The Mysterious Billionaire and His Substitute Bride (Ethan and Janet)

The long-awaited day of the classmate reunion finally dawned.

Kailee secured reservations at the most luxurious hotel in Barnes and arrived early to greet her former classmates with an infectious, beaming smile.

Kailee used to attend the most prestigious academy in Barnes, where the majority of her classmates hailed from affluent families. Post-graduation, most of them ventured into the world of business. They came here today, primarily seeking to curry favor with the influential Harding and Gibson families.

So, the moment they caught sight of Kailee, they flocked to her with unbridled enthusiasm.

"My, how the years have flown by! Kailee, you've grown ever more stunning."

"Your beauty truly knows no bounds. Age has not diminished your radiance in the slightest. You're still as captivating as ever."

Basking in the adulation of her peers, Kailee beamed with delight, "Thank you! You all look wonderful as well."

Just then, someone piped up, "Where's Garrett? Shouldn't he be here by now?"

As the heir to the Harding Group, the preeminent corporation in Barnes, Garrett's absence had not gone unnoticed.

Those hoping to forge business alliances with Garrett grew anxious. "Is he not attending?"

With a coy smile, Kailee replied, "He's eager to catch up with all of us too. I imagine he's on his way."

Her ambiguous response piqued her classmates curiosity. Back in their school days, Kailee and Garrett were the envy of everyone as the golden couple.

Years had passed, yet it appeared that their bond remained strong.

Someone couldn't resist asking, "Hasn't he married? Are you two still in touch?"

Before Kailee could respond, a classmate eager to align with the Gibson family sneered, "I heard Garrett's wife is a mere bodyguard. How did she manage to ensnare him? She's no match for Kailee!" "Indeed, Garrett and Kailee were a match made in heaven. Who would have thought his taste would deteriorate so drastically?" chimed in another.

Kailee reveled in their words, her true intent behind the reunion exposed. But in front of her classmates, she feigned concern and sighed. "Please, don't speak ill of Garrett-"

Her words were cut short by a sudden commotion at the door. All eyes turned toward the entrance as it swung open, revealing a tall figure with striking features and a mischievous grin.

It was none other than Garrett himself.

"Garrett!" Kailee rushed toward him, elated. However, her joy quickly dissipated, her smile frozen in place.

Garrett gently escorted a woman into the room, his gaze upon her brimming with affection.

"Apologies for our tardiness," Garrett said. "My wife is expecting, and the bumpy ride was too much for her, so we took our time."

"Is it wise for Mrs. Harding to be out and about so close to her due date?"

"The doctor recommended she stay active for the baby's well-being." Garrett then introduced Laney to the room. "This is my wife, Laney. She's about to give birth. We'll be sure to invite you all to our child's baptism ceremony."

Laney blushed and shyly nodded. "Nice to meet you all."

Kailee seethed with rage, clenching her teeth, but she refused to admit defeat.

The banquet commenced, with mouthwatering dishes and fine wines served in abundance. Pretending all was well, Kailee sat beside Garrett, reminiscing about their school days, attempting to rekindle his memories.

To her dismay, Garrett's focus remained solely on Laney. He would occasionally interject before resuming his whispered conversation with his wife. Kailee's eyes smoldered with fury, but she managed to keep her composure.

Her meticulously planned reunion had been derailed by Laney's presence, and she was determined to exact revenge.

As Kailee rose from her seat, she feigned clumsiness, knocking over a glass of wine that drenched Garrett.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" she cried out, reaching for a napkin to help clean up the mess. But Garrett stopped her.

"No need, I'll just head to the restroom to freshen up." He whispered a few words to Laney before excusing himself.

Once he was gone, all eyes turned to Laney, filled with curiosity, disdain, and contempt. Their gazes were judgmental, as they harbored a deep dislike for those without power or influence.

Aware of Laney's humble background and believing she had somehow seduced Garrett, Kailee sought to humiliate her further. She asked pointedly, "Garrett never shared your love story with us. Mrs. Harding, would you care to enlighten us?"

Egged on by Kailee's inquiry, the others chimed in with their own questions.