar saved was a dollar that could go toward her daughter Leela’s school supplies or a rare, small treat. “All right, since you come here often, let me bag these for you,” the vendor grumbled, her expression softening. She snatched two of the heaviest heads and slid them into a thin red plastic bag. “Thank you.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Miller,” Janet replied, taking the heavy bag.
As she turned to leave, a deep, mechanical purr cut through the chaotic noise of the market. The crowd parted. A sleek, midnight-black Maybach rolled slowly down the narrow, muddy lane, its polished chrome gleaming incongruously against the grimy backdrops of vegetable stalls and fish tanks.
The vendor gasped, her jaw dropping. “Whoa. Is that a Maybach? Who’s this big shot coming to a dump like this?”
The luxury sedan came to a halt right beside the cabbage stall. The tinted rear window rolled down with a soft hiss, revealing a sharp, aristocratic profile. The man inside possessed a quiet authority, his tailored charcoal suit pristine, his dark eyes fixed entirely on Janet.
“Brian Hammond,” Janet murmured, her breath catching in her throat.
The door opened, and Brian stepped out onto the damp asphalt, ignoring the mud that threatened to ruin his handmade leather shoes. His assistant, Secretary Lee, hovered close behind, looking thoroughly uncomfortable in the dirty market.
“Janet,” Brian said, his voice laced with an urgency he rarely showed to the public. “The Hoffman Group is facing a huge crisis. I’m begging you to come back and help me get through this.”
Janet stood frozen, the heavy plastic bag of cheap cabbage weighing down her left hand, while a man who controlled half of River City’s financial sector begged for her assistance. Six years ago, she had been his brilliant chief financial officer, the strategic genius who had elevated his family’s empire before she walked away to become a traditional housewife for Wesley Gibson.
“I’ve looked over Hoffman Group’s financial reports in the news,” Janet said softly, her eyes downcast. “If you move all your resources and invest everything into the long-neglected Project Seven, there’s a good chance you’ll solve the crisis on your own.”
Brian took a step closer, his eyes pleading. “Thank you, Janet. But we need you. Would you consider being our company’s vice president? I’ll offer you a ten-million-dollar annual salary plus one-third of my group shares. Just think about it.”
A ten-million-dollar salary. It was a sum that could instantly erase the quiet desperation of her daily life, but Janet only looked at her worn-out shoes.
“I’m a housewife now,” she said, her voice dropping to a whisper. “I decided long ago not to go back to the corporate world. You should go, Brian.”
“But Janet—”
“Enough,” she interrupted gently, raising her chin. “I need to get home and make dinner.”
She walked past him, her figure small and determined as she disappeared into the crowded alleyways. Brian watched her go, his chest tightening. Secretary Lee stepped forward, adjusting his glasses. “Mr. Hoffman, if Miss Jones won’t come to the company… maybe we should open up interviews and recruit more talent.”
“What I value isn’t just her ability,” Brian replied, his voice dark and resolute. “It’s her. From today on, keep me updated on everything she does.”
“Yes, Mr. Hoffman.”
Janet walked quickly, her heart pounding against her ribs. By the time she reached the modest apartment building she shared with her husband, Wesley Gibson, and her six-year-old daughter, Leela, her hands were trembling. She unlocked the heavy metal door, carrying the groceries inside, expecting the usual silence of an empty afternoon.
Instead, she heard voices. Unfamiliar, high-pitched laughter echoed from the living room.
“Come on, Camila. Have some water,” Wesley’s voice coaxed, unusually tender.
Janet’s stomach plummeted. She dropped the bag of cabbage onto the kitchen counter and walked slowly into the living room. “Do we have guests at home?” she asked, her voice tight.
Leela, her sweet six-year-old daughter, was huddled in the corner of the room, clutching a tattered stuffed rabbit. Seeing Janet, Leela ran to her, wrapping her small arms around Janet’s legs.
“Mom,” Leela whispered, her small voice trembling with tears. “There’s a bad woman at home. Dad says I’m about to have a little brother.”
Janet stared at the couch. Sitting there was a glamorous, younger woman in a silk maternity dress, sipping water from Janet’s favorite mug. Beside her sat Wesley, looking defensive, and behind them stood Janet’s mother-in-law, looking unusually smug.
“Wesley Gibson,” Janet said, her voice dangerously calm. “Who is she?”
Part 2: The Intruders
Wesley stood up quickly, adjusting his collar, his face flushed with a mixture of guilt and arrogance. “Janet, this is Camila White. Today we took her to the hospital for a checkup. She’s… she’s pregnant with a boy.”
The words felt like physical blows, knocking the air from Janet’s lungs. Six years of marriage. Six years of cooking, cleaning, scrubbing floors, and nursing his elderly parents. She had sacrificed her high-flying career at the peak of her success, all to support Wesley’s dream of building his own logistics firm.
“Our family has decided we’re keeping this baby,” Wesley continued, crossing his arms. “You don’t have any objections, do you?”
“A boy?” Janet’s voice cracked. She looked at her husband, the man she had loved, who now looked like a complete stranger. “Wesley… he is your child, right? How could you do this to me?”
“This wouldn’t have happened if you had given birth to a boy!” Wesley yelled, his voice echoing off the walls. “The Gibson family business is huge now! What? Are we just supposed to let it die with us because you could only produce a girl?”
Janet felt a cold sweat break out over her skin. She looked past Wesley to her father-in-law, who was quietly reading the newspaper in the armchair, completely indifferent to her pain. “Dad… so you knew about this all along, and you never told me. All of you kept this from me.”
Wesley’s father didn’t even look up. “You’re his wife. You should understand. The family line needs a male heir.”
Janet turned her desperate gaze to her mother-in-law, Mrs. Gibson, who had always relied on Janet to cook her meals and manage her medications. “Mom, you knew, too?”
Mrs. Gibson looked slightly uncomfortable but quickly hardened her expression. “I just found out myself recently, Janet. This whole thing is Wesley’s fault… I didn’t raise him right, okay? I’ll make sure you get a proper explanation later. But for now, just shut up. Let the men talk. Don’t butt in.”
“Wesley,” Janet said, tears finally spilling over her cheeks as she held Leela closer. “During the six years of our marriage, I’ve given everything to take care of your parents. I did everything for our child, too. I even quit my job for you, and now you do this? How could you treat me this way?”
