Mysterious Mrs. Pansy

Jane gazed at Patrick, her brow furrowed in confusion.

“In case you’ve forgotten, you’re engaged to me now. Carl is a celebrity, and all eyes are on him. Behave yourself. I won’t stand idly by if you tarnish the Pansy family’s reputation,” Patrick warned sternly.

Only then did Jane realize that Patrick believed she had feelings for Carl. How had his mind leaped to that conclusion? “And, I should remind you that marrying into the Waters family will be quite challenging. You’re two years older than Carl-”

“Enough!” Jane snapped.

“Our engagement is merely a matter of convenience. We both know it won’t lead to a real marriage. That being said, it’s none of your business whom I choose to date or marry. Don’t dictate my life!”

Patrick’s face darkened, and he wanted to reply but held back, recognizing the fire in her eyes.

The remainder of the car ride was silent. Jane hadn’t directly refuted the notion of having feelings for Carl, and her defensive reaction left Patrick convinced that he was right. This only served to further irk him.

Patrick’s insomnia persisted that night, a familiar torment that had plagued him since his abduction at thirteen. His mind was usually plagued with panic attacks over that traumatic experience, but now, he couldn’t stop thinking about Jane. Images from the previous night danced through his mind, and he found himself longing to hold her in his arms again.

His irritation grew. “What does she see in Carl? Why would she be interested in a boy? Is she blind?”

Annoyed, he rose from his bed and lit a cigarette.

The next few days at work were quiet for Jane, but she couldn’t help but miss her previous life as a globetrotting traveler. When she wasn’t catching flights, she spent her days lounging at home, living the best life.

The anniversary ceremony for Pansy Group came and went. On the evening of the grand banquet, Jane had to be styled and dressed in a cocktail dress. The event was extravagant, with prominent businessmen from near and far in attendance. As the CEO, Patrick was engrossed in pleasantries with numerous guests.

Jane grew weary of meeting people and sought refuge in the ladies’ room. After a quick touch-up of her hair and makeup, she emerged, only to be confronted by a woman.

“Jane North, isn’t it?” The woman appeared to be of similar age as Jane.

She donned a custom-made dress and expensive jewelry, suggesting she hailed from an affluent family.

“Yes, how can I help you?” Jane replied.

“I’m Florence Doyle,” the woman declared, moving closer.

The name Florence Doyle had cropped up repeatedly since Jane’s arrival in Guavo. Florence had been in Patrick’s life for many years, and the public had expected her to be the one to capture his heart.

“We’re done here,” Jane said impatiently.

Florence retrieved a bank card from her purse and calmly announced, “There’s ten million dollars on this card. I want you to publicly call off your engagement with Patrick tonight.”

Jane raised an eyebrow, then rolled her eyes. What was it with Guavo residents and their audacity? Weren’t they incredibly bold?

Although the offer was an affront to Jane, she couldn’t help but acknowledge that Florence was more generous than Beatrice, who had only offered five thousand dollars.

Jane’s response irked Florence, who was taken aback. She thought ten million dollars could significantly change Jane’s life. Jane had never handled such a sum, or so Florence assumed.

“How could ten million be chicken feed? This sum is barely enough for my monthly expenses. Jane tut-tutted before leaving, clearly unimpressed with Florence’s proposition.

With disbelief, Florence watched Jane walk away, wondering if Jane had lost her mind.

“How could she think that ten million dollars is just chicken feed? She must be out of her mind!” Florence muttered to herself.

Meanwhile, Patrick had just concluded a speech and was engaged in conversation with a guest. When Jane returned to the banquet hall, Beatrice approached her, chastising her for wandering about.

“Why are you wandering around? Just sit there. Don’t bring disgrace to the Pansy family,” Beatrice scolded Jane.