Chapter 85
In this family, my presence feels minimal. Quinn is the center of attention, the darling of the Holcomb family. Jared, being six years older, has always doted on her.
“Jared…” Quinn used a more pleading tone when she saw Jared contemplating. “Please?”
Jared sighed in resignation. “Have her come to the HR department tomorrow. I’ll arrange for someone to train her.”
“Great, thanks a lot, bro!” Quinn, having achieved her goal, happily gave Jared a peck on the cheek.
Jared, slightly annoyed, pushed her away gently. “So you’re really not planning to go abroad again?”
“Nope.” Quinn’s eyes flickered. “I want to see if I can launch my own fashion brand here.”
Jared nodded approvingly. “And you didn’t neglect your studies these past three years abroad, right?”
“Of course not, I was quite serious,” Quinn replied, feigning a hint of hurt.
At that moment, James called out from upstairs. “Jared, come up here for a second. I need to discuss a project with you.”
Jared headed upstairs, and Quinn suddenly focused her gaze on me. “Victoria, you look a bit different today compared to usual.”
“Oh really?” I responded with a forced smile.
“You look much more professional today. By the way, Victoria, I heard from Jared that you’re taking over the Harmonia Hotel? You’ve been out of touch with society for six years. Can you handle it?”
“Don’t waste money if you can’t even make a splash. Sure, you’re Jared’s wife, but his money doesn’t grow on trees. You should appreciate that.” Quinn started picking at me.
Since I married into the Holcomb family, Jared has made sure I’m well-provided for, which has never sat well with Quinn. Now, even though Harmonia Hotel is in decline, it still has value. Entrusting it to me likely irks Quinn even more.
“Exactly because I’ve been out of touch with society for so long, I want to use this job to reintegrate. A woman having a career gives her a better sense of security,” I explained calmly.
“Just manage the household and take good care of my little niece. Don’t go stirring up trouble,” Quinn continued, admiring her nails while sneakily gauging my reaction.
Seeing my face darken, Quinn immediately laughed and said, “Victoria, you know me. I always speak bluntly. Don’t get offended, I didn’t mean anything by it.”
I thought, ‘Giving a slap and then offering candy doesn’t work on me anymore.’ “I know you didn’t mean anything, but this is Jared’s decision.”
With some people, it was better to coldly ignore them rather than engage in a tussle. Quinn’s type thrived on confrontation; the more one argued, the more worked up she got. Besides, that was the Holcomb residence–arguing with her didn’t do me any good.
“Jared is so annoying. He still wants me to submit a business plan before he invests in my brand.” Quinn fumed, getting up and walking out.
I sat quietly on the couch alone. I had no idea where Sally had taken Yvonne–they might be gossiping at the park again with the other old ladies or dancing.
In a moment, Jared came down the stairs. Seeing me alone, he walked over and asked, “Why aren’t you out with Yvonne?”
“I’m tired.” I closed my eyes and checked my phone.
Suddenly, Jared sat beside me, his eyes fixed on my screen. Startled, I quickly turned off the phone.
“Are you hiding something from me?” he asked with a raised eyebrow, displeasure evident.
“Can I look at your phone?” I countered.
Jared leaned back lazily, a mocking smile on his lips. “Don’t you sneak off to the bathroom to check it every night anyway?”
I was at a loss for words. His casual mention of past humiliations turned my face red with shame.
“You knew it?” I tried to stay calm, hating my past self for being so naive in love.
“I just wanted you to feel reassured. Did you really think I slept like a log?” Jared’s face turned cold.
“It won’t happen again,” I whispered. “I respect your privacy now.”