Chapter 362
That night, sleep eluded me, nerves inexplicably on edge.
Jan and Gemma''s conversation tossed and turned in my mind. Gemma was a ticking time bomb,
and if she exploded, it would be my dearest who''d suffer. I couldn''t let my parents be threatened
because of me. Yet, it wasn''t time to cast her out entirely.
Moreover, if Gemma was involved, undoubtedly others would be too. The only viable solution seemed
to be reversing the roles, turning her into my pawn. With that thought, my mind settled somewhat.
As for how to do it, I needed the right opportunity.
The next day.
Before I could even rub the sleep from my eyes, I was jolted awake by persistent knocking.
Groggy and grumpy, I opened the door to find Jan, all buttoned-up and proper. I hadined
about his snoring the night before, prompting him to retreat to the guest room.
I figured he wanted his own space too. After all, Goldenvale Town was a mess.
"What''s up?" I asked, not hiding my irritation. "Why so dressed up? You don''t sleep or what?"
"Allie, still half-asleep?" he said with a cating smile. "Did you have a rough night? It''s nine already,
and we''ve got important stuff today!"
Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.
"Nine?" I was startled, apparently having overslept. But I was still petnt. "So what? I''m going back to
bed. You and Dad can handle it."
After that, I tried to shut the door, but he wedged his foot in, "Honey, it really is crucial today. Dad says
you need to be there. We''lle back and you can sleep all you want, okay?"
I turned, flopped back onto the bed, and he rushed in, cajoling me with all his might.
I just wanted to test how desperate he was. Why else would I let him sweet-talk me? The sight of him
was bing as repulsive as maggots.
"Enough!" I finally snapped, exasperated. "Get out, I''m getting ready!"
He reluctantly left after a few more reminders.
Once the door closed, I opened my eyes wide, scoffing internally. He really was desperate.
After freshening up and changing, I heard a phone ring at the door. Jan must have been waiting
outside.
While brushing my teeth, I leaned closer to the door. Jan was on the phone, his voice hoarse with
annoyance, "Jessica, cut the crap. If you don''t want the job, just say it. You can leave right now.
Remember, I can make sure you''re gone for good!"
I sneered silently, returning to the bathroom. Without listening further, I knew Jessica was still causing a
fuss. Hazel must have been restless all night.
Dressed and ready, I found Jan pacing by the door. As soon as he saw me, his face lit up with
feigned cheer, "Let''s go downstairs! Galen''s been waiting!"
I grunted an acknowledgment and headed down.
Dad was indeed in the living room, sipping his morning tea and browsing the paper. Mom hurried over.
"Come have some breakfast. You can''t start the day on an empty stomach. Who knows what lunch will
be like? If it''s not to your liking, juste on home and I''ll have something ready."
"Isn''t Dad in a rush?" I deliberately sounded annoyed. "I''m still not awake, for heaven''s sake."
Dad chuckled, "I set it for ten, so there''s time. Come have breakfast."
I nced at Jan, then headed straight for the dining room where Hannah was already sitting.
"Did you sleep wellst night?" I asked her. Deep down, I knew she probably hadn''t. She had left early
the night before, not just to escape Jan''s droning but also to cover for me.
As someone who''d been there, I understood what that embrace, from the man she pined for, meant to
Hannah. Predictably, at my question, her cheeks flushed, and she nodded vigorously, "Very well. It''s so
quiet here!"
I smirked, thinking how the quiet surroundings contrasted with her tumultuous heart.
Considering we had serious businesster, I joined her for breakfast without further teasing.
After eating, we set out and arrived at VitalAxis Pharmaceuticals just five minutes shy of ten.
This was my first visit to VitalAxis Pharmaceuticals. Surprisingly, it was more impressive than I
imagined.