“What married woman doesn’t stay home and take care of her in-laws and kids?” Wesley sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. “You never should have had your high-profile job in the first place. You couldn’t give me a son, and now you’re blaming me? Look at Camila. She’s the HR manager at the Hoffman Group. She’s smart, she’s successful, and she’s giving me a son. I want to make her and the baby the happiest people in the world.”
“Okay, Wesley,” Janet breathed, her voice shaking with a dangerous mixture of grief and rage. “You’re shameless.”
“I’m shameless?” Wesley barked a bitter laugh. “Have you looked at yourself lately? Look at you! Just a tired, old housewife wearing cheap clothes and smelling like cabbage. Look at yourself! When it comes to looks and status, how could you possibly compete with Camila?”
Camila smirked from the couch, running a hand over her slightly rounded belly. “Status? Let’s face it, Janet. You’re past your prime. You’re just a stay-at-home mom. How could you possibly compete with me?”
“Status?” Janet’s eyes flashed with a sudden, brilliant fire. She stepped forward, ignoring Wesley, and stood directly in front of Camila. “You want to talk about status? You home wrecker. Who the hell are you to talk to me about status?”
SLAP!
The sound crackled through the living room like a lightning strike. Camila’s head snapped to the side, her manicured hand flying to her reddening cheek. She screamed, throwing herself into Wesley’s arms.
“Wesley! She hit me! Look at my face, you can still see the mark!” Camila sobbed hysterically. “I have to negotiate a hundred-million-dollar deal with the CEO for you tomorrow! What if the CEO sees this bruise and refuses to talk to me?”
Wesley’s face turned purple with rage. “I’m sorry, Camila. I should have kept her in check.” He turned on Janet, his hand raised. “Janet Jones, how can you be so heartless? Camila is so kind, and you actually hit her!”
“Wesley Gibson, shut up!” Janet snapped, her voice commanding, reminiscent of the executive she used to be. “Camila is the HR manager at Hoffman Group? Besides being able to give you a son, you think her help for your career will be even greater? You’re a fool.”
“Wesley, you need to teach her a lesson!” Mrs. Gibson chimed in, glaring at Janet.
Suddenly, the apartment door swung open again. Janet’s father, a frail man who had come to deliver some fresh vegetables from his garden, stood in the doorway, his eyes wide with horror as he took in the scene.
“Husband!” Janet’s mother, who had followed her husband, gasped. She pushed past him, looking at Mrs. Gibson. “Have you no shame? Janet is Wesley’s legal wife! Whose side are you on? Who do you actually want to support?”
Mrs. Gibson sneered. “Whose side are we really on? All I care about is the Gibson family bloodline. Camila can give me a grandson to carry on our name. Janet can’t.”
Camila whimpered, clutching Wesley’s arm. “Wesley, I’m scared…”
“Don’t be,” Wesley cooed. “That old woman and her useless family wouldn’t dare do anything to you.”
Janet looked at Wesley, the final remnants of her love turning to ash. “Wesley, without me and my initial guidance, your logistics company wouldn’t be where it is today.”
“If you hadn’t dragged me down, I’d be way more successful by now!” Wesley retorted. “Now that Camila’s here, my career is definitely going to take off. I get it now. To our family, you’re just a maid. Right, Janet? This baby of Camila’s is ours for sure. Starting today, Camila will live here with us. You, along with the rest of us, will take good care of her.”
Janet stared at him, incredulous. “What do you mean? Not only do you want her to stay, but you want me to help take care of her, too?”
“Yes,” Wesley said flatly.
Janet let out a cold, sharp laugh. “Let me tell you something. Keep dreaming. If she stays, I’m leaving.”
“Good! Leave!” Wesley yelled.
Janet grabbed Leela’s hand, pulling her toward the door. “Mom, let’s go. Mom’s taking you away.”
“Stop right there!” Mrs. Gibson blocked the door, her eyes narrowed. “You can leave. But Leela is my granddaughter. She’s staying here.”
“Leela is my daughter!” Janet shouted, her maternal instincts roaring to life. “She has nothing to do with you! I have to take her with me!”
Mrs. Gibson cleared her throat, looking down her nose at Janet. “You depend on my son to support you. You don’t have a job. You don’t have a place to live. You don’t have any savings. How are you going to take care of Leela?”
Part 3: Cast Out
Camila stood up from the couch, smoothing down her dress, a victorious smile playing on her lips. “Janet, come on. Wesley already told me everything. You haven’t worked all these years. How are you supposed to raise Leela? Just let her stay with us.” She stepped closer, reaching out a hand toward the trembling little girl. “Don’t worry. I’ll treat her like my own daughter. From now on, I’ll have her call me mom.”
“Camila White, you’re shameless!” Janet snarled, stepping between Camila and Leela. “This is my home. I’m Wesley Gibson’s wife. Half of this apartment is mine. You don’t have a say in any of this!”
“If you want to talk about that,” Wesley interrupted, walking over to the closet and dragging out a small, pre-packed suitcase, “I paid for everything you own. The apartment is in my name. Forget about taking Leela away. Here’s your stuff. Take it and go.” He threw the suitcase at Janet’s feet. “As for Leela, there’s no way I’m letting her live with someone like you.”
“Wesley!” Janet gasped.
“Janet Jones, check your bank account,” Camila chimed in, her voice dripping with artificial pity. “Do you even have a hundred bucks? If you take Leela with you, how are you going to support her? Beg on the street?”
Janet’s father stepped forward, his hands shaking. “Janet, don’t get upset. Don’t get upset. Let’s go. We will figure this out.”
Mrs. Gibson snatched Leela’s arm, pulling the crying girl back into the apartment. “I’ll take good care of Leela. Once you get settled, Janet, I’ll bring Leela to you myself. But for now, she stays.”
Janet looked at her daughter, whose tear-streaked face broke her heart. She knew, legally and financially, she was at a massive disadvantage right now. If she fought them physically, they would call the police, and she would lose any chance of legal custody.
“Leela, be good,” Janet choked out, kneeling down to look her daughter in the eye. “Listen to grandma and behave at home. Mom will come pick you up in a couple of days. I promise.”
“Mom, don’t leave me! Please!” Leela sobbed, reaching out her small hands.
