Ambition and obsession - Season 1 Episode 8

Because of Hayden, Nicole had long ago dug up almost everything about the Mann family. Robert Mann, Joseph’s father, was an elderly man in his 60s. After his wife’s death two years ago, he began dating several women, gaining even more notoriety than his son. They’re making me serve their father after I served his son? What a piece of work they are! she thought. She didn’t want to argue with Queenie and William anymore; she just wanted to pack up her mother’s things and leave. “I don’t need this. Just give me my mother’s things!”
Queenie’s sarcastic voice sounded as soon as Nicole finished her sentence. “Stop pretending, Nicole! You were willing to sleep with a stranger for 200,000 five years ago. Now that you will be enjoying an inexhaustible fortune, as long as you marry into the Mann Family, how could you refuse?!”

Queenie knew that Colton only recognized her as his future wife because “she” saved him five years ago, but it was Nicole who truly saved him. I will never let anyone ruin my current life! As long as Nicole marries Robert, even if Colton finds out the truth in the future, he won’t want Nicole anymore!

On the other hand, Nicole’s hands involuntarily clenched into fists at her sides. Five years ago… If it weren’t for my mother being seriously ill five years ago, I would never have sunk so low as to prostitute myself! “I’m not short of money.” Her voice had an icy tone.

Queenie was obviously skeptical as she glanced at Nicole’s outfit, as she wasn’t wearing any luxury items. “Just stop being stubborn, sis. You’re familiar with the Manns anyway, aren’t you?”

Nicole retorted disdainfully, “You keep talking about the Manns. Since you like the Mann Family so much, why don’t you marry into the family?” Seeing that Queenie and William had no intention of giving her her mother’s belongings, she decided not to waste any more time arguing with them. She was very open-minded; it would be best if she could get her mother’s belongings back, but she wouldn’t bet her life on it if she couldn’t. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll leave,” she said. With that, she turned around and was about to leave.

Seeing this scene, Queenie hurriedly took a few steps forward and grabbed Nicole’s wrist. Her shrill voice rang in Nicole’s ear as she shouted, “There will be no chance for you to regret your decisions once you step through this door, Nicole! What kind of job can you get without a college degree? A waitress? A receptionist? Or a prostitute?”

Nicole clenched her fists tightly. “Well, in that case, I’m sorry I didn’t end up living the way you imagined. I’m now the head designer of F&M Apparel, so it’s not like I don’t have that much money.”

Queenie’s voice rose a few notches as she looked at the woman before her. “Head Designer? You mean Lisa?”

“Uh-huh,” Nicole replied,

However, as soon as she muttered her reply, Queenie started laughing with mockery written all over her face. “Nicole, even if you want to speak up, you don’t have to make up such an absurd excuse, do you? Lisa is a woman in her forties with rich work experience and great skills. What’s up with her?”

A woman in her forties? Nicole frowned slightly, but didn’t bother to argue about it. “Whether you believe it or not is up to you,” she said, before quickly leaving.

It was still raining outside. The moment Nicole stepped out of the house, she was greeted by a nip in the air. Pulling her coat tighter around her body, she ran out into the rain, not wanting to stay here for even a second longer.

As soon as Nicole returned to her apartment and opened the door, she was greeted by a blast of warm air. She took off her coat and hung it on the coat rack.

Hayden was playing with his laptop on the couch. At the sound of Nicole entering the apartment, he immediately turned off his laptop, looking like he had done something bad and didn’t want Nicole to find out.

After putting on her slippers, Nicole walked up to Hayden in amusement. “Not letting me take a peek, huh? What did you do?”

Hayden held the laptop in her arms with an innocent look in her big, clear eyes. “I can’t tell you about this, Mom. It’s my little secret.”

Seeing how nervous he looked, Nicole gave a deadpan laugh without saying anything else. “It’s getting late. You should go to sleep now. Don’t play with the laptop anymore.” She realized that as long as she got back home and saw her son, her bad mood would instantly disappear. He really is my little angel…

The next morning, Nicole banished the memory of yesterday’s annoying incident from her mind. Just as she was about to tidy up her room, her cell phone rang.

It was an incoming call from an unknown number. After hesitating for a moment, Nicole answered the phone.

Speaking on the other end of the line was a young male voice who sounded quite cheerful. “Can I speak to Ms. Lisa, please?”

Nicole glanced at her phone. Seeing that the man was calling her work phone number, she answered, “Yes, I’m Lisa. May I ask who you are?”

Joseph looked as kind and polite as a modest and conscientious gentleman. “Hello, Ms. Lisa. I’m Joseph Mann, general manager of Mann Clothing Co. We’ve always wanted to work with you, and I heard that you’ve returned to the country. Can I meet you if you’d like?” Are you free?” It was no secret that Lisa would be collaborating with the Gardner family, and every clothing company that heard about it also wanted to collaborate with her to compete for a share of the profits. Naturally, the Mann Family couldn’t be left behind either. Joseph went to great trouble to get Lisa’s phone number. In the end, he persuaded Queenie,

Nicole heard the voice on the other end of the line. If she hadn’t checked the news about Joseph over the years, she would have thought he was as modest and conscientious as he seemed. However, just as she was about to refuse, Hayden came out of his room and looked at her. “Mom, I’m hungry.”

Nicole paused for a moment. This little boy wants to see his father. Maybe this could be an opportunity… She looked down and pondered for a moment. Then, she replied, “Okay. I’ll see you today at 3:00 p.m. at the cafe in Scottsdale Mall.”