"Janet, I’ll come pick you up tonight," Peggy called out just before leaving.
They hadn’t hung out in a while—since she went to Australia a month ago. After everything that happened with the Elwin family, she hadn’t told Peggy a thing.
"Okay, got it!" Janet nodded, watching as Simon and Peggy walked away. The Pei siblings had always been a source of kindness and Keep reading on NovelHub - where stories come alive!
So when Simon had looked at her with gratitude earlier, Janet felt helping him was only right.
Charles, who had been listening quietly nearby, suddenly spoke up. "Where are you going tonight?"
He knew Janet and Peggy were close, but there were parts of that relationship he didn’t quite trust. He wasn’t keen on letting her out of his sight.
"Charles, don’t worry—I’m an adult. I know my limits," Janet reassured him gently, reading his thoughts like an open book.
"And what about me? Aren’t you going to spend the evening with me?" Charles’s voice grew softer, almost pleading.
He hated the idea of letting her go, feeling like there was never enough time with her. How could he possibly let her step out on her own at night?
"I see you every day—morning and night. Don’t you get tired of me?" Janet teased, amused by his serious expression. The more he tried to control her, the more obvious it became: he couldn’t live without her. But she wasn’t ready to give up her freedom.
"Oh? So you’re tired of me?" Charles’s eyes narrowed, surprised she might even think that. He wanted to be with her 24/7. In fact, he loved how well they worked together at the office, and the peace he felt just being at home with her.
With her by his side, nothing else mattered.
He no longer dwelled on the coldness Derrick had brought into his life. Maybe one day, if Derrick came back, he could still call him "Dad" like before.
"I made plans with Peggy... so how about you come with us?" Janet looked at his grumpy face and offered, a little helplessly.
"You really think I’m that unreasonable?" Charles smiled and shook his head. "Go ahead. But call me when you’re done—I’ll come get you."
He knew he shouldn’t push too hard. He had his own social circle, and Janet deserved a normal life too.
Janet had wanted to say Peggy could just drive her home, but thinking better of it, she agreed—it would ease his mind.
Later that evening, Charles hadn’t come out yet, but Janet was already downstairs. Peggy’s sleek Lotus sports car was parked by the curb, waiting.
"Where are we going?" Janet had just settled into the car when Peggy floored the accelerator. Maybe it was the sudden speed—Janet’s stomach churned uncomfortably. She rolled down the window, letting in some fresh air that eased the queasiness a bit.
"You think I’d sell you out?" Peggy’s mood was bubbly, her usual bright smile even more infectious today. It had to be because of August—something about him lifted her spirits in a way she couldn’t explain.
The car soon stopped outside a noisy, bustling bar. Janet glanced at the chaotic scene inside and immediately shook her head, ready to back out. Charles hated it when she came to places . Besides, after what happened with Elvira and the drugged drink, Janet was genuinely afraid to even step inside.
"Relax, Janet. My brother’s here too. And the bar’s run by an old friend—you know him!" Peggy pulled Janet in before she could escape. The heavy smoke and mixed liquor smells hit Janet’s stomach again, stirring waves of nausea.
"I’m going to the restroom first." Janet hurried inside, trying to hold back the rising discomfort. Peggy trailed after her, casting a quick wave at Simon and Manfred, who were watching them from the bar, then waited patiently for Janet to return.
"He’s here too?" Janet’s curiosity piqued when she spotted a familiar, handsome figure behind the bar.
"He’s the owner," Peggy replied with a mischievous wink before dragging Janet to sit across from Manfred.
Manfred was mixing a drink with a practiced flair. Since their last hospital encounter, they hadn’t met. Janet felt a flicker of unease but also gratitude for everything he’d done for her and August.
After all, Manfred wasn’t a bad man. He never truly hurt her.
"Scared I’ll drug you again?" Manfred’s dark, seductive eyes caught the hesitation in Janet’s gaze. She had stopped trusting him—and that was on him. He had ruined everything himself.
"Don’t worry, Janet. With me and my brother here, no one’s going to mess with you." Peggy sat loyally by Janet’s side, clearly aware of the affection burning in Manfred’s eyes. But Janet was married now. Manfred needed to give up. And Charles had just helped her out again—now she suddenly felt herself turning against Manfred.
Janet smiled faintly and sipped the tart lemon juice sliding down her throat, refreshing her appetite.
Simon was accompanied by a woman Janet had seen before—nothing striking in appearance but sharp and capable. Peggy had told her this was Simon’s girlfriend; they’d been together a while. Peggy once mentioned Simon was the kind of rational man who knew exactly what kind of partner he needed.
Charles was different. He never let Janet get involved in company affairs beyond her simple duties. What he wanted was just a wife by his side.
"How’s August doing? I heard Derrick went to France," Manfred casually asked. Simon and Peggy had drifted a bit away, giving Manfred a chance to try and ease Janet’s wariness by bringing up August.
"Charles trusts him a lot," Janet replied, half to herself and half to Manfred—signaling that whatever had happened in the past was behind them. Charles and August had grown closer as brothers.
"That’s good to hear." Manfred’s heart sank inexplicably. Janet belonged to Charles, and August—once so close to him—now did too. Charles was August’s older brother, the irreplaceable figure in his life.
"Janet..." Manfred’s gaze lingered on her pure, delicate face, filled with longing he could neither give nor take back.
Janet turned unexpectedly and spotted a familiar silhouette lurking in a shadowed corner.
It was Elvira—the very person Ternence had been searching for.