“Silly girl, how could mom ever leave you?” Janet whispered, her heart breaking into a million pieces. “I promise I’ll come back for you in a couple of days.”
With a final, agonizing look, Janet picked up her suitcase and walked out into the pouring rain, her parents supporting her on either side.
The next forty-eight hours were a blur of desperation. Janet rented a tiny, damp basement apartment on the outskirts of the city. She sat at a small wooden table, staring at local job classifieds, her eyes red-rimmed from lack of sleep.
“Four thousand a month, only two days off each month… No, that won’t work,” she muttered to herself, crossing out a listing. “There’s no time to pick up Leela from school.”
She scanned the next one. “Three thousand five hundred a month, slash off at nine p.m…. That’s not going to work either. I won’t have time to cook for Leela.”
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. Janet opened it to find her mother-in-law, Mrs. Gibson, standing in the dim hallway, carrying a thermos and a small plastic bag.
“She’s here,” Janet murmured, surprised.
“Mom, how did you find this place?” Janet asked, stepping aside to let her in.
Mrs. Gibson looked around the tiny, cramped basement with a mixture of pity and disapproval. “I heard from the neighbor downstairs that you moved here, so I thought I’d come check on you right away. Come on, have a seat. Look at you now. You’re living in such a tiny apartment. You’re really having a hard time. As your mother-in-law… it just breaks my heart.”
Janet sighed, sitting at the table. “Mom, you really didn’t have to.”
“I made your favorite chicken soup, and I wrapped up some wontons, too,” Mrs. Gibson said, placing the thermos on the table. “This should last you a week. When you finish, I’ll bring you more.”
“Mom, this is too much trouble for you,” Janet said, touched by the unexpected gesture.
“Don’t worry, it’s no trouble. And I brought these veggies and fruit, all fresh from the market. I picked them up on my way here.” Mrs. Gibson’s eyes welled with tears. “Janet… this is all my fault. I’m useless. I couldn’t stop that stubborn son of mine.”
“Mom, please don’t say that. None of this is your fault,” Janet said, reaching out to comfort her.
Suddenly, Mrs. Gibson dropped to her knees, clutching Janet’s hands.
“Janet, there’s just one thing I want to ask of you today,” Mrs. Gibson cried.
Janet gasped. “Mom, what are you doing? Please get up!”
“Mom, I’m begging you. Don’t divorce Wesley, okay?” Mrs. Gibson pleaded, her voice cracking. “Give him one more chance. I’ll talk to him when I get home. I’ll make him apologize to you.”
Janet looked at the older woman, feeling a profound sense of sadness. “Mom, please get up first.” She helped Mrs. Gibson back to a chair. “No matter if I divorce Wesley or not… you’ll always be my mom. But you should really head home now. You’ve been out for a while. Dad’s probably getting worried. Leela’s still at home, too.”
“All right, I’ll go then,” Mrs. Gibson snorted, wiping her nose with a handkerchief. “Janet, take good care of yourself. I’m leaving.”
As soon as the door closed, Janet’s phone rang. She picked it up, her voice weary. “Hello?”
“Hello, is this Miss Janet Jones?” a professional voice asked.
“This is she.”
“I’m calling from the HR department at Hoffman Financial. We’re currently recruiting for the position of financial analyst. May I ask if you have time to come in for an interview tomorrow?”
Janet’s heart skipped a beat. “Hoffman Financial… That name sounds really familiar. Would you mind telling me a bit about the salary and benefits?”
“The monthly salary is twenty thousand dollars,” the HR representative replied. “We offer full health and dental, plus extra bonuses for strong performance, and weekends off.”
Twenty thousand a month. Weekends off. It was perfect. “All right. I’ll definitely be there on time tomorrow. Thank you.”
The next morning, Janet dressed in her only remaining professional suit. As she walked into the towering glass lobby of Hoffman Financial, she felt a surge of nervous energy. But as she approached the elevators, she ran directly into Brian Hammond.
“It’s you,” Janet gasped. “What are you doing here?”
Brian smiled gently. “I heard from someone that you recently moved out on your own. That must be a lot of pressure lately, right?”
“Honestly, I think it’s pretty great,” Janet said, deflecting. “So, why are you here, Brian?”
“I still want to invite you to join Hoffman Group as vice president,” Brian said, his eyes intense. “If we work together, I know we can—”
“Brian, I really appreciate it,” Janet interrupted, looking around the busy lobby. “But I’m about to land a great job here on my own. You really shouldn’t come looking for me anymore. If your father finds out, he’ll take away your power in the company.”
Before Brian could reply, the glass doors of the lobby swung open, and Wesley walked in, hand-in-hand with Camila White.
Part 4: The Interview
Wesley was talking loudly, gesturing grandly as he walked. “Babe, I’ve already presented the hundred-million-dollar project to the chairman of Hoffman Group. So, how are you going to thank me?”
Camila giggled, leaning into his shoulder. “Babe, all the money I make in the future, isn’t it all going to be yours anyway?”
“Oh, stop it,” Wesley laughed. “I like you for who you are, not your money.”
An HR assistant approached Camila, handing her a tablet. “Mrs. White, here’s the list of candidates interviewing for the finance department today. Please take a look.”
Camila scanned the screen, her eyes suddenly locking onto one name. “Janet Jones.” She let out a sharp, mocking laugh. “I can’t believe this washed-up housewife actually came to interview at Hoffman Group. Guess she really can’t make ends meet now. There’s no way I’ll let her get this job.” She turned to the assistant. “Miss Lee, bring this person to my office. I want to interview her myself.”
“Yes, Miss White.”
Camila smirked, whispering to Wesley, “Whether it’s pay or resources, the finance department at Hoffman Group is the best in River City. That woman looks pretty good on paper, but I can’t let her compete with me.”
Meanwhile, Janet was led to a waiting room. She sat down next to a young, eager-looking girl.
“Hi,” the girl said, offering a warm smile. “Are you here for the interview, too? You look so young.”
“Thanks,” Janet smiled. “I just graduated from college. What about you?”
“I’m thirty-five,” Janet replied. “A middle-aged mom.”
The girl’s eyes widened slightly. “Wow, you’re a whole twelve years older than me. Did you switch over from another company?”
