Chapter 131

Chapter 131

Damn it. Janet leaned against her desk, the frustration simmering in her chest. If she had known things would turn out this way, she would have fought harder to keep that necklace. It was worth several hundred million—a high price to pay for a single, infuriating night.

Just as she slammed her hand onto the table in regret, a soft knock sounded at her door.

Janet straightened her posture, preparing to offer an apology to Jade. She assumed the noise of her frustration must have woken the elderly lady. To her surprise, Jade didn't look annoyed at all; she simply took Janet’s hands and pulled her into the room.

Confused, Janet asked, “What’s going on?”

Jade glanced toward the hallway, ensuring the coast was clear, before stuffing a plastic card into Janet’s hand. “Take this. I couldn’t give it to you earlier because Emily was hovering around.”

Janet raised an eyebrow, looking down at the card. “You’re giving me money?”

“Hush,” Jade whispered. “There is one million inside as your allowance. If that isn’t enough, you just come find me and I’ll get you more.”

Janet tried to shake her head, but the elderly woman wouldn't budge. “I don’t really need the money, Jade.”

It was true. The figures in Janet’s secret bank accounts increased at a stable, staggering rate every day. She could live a life of luxury purely on the interest generated by her holdings.

Jade looked Janet up and down, taking in her simple, unpretentious clothes. She shook her head firmly. “You can’t go on dressing like this. You should doll yourself up to look better than Emily. I want everyone to know that you are the darling of our family, not her.”

Janet froze for a second before letting out a soft, genuine chuckle. Darling? That was the first time she had ever been described that way.

She tried to shove the card back. “I’m used to dressing this way. You should keep it.”

Jade beamed at her, not forcing the issue further for fear of becoming a nuisance, but her eyes remained warm. “By the way, are you really not going to join the painting competition? Your Aunt Shirley has been very vocal in the WhatsApp group. She’s claiming you wouldn't dare take part because you aren't 'good enough.'”

Janet’s eyes twinkled with a mix of curiosity and mischief. “I’m surprised you’re an active user of WhatsApp.”

“You bet I am. Here, look at what these people are saying.”

Janet scrolled through the messages. Every single post from Aunt Shirley was a thinly veiled jab at her. Is she really this desperate to see her own niece embarrassed? If that was the case, Janet decided she didn't mind fulfilling the woman's wish—though perhaps not in the way Shirley expected.

Later that night, Janet officially agreed to enter the competition organized by Old Mr. Collins. The stakes were high: the winner would become the legendary artist's apprentice. The line-up was set—Chloe (Shirley’s daughter), Janet, and Emily would face off the following weekend.

The news hit Janet’s private organization like a lightning strike. The group chat erupted.

Lara: “How about we all fly to Sandfort City to root for Janet this weekend?” Desire: “Janet, I’m afraid I can’t make it. I just accepted a mission to gather dirt on some corrupt officers in Barnsford. The work is ongoing…” The Beasts: “Boss, I want to apply for leave! I need to be there to show my support!” Janet: “No leave for any of you. Focus on your training in Markovia.” The Beasts: “…” Lee: “Seems like I’m the only one who can make it? I can't wait to see what Janet has in store for that day.” Janet: “…”

Friday arrived in the blink of an eye, bringing with it the much-anticipated Star High School Sports Day. The field was a sea of students in colorful jerseys, though the atmosphere was heavy with an oppressive heatwave.

Abby fanned herself frantically, her face flushed. “Our school must be the only one masochistic enough to hold a sports day in this weather!”

Gordon, hearing her complaint, immediately appeared with cold beverages for both girls. Janet took the bottle and placed it in the shade of a tree, her gaze wandering over the field until she noticed a group of boys approaching her.

They awkwardly offered her several bottles of cola. Janet raised a quizzical brow.

One of the boys scratched the back of his neck, his face turning an even deeper shade of red. “Janet, this is for you... we hope you do well in the events today!”

Janet looked at them with her usual impassive expression and gave a small, indifferent nod. “Thank you.”

She didn't take the drinks, her attention already shifting back to the field. The boys walked away, looking embarrassed but secretly thrilled she had even spoken to them. From the sidelines, Emily and Madelaine watched the exchange, their eyes burning with resentment.

“Tsk,” Madelaine spat, her voice dripping with venom. “It’s true what they say—only a pile of dung is capable of attracting so many flies.”

Emily said nothing, but her grip on her own water bottle tightened until her knuckles turned white.