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

Upon witnessing Garrett's blatant disrespect, Vera was incandescent with rage. "Enough! Is there any reverence left in you for me, your own mother?"

It was only then that Garrett halted. He pivoted and eyed the timorous expression on Kailee's visage. His words dripped with icy disdain. "It seems you lack respect for me, your son. Otherwise, you wouldn't have welcomed into our home the woman responsible for Laney's hospitalization."

Vera was flabbergasted by Garrett's insolence. Her fury caused her chest to heave tumultuously. She jabbed a finger toward Garrett, rendered speechless by her ire.

Sensing the opportune moment to gain favor, Kailee demurely lowered her gaze and bit her lip. Her eyes reddened, and her countenance was etched with contrition. "Garrett, the blame is entirely mine. I offer my most sincere apologies. I shall endure any punishment you see fit. But, I implore you, do not quarrel with your mother over this matter. Her intentions were pure."

Upon hearing this, Vera's favorable opinion of Kailee soared, while her animosity towards Laney intensified.

She held Laney accountable for the rift with Garrett. If not for Laney's instigation, how could Garrett have become so defiant?

Yet, she had entirely forgotten that, without Laney, Garrett would never have quit the Larson Group, much less returned to the Harding Group.

Observing Vera's shifting demeanor, Kailee was well aware that her words had successfully swayed Vera, and her heart swelled with smug satisfaction. While Vera remained blind to Kailee's ruse, Garrett perceived it with utmost clarity. He retorted frostily, "Your apologies should be directed to my wife, Laney."

Kailee promptly responded, "I shall apologize to her tomorrow and ask for her forgiveness."

Garrett sneered, "Save your breath. I doubt Laney has any desire to see you now. As her husband, I reject your apology on her behalf."

With that, Garrett spun on his heel and strode away.

As he reached the door, he uttered a scathing remark, "Refrain from your devious games and cease bothering Laney."

Tears brimmed in Kailee's eyes as she choked out, "Mrs. Harding, I apologize. This is all my doing. But I truly wish to express my remorse. I never anticipated Garrett would misconstrue my intentions so grievously..."

Vera sighed, gently patting Kailee's shoulder in consolation. "Don't dwell on it. Garrett is merely overly concerned for the baby."

As she spoke, a spark ignited in her eyes. "Laney has an assistant named Lola. Perhaps you could purchase some gifts and ask the assistant to deliver them as a token of your apology."

An assistant?

A cunning gleam flickered in Kailee's eyes.

*******

In the studio, Janet had just completed Hannah's outfit. As she prepared to deliver the garments to Hannah, she suddenly received the message of Laney's hospitalization.

With Laney on the cusp of giving birth and now unexpectedly hospitalized, Janet couldn't help but fret.

She hastily dialed Laney to inquire about her wellbeing.

Laney quickly answered the call, reassuring her, "Don't worry. I'm fine. I'm simply in the hospital for the delivery."

Still concerned, Janet pressed, "Truly? Have the Harding family caused you any recent disturbances? Pregnant women mustn't be troubled. You need to be more cautious." Touched by Janet's solicitude, warmth flooded Laney's heart. "Fear not. They've left me be. I intended to stay in the hospital for the birth anyway; I've merely arrived a few days early." Relieved, Janet hung up the phone.

While doctors and nurses were present in the hospital to attend to Laney, ensuring her comfort and convenience, Janet couldn't help but question the reliability of Laney's assistant, Lola. Recalling Lola's surly demeanor the last time they had interacted, Janet furrowed her brow in disapproval.

Lola, a pawn deployed by Leo, adopted a haughty and cursory attitude in her duties, knowing she worked under Leo's protection. How could someone like her be entrusted with Laney's care? Suddenly, an ingenious idea sprouted in Janet's mind.