“I haven’t worked for six years,” Janet admitted quietly. “I’ve been at home taking care of my kid all this time.”
The young girl’s demeanor instantly shifted, a look of condescension crossing her face. “So, a stay-at-home mom, huh? Let’s see how you compete with me.”
Before Janet could respond, the assistant stepped into the room. “Janet Jones? Please follow me. Our HR manager wants to interview you personally.”
The young girl gasped. “What? The HR manager wants to interview her personally? Really?”
Janet stood up, smoothing her skirt, and followed the assistant down the hall. She was led into a spacious, sunlit office. Sitting behind the heavy mahogany desk was Camila White, looking smug.
“Come in,” Camila purred. “Miss Lee, you can leave us. Hello, Janet Jones. Long time no see. Come on, Mrs. Housewife. Why are you just standing there? Don’t want this job anymore?”
Janet remained standing, her face expressionless. “I’m here for a professional interview, Camila.”
Camila picked up Janet’s resume, flipping through the pages with a theatrical sigh. “Janet Jones, thirty-five years old. Worked at Twilight Genesis, held the position of finance manager for three years. Then at Ding Shang Group, served as CFO for five years… Wow. A real finance industry veteran, huh? So, why’d you stop after that? The finance sector has been booming these past couple of years.”
“You know exactly why I stopped,” Janet said coldly. “I got married and had a child.”
Camila stood up, walking around the desk. “Janet, you’re always pretending to be a different person, aren’t you? You really have that act down. Why not keep pretending to be so innocent?”
“Don’t think just because I’m being polite, you can forget who you are,” Janet replied, her voice firm. “Remember your place right now.”
“Yeah, I’m a job applicant,” Janet said, stepping closer. “But I still have my dignity. Even if I’m just some nobody, I’m still a hundred times better than someone like you—a home wrecker who goes after other people’s husbands.”
Camila’s face contorted with anger. “Janet Jones, you’re wrong! I’ve never gone after your husband. He and I just worked really well together. Over time, things just naturally happened. Haven’t you ever heard this saying in a relationship? ‘The person who isn’t loved is actually the third wheel.’ I’m here for an interview, not to be insulted by you.”
“Whatever you and Wesley Gibson have going on has nothing to do with me anymore,” Janet said, her voice steady. “The moment you tried to break up my family, you became the shameless one. And Wesley is just a jerk.”
“Janet Jones, since you’re here for an interview, let’s keep it professional,” Camila sneered. “Before you married into the Gibson family, you were just a regular office worker. But now, looking at your resume, it’s suddenly so impressive. Honestly, I strongly suspect you faked your resume.”
“You’re welcome to do a background check anytime,” Janet said coolly.
“Ding Shang Group six years ago was the biggest corporation in River City,” Camila said, picking up her phone. “It only went downhill because their financial leader suddenly left. You say you were the CFO of Ding Shang. That’s a bold claim. I’m telling the truth, but Mr. Lou from Ding Shang has always had close ties with Hoffman, and I was lucky enough to meet him once. All it takes is one phone call to expose you.”
Camila dialed a number on speakerphone. “Hello, Mr. Lou? This is Camila White from Hoffman Group. I wanted to ask you something. Did you ever have a Janet Jones working at Ding Shang Group before?”
A deep voice responded over the line. “Janet Jones? I’ve never heard of that name before.”
Camila smirked, hanging up. “All right. Thank you, Mr. Lou.” She turned to Janet, her eyes gleaming with malice. “Looks like nobody knows who you are. I always thought you were the type to play dumb, but actually a big deal, super connected and all that? Looks like Wesley was right about you. You really are just a regular, useless housewife.”
Part 5: The Trap
Janet didn’t flinch. “Back in the day, the CEO of Ding Shang Group stepped down as chairman, and the company restructured. It’s only natural a new executive wouldn’t recognize my name from six years ago. I’ve never lied on my resume.”
“Stop spreading nonsense,” Camila snapped. “Before you married Wesley, honestly, you were just an average woman with a decent face at best. But I never expected you’d actually fake your resume just to get an interview here with me. That’s seriously embarrassing. You know, the Gibson family never thought much of you anyway. If they find out about this…”
“I stopped having any illusions about the Gibsons the moment Wesley brought you into their home,” Janet said, her voice quiet but razor-sharp. “That includes my feelings for Wesley. It’s all like a bubble being burst.”
“I heard from Camila a while back that you’re a manipulative, lying snake of a woman,” Wesley’s voice cut in as he walked into the office, looking smug. “You couldn’t keep your own man, so now you’re blaming Camila for it.”
“Exactly,” Camila agreed, wrapping her arm around Wesley’s. “Men are all about novelty. Looking at your tired face every day, there’s nothing exciting left. No guy would stick around for that.”
Janet looked at the two of them, disgust rising in her throat. “I seriously can’t believe how fast the world’s changing now. Being a home wrecker comes with all these fancy excuses. Camila, do you actually get off on breaking up other people’s families? That’s just low.”
“Janet, let me tell you something,” Camila hissed, stepping closer. “When it comes to looks or style, you’re not really my match. If you can’t keep your man, that’s on you. If you’re useless, then you just have to accept everything that comes with it. Now, I finally get why Wesley would go for someone like me. You’re basically a beggar picking through the trash.”
“Fine,” Janet said, a cold smile appearing on her face. “If you want him that badly, then I’ll just hand him over to you. He means nothing to me anymore.”
“Janet, do you know what Wesley says to me in bed?” Camila whispered maliciously, ensuring Wesley could hear. “He says, ‘You’re old and ugly, you never wear makeup, and all you do is fuss over that useless daughter of yours.’ Not like me. I can give him a son, and I help him out at work, too. So tell me, how could you ever compare to me?”
“Camila,” Janet said, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Did I hit a nerve?”
“Let me tell you,” Camila snarled, her professional facade completely shattering. “When your daughter grows up, I’ll have her waiting on me and my son. You and your daughter… you’re just meant to serve others your whole lives!”
Suddenly, the office door was pushed open. Secretary Lee stepped in, bowing slightly. “Mr. Hoffman, he’s here.”
Brian Hammond walked into the room, followed by his senior executives. Wesley immediately straightened his posture, trying to look important. “Mr. Hoffman, this is the new project our company is preparing. Please take a look. Being able to work with Hoffman Group is a real blessing for us. I heard about this project from our HR manager, Camila White. She said it’s got great potential.”
