Chapter 4

Chris replied instantly. "What happened to your hand?"

Josie Watson smirked. "Just a coffee-making mishap for someone else. By the way, your sister's at Laurence's company. Is your family working on a new project with him?"

Chris was sharp and caught her meaning. "No collaboration. Rosalie's been abroad these three years, not studying, just dating and partying."

"What? Doesn't she like Laurence?" Josie asked.

"She likes him a bit, I guess. She's had dozens of boyfriends, traveled the world, and now she's back, ready to settle down," Chris replied.

Josie hadn't expected Chris to spill so much about Rosalie.

Laurence thought Rosalie had been abroad for treatment.

But her world travels proved she'd been faking illness.

She'd hidden it from Laurence to play the field while keeping him as a fallback.

Poor Laurence, treasuring her every word and action.

Little did he know, she'd fooled him for three years, treating him like a safety net.

With this explosive information, Josie didn't plan to expose Rosalie yet.

She wanted Laurence to learn the truth after she left.

She pocketed her phone and returned to the office as if nothing had happened.

Laurence and Rosalie were laughing together.

The earlier incident seemed forgotten.

Laurence's glance caught the bandage on Josie's hand.

He didn't even frown. "Clean up the coffee stain on the floor," he said.

Josie nodded obediently. "Yes, Mr. Andrews."

Rosalie covered her mouth, smiling smugly. "Sorry, Josie. Should I clean it instead?"

She stepped closer to Josie, lowering her voice. "Your hand is so pretty. Better protect it. Or how will you draw your designs?"

Rosalie knew everything.

She knew Josie dreamed of fashion design and how vital her hands were.

That's why she'd deliberately scalded her.

Josie met her gaze, her eyes cold.

The chill in her stare made Rosalie flinch.

Laurence, hearing Rosalie's words, thought she was kind and thoughtful.

"Rosalie's just being sweet," he said to Josie. "Get the cleaners to handle it."

Josie found it laughable.

Laurence was blind in both eyes and heart.

That evening, Laurence didn't stay with Rosalie and returned to the villa.

He tossed Josie a velvet box. "There's a charity gala tomorrow night. Get ready. You're coming with me."

Josie opened the box to find a dazzling diamond necklace.

Laurence, seeing her lack of reaction, grew impatient. "You've been sensible lately. This is your reward."

Sensible?

Did he mean her politeness to Rosalie earlier?

Josie laughed coldly inside.

"Got it," she said calmly, accepting the necklace.

She treated it as his final severance payment.

The next day, as Josie prepared to change into her gown, her phone rang.

It was her father's doctor. "Miss Watson, your father's next surgery payment is due."

Josie's heart sank.

Laurence had promised that morning to cover the medical fees.

She dialed his number immediately.

It rang for a long time before he picked up.

Rosalie's saccharine voice came through. "Is that Josie? Hi! Laurence is helping me pick a gown for the gala. What's up?"

Josie gripped her phone tightly. "Put Laurence on."

After a moment, Laurence's irritated voice came through. "What is it? I'm busy."

"My dad's medical fees. You promised," Josie said.

"I know. I'll transfer it later," he replied.

"No, you can't..." Josie started, but Laurence cut her off. "Rosalie's attending the gala tonight. Take a cab and get there yourself."

He hung up without giving her a chance to respond.

The busy tone echoed in Josie's ears, panic rising.

Laurence was always meticulous, never delaying.

Only Rosalie could make him break a promise.

She must have deliberately stopped him from helping.

If Josie's father faced delays because of money and something went wrong, the betrayal would ensure Josie and Laurence could never stay married.

Josie sensed something off. Rosalie had only been back two days but was already targeting her repeatedly.

It felt like Rosalie was racing to ruin Josie's relationship with Laurence.

Josie opened her chat with Chris. "Chris, can you lend me five hundred thousand? Laurence suddenly won't pay my dad's medical fees. I've got two hundred thousand, but I'm short fifty."

Despite the time difference, Chris replied instantly. "Don't worry, Josie. I'll transfer it now. But I have a better idea. Why not move your father to a hospital abroad? That way, you'll have no ties when you leave. I can cover the costs for now."

Josie knew taking her father abroad would be better but far more expensive.

Sensing her hesitation, Chris dangled another offer. "Those design sketches you sent me? I've found a buyer. Trust me, Josie, you're talented enough to earn plenty to treat your father. Laurence has been holding you back."

An unknown designer's work wouldn't sell easily.

Josie knew Chris must have pulled strings.

Thinking of Rosalie's cruelty, she didn't hesitate. "Chris, you're right. I don't know how I'll ever thank you."

"Josie, all I want is for you not to push me away."