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

As Vera's dissatisfaction with Laney simmered, Kailee reveled in a quiet sense of triumph, artfully disguising it with a facade of worry.

She let out a delicate sigh and tenderly grasped Vera's hand, offering solace. "Mrs. Harding, please don't fret. I have faith that Laney will eventually recognize your pure intentions," she whispered gently. Yet despite Kailee's soothing words, Vera's countenance remained clouded by melancholy.

An idea suddenly sparked within Kailee, and her face lit up with a dazzling grin.

"Why not send Laney a heartfelt token of your affection for your granddaughter? I'm confident that she'll appreciate the sentiment and empathize with your emotions," she proposed.

Vera's eyes shimmered with hope at the suggestion, but soon furrowed in concern. "But I don't know what Laney fancies. What should I gift her?"

Vera, who had always looked down on Laney, had never before contemplated how to choose a present for her daughter-in-law.

A cunning glint flickered across Kailee's gaze. Pretending to mull it over, she finally suggested, "Perhaps you could give Laney an album of cherished memories from Garrett's youth, accompanied by a heartfelt, handwritten note. Confronted with such earnestness, I'm certain Laney will be touched by your thoughtfulness."

"Brilliant idea! I never considered that before!" Vera cried out, her hands clapping together in elation at Kailee's inspired plan.

Vera's spirits soared, and her admiration for Kailee swelled.

Vera couldn't resist praising Kailee, saying, "You're so clever and kind-hearted. Whichever fortunate young man marries you will be truly blessed."

Kailee smiled demurely but remained silent.

During their conversation, the car had reached the entrance of the Harding family's opulent abode.

Vera enticed Kailee inside to peruse the photographs of Garrett's youth, and Kailee graciously acquiesced.

Together they sat in the lavishly appointed living room, poring over images of Garrett's innocent days, their laughter and chatter filling the air with a warm, convivial atmosphere.

"Behold, here's Garrett slumbering. He was so adorable back then."

"And here he is, accepting his first accolade. He was far more disciplined in his younger days than he is now."

Vera gestured to the photos, a wistful sigh escaping her lips as her eyes brimmed with nostalgia.

"Garrett was such an exemplary child," Kailee agreed with a smile, feigning interest in the images.

Vera failed to notice Kailee's polite disinterest, and seeing Kailee's radiant smile, she lamented, "If only I had fostered a stronger bond between you and Garrett, we might have avoided this dreadful situation." Following the distressing events at the hospital, Vera's discontent with Laney intensified. She frequently rued consenting to Garrett's marriage to Laney.

It was all due to Laney that their family faced such upheaval and a tarnished reputation.

Now, with the virtuous Kailee as a shining example, Vera's resentment toward Laney reached a boiling

point.

Kailee was the ideal match for the Harding lineage, not only due to her esteemed family background but also for her intelligence, sensibility, and devotion. She would make an exemplary spouse, yet fate had not aligned for Garrett and her.

As Vera's remorse deepened, Kailee's countenance grew somber.

"It's a shame that destiny didn't unite me and Garrett."

"Let it be," Vera sighed, shaking her head. "I'll compose a letter for Laney."

After Vera completed her missive, Kailee offered to assist in packaging the photo album and envelopes. Seizing an unguarded moment, she surreptitiously slipped a "gift" she had prepared for Laney into the parcel.

The servant, unsuspecting, refrained from inspecting the package again and promptly dispatched it to the hospital. Vera's letter, placed atop the photo album, imbued the delivery with an air of sincerity.

As the package containing Kailee's carefully crafted gift was sent under Vera's name, a thrilling blend of anticipation and exhilaration coursed through her veins. Kailee was certain that Laney would not resist opening the gift from Vera, and when she did, the unexpected "surprise" concealed within would be revealed. The mere thought of the expression that would contort Laney's face upon discovering the "gift" filled Kailee with gleeful anticipation.

Eagerly awaiting the moment Laney would receive the package and uncover the cunning surprise she had devised, Kailee's excitement was palpable.