Brian glanced at the document Wesley handed him, then looked at Camila. “I didn’t expect you to have such insight. Camila was right about you. For this finance project, I’ll invest ten million dollars. If you need more down the line, I’m happy to double it.”
“Thank you for your trust, Mr. Hoffman! I won’t let you down,” Wesley beamed.
“Keep up the good work,” Brian said smoothly. “By the way, Miss Lee, I heard the branch office is interviewing financial analysts today. How’s it going?”
“It should be wrapping up soon,” Secretary Lee replied. “I heard there are two top talents from the finance industry interviewing today.”
“That’s great,” Brian said. “Bring the project proposal. Let’s head to the branch and find a financial analyst to help assess the risk index.”
As Brian turned to leave, Camila blocked Janet’s path, her face twisted in rage. “You really are shameless, Janet. My hand actually hurts from hitting you earlier.”
Wesley stepped forward, glaring at Janet. “How dare you lay a hand on Camila? You think we’re just going to let that slide? Let’s teach her a lesson.”
“What do you think you’re doing?” Janet demanded, backing up against the wall as Wesley and Camila cornered her.
“Camila White, that’s what you get for crossing me,” Janet warned.
“Janet Jones, look at where you are now,” Camila mocked, gesturing to the security guards she had signaled. “You can’t go home, and you can’t even see your daughter. If you don’t start begging me right now, I’ll make sure your daughter suffers a terrible fate.”
“Camila White, if you dare lay a finger on my daughter, I swear you’ll regret it!” Janet shouted, her maternal rage flaring.
“You really don’t quit until you hit rock bottom, do you?” Camila laughed. “Aren’t you the one calling me a home wrecker? Fine, I’ll show you today. Guards, strip her down for me! Let everyone see what she really looks like!”
The guards stepped forward, grabbing Janet’s arms. The office staff began to gather at the door, whispering and laughing.
“Who is this woman?” someone whispered.
“I heard she’s the one who seduced Miss White’s boyfriend. Some people just don’t know their place,” another laughed.
“Seriously, what kind of era do we live in? I’m posting this online right now to expose you,” a young employee said, holding up a phone.
Camila smirked, leaning close to Janet. “Anyone who gets to interview at Hoffman Group is definitely top-tier talent. Don’t you want to protect your daughter, Janet? All right, then tell everyone who’s really the one wrecking a family.”
“Camila White, you shameless woman!” Janet screamed, struggling against the guards.
“You still dare insult me?” Camila hissed. “Don’t forget your daughter’s still in my hands. If you don’t care about yourself, at least think about your daughter. Hurry up and admit you’re the home wrecker!”
“Daughter?” Janet gasped, her heart stopping. “What did you do to Leela?”
Camila pulled a small object from her pocket and shook it in front of Janet’s face. It was a pink, plastic hair clip. “Janet Jones, look what I have here. Leela’s hair clip. I’m already pregnant with the Gibson family’s grandson. Do you really think I’ll let your daughter go? I’ll make sure she suffers before she dies.”
Janet’s mind flashed back to Leela’s crying face. “Mommy, don’t go! I promise I’ll come for you in a couple of days, I swear!”
“If you touch my daughter,” Janet whispered, her voice echoing with a terrifying, primal rage, “then I’ll make sure you die first!”
With a burst of desperate strength, Janet broke free from the guards and lunged at Camila, pushing her hard against the desk. Camila screamed, losing her balance and crashing to the floor.
“How dare you push me, Janet Jones! I’m going to kill you!” Camila shrieked.
“I’d like to see anyone try to lay a finger on her,” a cold, powerful voice boomed from the doorway.
Part 6: The Turn of the Tide
The room fell dead silent. Brian Hammond stood in the doorway, his eyes blazing with a terrifying intensity. Beside him, Wesley froze, his hand still raised to strike Janet.
“Mr. Hoffman…” Wesley stammered, lowering his hand. “Why… why are you here?”
“Why were they picking on you, Janet?” Brian asked, ignoring Wesley entirely as he stepped into the room and offered her his hand.
Janet looked at Brian, then at the whispers starting among the employees. She knew that if she acknowledged her close past with Brian in front of his employees, the rumors would destroy her professional credibility before she could even start. She couldn’t let him get dragged into her messy personal life.
“We don’t know each other,” Janet said quickly, stepping back and refusing his hand. “I guess Mr. Hammond just saw my resume.”
Brian stared at her, realizing what she was doing. She’s protecting me, he realized, a pang of admiration and pain striking his chest. Better not make things harder for her.
“That’s right,” Brian said smoothly, turning to his executives. “Before I came here, I looked over the info on the finance department’s interviewees. Mrs. Jones was among the list.”
Wesley let out a sigh of relief, stepping forward. “Mr. Hoffman, this person… I know her pretty well. All she’s done these past few years is take care of her kid, do laundry, cook, and look after her in-laws. She’s got no real work experience at all. With her qualifications, she’s just not a good fit for our company. I was just about to ask her to leave.”
“So, all you’ve done at home these years is that?” Brian said, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he looked at Wesley. “But back then, she was the top-tier genius who saved us from disaster.”
“Mr. Hoffman!” Camila cried from the floor, scrambling to her feet with Wesley’s help. “The info on her resume is completely fake! I’ve already contacted our partner companies, and there’s no record of her at all! Mr. Hoffman, don’t let her phony credentials fool you!”
“She’s right,” Janet said, looking directly at Brian. “I’m just an ordinary housewife, but I’m really passionate about finance. I hope Mr. Hoffman will give me a chance.”
“No one knows your worth better than I do, Janet,” Brian said quietly.
Wesley snapped. “Janet! What happened to you? Who asked for your opinion? Haven’t you caused enough drama at home? Now you’re bringing it here! You know exactly where you stand, don’t you? Mr. Hoffman is a billionaire CEO. Why would he listen to a clueless housewife like you spouting nonsense? Just go home!”
“Wesley…” Janet whispered.
“Mr. Hoffman,” Camila said, her voice turning sweet and victimized. “I think Janet must have misunderstood me. If she’s not happy with my work, just have someone else do the interview. I’ll leave.”
