Chapter 326: Falling In Love

“Do you know them?” Hayden asked, a hint of confusion in his tone as he noticed Janessa’s gaze fixed in that direction.

“Of course,” Janessa responded calmly. “Those two are Mr. Lockhart’s most trusted aides. I learned about them from Madelyn.”

Hayden nodded. “It seems like they’ve had a falling out.”

“Who knows,” Janessa chuckled slyly. “But we could get in touch with them. We might even win them over, which could be useful in the future.”

Hayden felt her words made sense. Although he hadn’t interacted much with Sebastian, hardly anyone in the city didn't know about the Lockhart Group—a famous financial giant in the country. The CEO at the helm was a figure who inspired awe. At a young age, he’d taken over a vast financial empire. His thinking was bold and innovative; his actions, decisive. He was shrewd in business, outwitting experienced competitors. Under his leadership, the Lockhart Group thrived, advancing the entire finance industry. For such an extraordinary individual, his right-hand men had to be exceptional.

Upon that thought, Hayden asked, “So, should you butter them up, or should I?”

“Let me handle it,” Janessa declared. “Men are less guarded around women. Besides, I have a reason to approach him. It’s easier for me to break the ice than you.”

“All right,” Hayden agreed.

A sly smile played across Janessa’s face as she descended the stairs. Among the crowd, she nonchalantly held a cocktail, casually strolling before stopping next to Wesley.

“Hello, Mr. Gilbert, what a coincidence!” Janessa exclaimed, appearing extremely familiar with him.

Wesley was in a foul mood. He shot her a sidelong glance, his tone unfriendly. “Who are you?” he asked.

Janessa was taken aback but quickly recovered, smiling. “Mr. Gilbert, we’ve met before. I’m Janessa, daughter of the Sherritt family, and a close friend of Madelyn.”

“Madelyn?” Wesley huffed. “That woman again!”

Janessa immediately corrected herself. “Oh, that’s all in the past. I’m no longer friends with Madelyn.”

Wesley furrowed his brows. “Why is that?”

Janessa sighed. “Because she never really considered me a friend.”

“Oh!” Wesley’s curiosity grew.

Janessa complained, “If it weren’t for her meddling, I wouldn’t have been disgraced and expelled from school. For years, I considered her my closest friend, but she treated me like this.” She helplessly shook her head, seeming genuinely pitiful.

Wesley scoffed. “I knew it, that woman is no good.”

Janessa swelled with joy. In reality, she’d only wanted to test the waters, curious about Wesley’s true feelings toward Madelyn.

Looking back, it was clear Wesley didn’t fancy Madelyn. That made things easier.

Janessa tried to butter him up, saying, “Mr. Gilbert, it seems like you’re not very fond of Madelyn either, right?”

“So what if I don’t?” Wesley retorted coldly, not even glancing at Janessa. His haughty demeanor showed his disdain.

Janessa felt awkward but managed a forced smile. “Mr. Gilbert, I mean no disrespect. Madelyn is manipulative. I suggest you be cautious with her. Before, she seemed simple and friendly, which is why we became friends. However, since her engagement to Mr. Lockhart, she’s become a different person, acting strangely and hurting me.” She feigned distress. “I’m really at my wit’s end.”

Wesley’s expression changed. He too believed Madelyn’s transformation began after their engagement. How could someone so perfectly normal change so drastically? Something was definitely off.

Following that, Wesley dropped his pretenses and began conversing with Janessa.

After a while, they finished their conversation. Wesley smiled. “Your name is Janessa, right? It’s a pleasure to meet you. I have to leave now. Hope to see you again.”

Janessa laughed. “All right, if I run into you next time, I’ll treat you to a drink.”

“All right,” Wesley nodded, stood up, and left.

Only seconds later, Wesley vanished. Hayden emerged, his curiosity piqued. “How did it go?”

Janessa laughed lightly. “Smoothly, I’d say.” They shared a mutual disdain for Madelyn, providing a common topic. Moreover, Janessa was smart. She kept the conversation balanced, preventing awkwardness.

However, Janessa furrowed her brows, expressing frustration. “Even though we’re familiar, Wesley isn’t a fool. If I tried to win him over directly, he’d think I’m using him and reject me. So, I waited until he dropped his guard.”

Hayden nodded slightly. “You thought it through.”

Janessa chuckled. Then, as if something came to mind, she asked, “By the way, isn’t your friend Kieran pursuing Madelyn’s stepsister? How’s it going?”

Hayden sneered. “Seriously? What’s so difficult? He spent the night with her on the second day, and now they’re lovey-dovey, claiming she’ll never leave him.”

“Really?” Janessa laughed. “Impressive.”

Hayden laughed, shaking his head helplessly. “That’s all Kieran knows.”

At that moment, Kieran appeared, arm in arm with Eunice, talking and laughing intimately.