Ambition and obsession - Season 1 Episode 17

“Like I said… Wait, w-what?” Queenie’s eyes widened. “W-What do you mean, President Yates?” Zachary walked to Nicole’s side and defended her in front of all the watching eyes. “This Ms. Nicole, who is right next to me, is the only chief designer of F&M Apparel, Miss Lisa!” As he uttered his words, silence filled the room. The sudden change of situation left those who looked down on Nicole stunned. Nicole is Lisa? But everyone said that Ms. Lisa of F&M Apparel is a woman in her forties! Queenie was dismayed. “That’s impossible!” “Do you think I’m lying to you, Miss?” Zachary looked at her with a hostile gaze. Due to her touch, he could sense that the woman before him was highly antagonistic towards Nicole. Although Nicole rejected him, he was still in love with her and would not allow anyone to condescend to her! Queenie’s body trembled and her eyes turned red. However, unable to express her frustration, she clenched her fists tightly. She was completely baffled. Nicole is actually Lisa! She’s the head designer of F&M Apparel! I got close to Colton and became the young future mistress of Gardner Corporation, but how?! How is she still above me?!

The tables were instantly turned.

Most people had come to the event to establish a connection with Lisa. With the golden opportunity presented before them, they would rather not ruin their chances.

“Wow, I can’t believe anyone would doubt Miss Lisa!”

“You said that! And she was so confidently accusing her without checking her ‘facts’.” Tsk!”

“Apparently, she’s Lisa’s assistant in the field…”

Queenie stood still. Although she wore a flashy set of clothes, in that instant, she was perceived as a foolish clown. She thought she could finally devastate Nicole, only to realize that she had shot herself in the foot. The disparaging whispers and disdainful looks made her extremely vulnerable as shame and embarrassment quickly overwhelmed her. She wanted to defend herself, but before she could do so, her intention was suppressed by an icy glare. She turned to face the glare and found that it was coming from Colton. His cold expression reflected the absence of any intention to comfort her as he stared at her with his dark, warning eyes. With her reputation on the line, she could only face the embarrassment as she said through gritted teeth, “My apologies for making baseless accusations and tarnishing Miss Lisa’s name.” Naturally, Zachary would not forget the fact that someone had tried to humiliate Nicole. Smiling, he turned to Colton. “President Gardner, I heard that she is your fiancée. Does she not know her place, coming to F&M Apparel and insulting our people?” Colton looked away as he stood firm in his stance. With a soft tone, he blurted out, “Rumors are rumors.”

These three indifferent words devastated Queenie and left her trembling at his coldness. No way. Even Colton won’t support me now? She took a step forward and was about to call out to Colton, but quickly stopped herself when she met his frightening eyes. She was nothing more than a joke now, and staying any longer would only bring mortification to herself.

Joseph, on the other hand, was also distraught. He never expected Nicole to be Lisa herself, and it was only a few days ago when he insulted her at the café. Since the collaboration between the Mann Family and Lisa was crucial, he thought he could protect her with his tricks, only to realize that he had destroyed the opportunity for a partnership.

At that moment, Nicole revealed a subtle smile as she pressed her tingling wrist that had been grabbed by Queenie earlier. “Miss Anderson, Mr. Mann.” She looked at the two before her. “I have no idea what violation I have caused you two, which resulted in your bold accusation of me pretending to be Lisa.” Her tone was neutral and not intimidating, as if she was simply making a description. “But now that President Yates has verified my identity, won’t you suspect him as well?”

Queenie and Joseph’s faces paled at Nicole’s formidable rebuke.

Although most of F&M Apparel’s power was overseas, its influence in the local market remained significant and it was definitely not the adversarial type.

Joseph quickly shook his head. “N-Nothing like that, Nicole… I mean, Miss Lisa. I was just fooled by Queenie’s chatter. I hope you didn’t take it personally, Miss Lisa.”