“Hey, Camila, you’re just too kind,” Wesley said defensively. “That’s why you keep getting taken advantage of by women like her. But don’t worry. Today, I’ll stand up for you.” He glared at Janet. “Janet Jones, have you no shame? How long has it been since you even set foot in the real world? Don’t you realize you’re just a burden to society? Go home! If you mess up my business, can you take responsibility for that?”
“Mr. Gibson,” Brian said, his voice dangerously low. “Isn’t your wife Camila White?”
“Mr. Hoffman…” Wesley stammered. “Yeah, I’m really going to marry Camila. Janet Jones is just…”
“Say it,” Janet challenged, her voice cold. “Why can’t you say it now? Are you scared your dirty little secret is about to come out? If this blows up, none of your projects are going to work out.”
Camila sobbed. “Janet! If you want to yell at me or hit me, go ahead! But you can’t ruin Wesley’s future over this!”
“You’re pretty sharp, aren’t you, Camila?” Janet mocked. “You’re just worried that if Wesley loses this deal, he won’t be able to cling to this sinking ship.”
“How could you think that about me?” Camila cried, grabbing Wesley’s arm. “Wesley and I are truly in love! I’m not after Wesley’s money! Wesley, I’m pregnant with your son now. I can’t take this kind of humiliation. Maybe I should just leave.”
“Camila, that’s enough,” Wesley snapped.
“The only reason I made time to come here today is because I liked the project proposal,” Brian said, crossing his arms. “But you… you had me witness your nonsensical family drama. This isn’t your home. And honestly, Mr. Gibson, the way you treat your woman is just…”
“Mr. Hoffman!” Wesley panicked, realizing his hundred-million-dollar deal was slipping away. “Janet Jones… she’s just the housekeeper at my place! She takes care of my parents. How could I possibly have feelings for a housekeeper?”
Janet felt a sharp pain in her chest, followed by a cold, clearing sense of reality. “All these years, I quit my job for you, focused on running the house and taking care of your family… and now you’re saying I’m just your housekeeper who does the cleaning and cooking? Do you even have a conscience, Wesley?”
“You—enough!” Wesley yelled.
“Mr. Gibson, if you can’t even sort out your own family drama, how are you supposed to handle my project?” Brian said flatly. “Why don’t you get your own issues straightened out first? Then come back and talk to me about working together. Miss White, come to my office.”
Wesley stood frozen as Brian and his team walked out. He turned on Janet, his face twisted in venom. “Janet Jones, let me tell you, if you mess this up today, you’ll never see Leela again in your life!”
“That’s your own fault for living so recklessly,” Janet said, her voice hard as steel. “Wesley Gibson, let me make this clear. It’s not that I’m incapable. I will absolutely win custody of Leela. Just wait and see.”
“Janet Jones, I’m telling you, if you think you’re getting custody of Leela, you’re dreaming!” Wesley shouted as Janet walked out of the office.
Part 7: The Truth Revealed
Back at the Gibson household, Leela was sitting on the cold kitchen floor, shivering. Mrs. Gibson walked in, looking tired, followed by Camila.
“Auntie Camila,” Leela whispered, holding out a small, plastic flower. “This is a gift for the baby from my mom. This is my favorite toy. Now I’m giving it to you. I hope your little boy grows up safe and sound. I wish your son a peaceful life.”
Camila snatched the toy, throwing it hard against the wall, shattering it. “Sounds like you mean something else! Are you trying to curse my kid? Get out! Get out of here, you’re really annoying me!”
“Camila, we’re back,” Wesley’s father called out, walking into the living room. “Leela, why are you sitting on the floor? Come on, get up.” He looked at Camila, who was crying on the couch. “Camila, what happened to you? Didn’t you just get checked at the hospital?”
“Dad, I think I should just leave,” Camila sobbed. “If Janet doesn’t like me, fine. But even her daughter can’t stand to see me happy. She just said she wants the baby in my belly to die as soon as possible!”
“What?” Wesley’s father gasped.
“It’s fine if I get wronged, but your grandson is innocent!” Camila wailed.
Leela shook her head, tears streaming down her face. “Grandpa, I didn’t! I like my little brother!”
“You little brat! Now you’re even lying!” Wesley’s father yelled. “Tell me, who taught you to say that? Janet?”
“Dad, I really do like Leela,” Camila whimpered. “She and her brother will be good company for each other. But now, I guess it was just wishful thinking on my part. Dad, stand up for me!”
Mrs. Gibson stepped in. “Okay, husband, calm down. We watched Leela grow up. I really don’t think she’s that kind of child.”
“Mom, would I pick on a little kid for no reason?” Camila snapped. “If none of you believe me, then maybe I should just go!”
“Hey, Camila, don’t get upset,” Wesley’s father said quickly, turning on his wife. “Shut your mouth! You don’t have a say in this! And you—” He pointed at Leela. “I don’t want to see you right now! Get out! Get out of here!”
“It’s pouring outside right now!” Mrs. Gibson pleaded. “Leela’s just a kid, where do you expect her to go?”
“I don’t care!” Wesley’s father roared. “All I know is if Camila’s feeling upset, Leela needs to take responsibility!”
Leela sniffled, looking at her grandmother. “Grandma, it’s okay. It’s all because of me that everyone’s upset. I’m willing to go outside. I’m not afraid.”
The little girl walked out into the pouring rain, clutching her thin cardigan, shivering as she sat on the curb outside the apartment building.
An hour later, Mrs. Gibson secretly slipped out, carrying a small bowl of rice. “Leela… Aunt Camila asked me to bring this to you. Go ahead and eat.”
Leela took the bowl, her hands shaking. “Thank you, Grandma.”
“Your Aunt Camila… she’s going through a sensitive time with her body right now,” Mrs. Gibson sighed. “Her temper isn’t great either. Don’t take it to heart, okay?”
“I’m not upset with Aunt Camila,” Leela said, chewing a small mouthful of rice. “Leela understands. Aunt Camila must be having a little brother. Her stomach doesn’t feel good. Our teacher told us having a baby is really exhausting. Moms are the best people ever.”
“Good girl, Leela,” Mrs. Gibson said, wiping a tear.
Suddenly, Leela gasped, dropping the bowl. She began to cough violently, her small hands clutching her throat.
“Leela? Leela, what’s wrong?” Mrs. Gibson panicked. She looked at the remaining rice in the bowl. Mixed in with the grains were large, pink pieces of shrimp. “Oh no… oh no! Wesley! Dad! Come quick! Leela just passed out!”
Inside, Wesley’s father grumbled as he walked out. “What’s with all the yelling? What do you mean she’s in bad shape? We were just out having dinner, right? She’s so spoiled.”
“Leela just suddenly fainted!” Mrs. Gibson cried, holding the unconscious girl in her arms. “She’s having an allergic reaction to the seafood!”
“Seriously, old man, what’s wrong with you?” Wesley’s mother screamed at her husband. “Didn’t you know Leela is allergic to seafood? Her lips are turning blue! We need to get her to the hospital right now!”
Camila walked out, yawning. “Oh my god, what happened to Leela? Did she eat too much and get sick?”
“Camila, how can you still be making jokes at a time like this?” Mrs. Gibson cried.
“Mom, I’m also worried about Leela,” Camila said, her voice indifferent. “But honestly, from what I can tell, I don’t think it’s anything serious. This kid is always having problems. If it weren’t for me wanting shrimp, Wesley wouldn’t have bothered making it. It’s all Janet’s fault for not staying to help us out.”
Wesley walked out, grabbing his car keys. “Enough right now. The most important thing is to get Leela to the hospital fast. I’ll go get the car.”
“Hey, hold on, Wesley,” Camila stopped him, grabbing his arm. “This little girl, you guys are spoiling her way too much. You’re making such a big deal out of nothing. She gets an allergy, and you rush her to the hospital? Just let her take some medicine at home for a couple of days, she’ll be fine.”
“But Camila…” Wesley hesitated.
“Camila’s right,” Wesley’s father agreed. “Hospitals these days are always drawing blood and taking X-rays. Even healthy people end up getting diagnosed with something. Aren’t they, Wesley?”
“Come on, Wesley,” Camila coaxed. “Honestly, I think some kids these days pretend to be sick just to get attention from adults. Janet’s been gone for a few days, maybe Leela’s just faking it to trick us.”
Suddenly, the front door was kicked open. Janet stood in the doorway, drenched in rain, her eyes wild with terror. She had received a frantic text from a neighbor who saw Leela sitting in the rain.
“Janet!” Mrs. Gibson gasped.
Janet ran forward, dropping to her knees beside Leela. She picked up her daughter’s limp, cold body, her heart shattering as she saw the blue tint on Leela’s lips.
“Leela… Leela, baby, wake up! What did you do to my daughter?!” Janet screamed at Wesley.
“She accidentally ate some seafood rice,” Mrs. Gibson cried. “She had an allergic reaction! We were just about to take her…”
“Why are you all just standing here?!” Janet roared, tears of pure rage spilling over her cheeks. “Hurry up and take her to the hospital!”
“Janet Jones, I don’t even think Leela is actually sick,” Camila scoffed. “You and your daughter are just putting on a show, aren’t you?”
Janet stood up, holding Leela tightly in her arms. “I’m not in the mood to argue with you. Since you won’t take her, I’ll do it myself.”
Wesley stepped in her way. “I can take care of my own kid. Now get out of my way.”
“Wesley Gibson, Leela’s life is on the line, and this is what you want to talk about?!” Janet screamed. “Listen up! No matter what happens today, I’m taking Leela with me! If any of you try to stop me, don’t blame me for what happens next!”
“Oh, you’re going to threaten us now?” Camila laughed. “Look at you acting all tough. Leela’s always in and out of the hospital. Do you even have the money for this?”
Janet ignored her, reaching for the small drawer where the family emergency savings were kept. “Give me the savings card for Leela. I need to take her to the doctor.”
“No way!” Wesley’s father blocked her. “You can take her, but you’re not getting a single cent. All the money in this house was earned by Wesley. Now you two are about to get divorced, and you still think you can get a share of the assets? Not a chance.”
“That money we saved was for Leela’s education!” Janet sobbed. “If you won’t give it to me, I’ll find it myself!”
Janet pushed past Wesley’s father, searching the drawers. Wesley grabbed her arm, pulling her back. “Stop right there! Who said you could make decisions on your own?!”
“Let go of me!” Janet screamed, struggling.
In the chaos, Camila tried to grab Janet’s hair, but Janet spun around, pushing Camila away. Camila stumbled, tripping over Leela’s broken toy, and fell heavily onto the couch.
“Ah! My stomach!” Camila shrieked, clutching her belly. “My stomach really hurts!”
Wesley’s face went pale. “Camila! Janet, you bitch!” He threw a heavy punch, striking Janet across the face. Janet fell to the floor, her cheek swelling instantly, but she kept her arms wrapped protectively around the unconscious Leela.
“Even if you don’t like Camila, you can’t hit her!” Mrs. Gibson screamed at Janet. “Wesley, Leela is your daughter, too! She’s still in a coma right now!”
“Honey… our son…” Camila whimpered from the couch. “The baby… is the baby gone?”
“Janet Jones, how could you be so heartless?!” Wesley roared, picking up Camila in his arms. “If anything happens to Camila today, I’ll make sure you go to jail! Mom, Dad, let’s go! We’re going to the hospital!”
Mrs. Gibson ran to Janet, slipping a small plastic card into her pocket. “Janet… I know where the card is. Take the card and get Leela to the hospital now. Go!”
Janet didn’t waste a second. She carried Leela out into the rain, running toward the main road. Just as she was about to collapse from exhaustion, a sleek Maybach pulled up beside her.
“Janet! Get in!” Brian Hammond shouted, throwing the door open.
Within minutes, they arrived at the hospital. Leela was rushed into the emergency room. A doctor emerged an hour later, his expression grim.
“Has she had frequent nosebleeds before?” the doctor asked.
“I… I haven’t been home much lately,” Janet whispered, her voice trembling.
Wesley, who had just arrived with Camila from the minor injuries clinic down the hall, scoffed. “Isn’t it normal for kids to get sick sometimes? She’s probably just faking it to get attention.”
“Sir, if you don’t know, please don’t say things like that,” the doctor snapped, glaring at Wesley. “The child is not pretending. It’s an acute case of leukemia, triggered by a severe allergic reaction. Her platelet count is dangerously below the normal range.”
Janet felt the world tilt. “Leukemia…”
“We need to begin blood transfusions immediately to stabilize her,” the doctor said. “But the initial treatment and surgery fees will be at least five hundred thousand dollars.”
“Five hundred thousand?!” Wesley gasped. “Doctor, are you kidding me? For a useless girl? Why bother treating her? Are you trying to bankrupt the Gibson family?”
“Sir, watch your language!” the doctor said, disgusted.
“Wesley, she’s your daughter!” Janet sobbed, grabbing his coat. “Please, save Leela! I’ve never asked you for anything!”
“We don’t have that kind of money for a girl,” Wesley’s father said coldly, turning away. “We’re leaving.”
Janet stood alone in the hospital corridor, her world collapsing. She looked at Brian, who was already on his phone.
“Secretary Lee, wire five hundred thousand dollars to the hospital’s account immediately,” Brian ordered, his voice steady and commanding. He walked over to Janet, placing a supportive hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry, Janet. As long as I’m here, Leela will be saved.”
With Brian’s financial backing, Leela was stabilized and moved to a private recovery room. Janet spent the night holding her daughter’s hand, watching the slow drip of the IV.
The next morning, Janet returned to the Gibson apartment one final time to retrieve her remaining documents. She walked into the living room to find Wesley, Camila, and his parents sitting around the table.
“Janet Jones, what are you doing here?” Wesley sneered. “You still think this is your house?”
“I’m here to divorce you,” Janet said, tossing a stack of legal papers onto the table. “And I’m taking full custody of Leela.”
“You want a divorce?” Wesley laughed. “A broke housewife wants a divorce? How are you going to support her? If you want a divorce, you have to pay us three hundred thousand dollars for the expenses we spent on you over the years!”
“We saved your life by not aborting Leela!” Wesley’s father added. “She’s a burden now with leukemia. If you want her, pay up!”
“I’ll see you in court, Wesley,” Janet said, her voice dropping to a terrifying chill. “You’ll be hearing from my lawyer. And as for you, Camila… enjoy your victory while it lasts.”
Three days later, Janet officially started her new role as a financial analyst at Hoffman Group, having passed the rigorous secondary screening. On her first day, she walked into the office to find Camila White standing by the reception desk, looking furious.
“Janet Jones,” Camila hissed. “You think you won? I’m the HR manager here. I’ll make sure your life is living hell.”
“I’m not afraid of you anymore, Camila,” Janet said, walking past her.
Over the next month, Janet worked tirelessly, reconstructing the Hoffman Group’s energy development proposal. But Camila was relentless. She leaked Janet’s initial drafts to Wesley’s struggling logistics firm, hoping to bankrupt Hoffman Group and ruin Janet’s career.
At the final project bidding meeting, Wesley presented his proposal first. “We guarantee we will maximize profits, Mr. Hoffman. And our price quote is five million lower than Hoffman Group’s internal estimate.”
Brian Hammond looked at the proposal, then at Janet. “Janet, why is his proposal identical to yours?”
Janet stood up, a calm, confident smile on her face. “Mr. Hoffman, Mr. Gibson’s proposal is indeed identical to my first draft. However, my first draft contained a deliberate calculation error. The designer had calculated the scale as one-hundred by accident, instead of one-thousand. I corrected this error in our final proposal last night, cutting our production costs by ten million dollars.”
Wesley’s face drained of color. “What?!”
“Furthermore,” Janet continued, “by using new energy materials instead of the old production plan, we have increased the project’s lifespan by twenty years. Our final bid is forty million dollars—five million lower than Mr. Gibson’s stolen draft.”
Brian stood up, clapping slowly. “Brilliant. Janet, you are officially appointed as the new Director of Finance. And as for you, Mr. Gibson… your company is blacklisted from ever working with Hoffman Group again. Guards, escort them out.”
“Camila! You told me this proposal was foolproof!” Wesley screamed as security dragged them out. “You ruined me! I mortgaged my house for this!”
Outside the office, the stress of the failed bid caused Camila to collapse in pain. She was rushed to the hospital, where she went into premature labor.
Janet and Brian followed them to the hospital to ensure the company’s liability was cleared. As they waited in the hallway, the doctor emerged from the delivery room, looking urgent.
“The baby was born premature,” the doctor said, looking at Wesley. “The mother was under extreme distress. Right now, only the baby’s biological father can donate blood to save the child’s life. We need a match immediately.”
“I’ll do it!” Wesley said, desperate to save his “son.”
An hour later, Wesley walked out of the laboratory, his face completely pale, his hands trembling.
“Son? Did you save the child?” Wesley’s father asked, running over.
“The child… the child isn’t mine,” Wesley whispered, his voice cracking.
“What?!” Wesley’s father gasped. “What did you say?!”
“The doctor ran the test three times,” Wesley sobbed, dropping to his knees. “The blood type doesn’t match. The kid… the kid isn’t mine! Camila cheated on me! She played our whole family!”
Wesley’s mother let out a hysterical cry, while his father stood frozen in shock.
Janet watched them from across the hallway, feeling a profound sense of closure. She walked over to the nurses’ station, quietly paying Camila’s remaining medical bills.
“Why did you do that?” Brian asked gently, walking up behind her. “After everything she did to you?”
“Because she’s a mother now,” Janet said softly, looking through the glass at the tiny baby in the incubator. “And the baby is innocent. But as for Wesley… I’m finally free.”
The next morning, Janet stood outside the River City Courthouse, holding the signed divorce papers in her hand. Wesley stood before her, looking ruined, his eyes red from crying.
“Janet… please,” Wesley begged, dropping to his knees. “I was wrong. Camila is gone, she took her things and left. I have nothing. Please, give me one more chance. I’ll stay home, I’ll take care of Leela, I’ll do whatever you want!”
Janet looked down at him, her eyes completely devoid of anger—only a calm, quiet pity remained. “Wesley, I gave you six years of chances. You never valued our marriage. Now, it’s time for me to live for myself.”
She turned and walked down the courthouse steps, where Brian Hammond was waiting by his car. He opened the door for her, a warm, proud smile on his face.
“Ready to go home, Director Jones?” Brian asked.
Janet smiled, stepping into the car. “Yes, Brian. Let’s go home.”
