I Slept with My Boss and Ran Away

Chloe did not stop Joy Chaucer or act as if she had seen anything.

If Joy could think this far ahead, there might still be hope. Only with a paternity test would Joy Chaucer believe the truths she had been told, which would play right into her plans. Chloe had to push Joy Chaucer to the position of heir before Bianca discovered Meredith’s true identity.

Joy Chaucer surreptitiously hid the hair and then went with Bianca to Mr. Granger’s daughter’s birthday party. It was a private affair, Mr. Granger having invited only those with a definitive standing in the circle. As Joy followed Bianca into the celebration, she saw today’s center of all attention, Tessa Granger, clad in a gown as resplendent as the night sky, basking in the adulation of the crowd, and jealousy flared within her.

Tessa Granger, at twenty, was the epitome of youthful beauty and innocence. Having just returned from France, she was her father’s pride and joy. Joy Chaucer, who relished being the center of attention, felt painfully inconspicuous today. Even as Bianca introduced her to several influential gentlemen, their compliments seemed superficial and strained.

With neither significant talents nor stunning beauty, and shadowed by scandal, Joy Chaucer’s presence next to Bianca was easily deciphered by many: a quest to find a suitable husband for her daughter. The assembly, comprising all elite, showed little interest in Joy, fearing to engage.

Around Tessa Granger, however, many were already harboring thoughts of aligning with the Granger family through marriage. Joy Chaucer could sense the awkward glances directed her way, her displeasure evident. “Mother, look at these condescending people. I could never fancy such people,” she remarked bitterly.

Bianca, understanding her daughter’s frustrations, replied soothingly, “These things are all about fate.” Just then, a stir at the entrance caught their attention. Terrence Sterling had arrived with Meredith. Mr. Granger, alongside his daughter, moved forward to greet them. “Mr. Sterling, Mrs. Sterling, welcome! This is my daughter, Tessa.”

Tessa Granger, gracious and welcoming, said, “Mr. and Mrs. Sterling, nice to meet you. Mrs. Sterling, you look wonderful.”

“Thank you,” Meredith responded with a light smile, handing over a beautifully wrapped gift. “We hope you like this birthday present, Miss Granger. Happy Birthday!”

Tessa, touched by the gesture, quickly became friends with Meredith as they conversed happily. Terrence Sterling looked on, both relieved and proud of how seamlessly Meredith mingled.

The arrival of Meredith instantly soured Joy Chaucer’s mood, her heart filling with resentment at her ubiquitous presence-if not for Meredith, she might have been Mrs. Sterling.

“Terry,” Bianca greeted, approaching them. “Meredith.”

Meredith smiled gently. “Bianca.”

Bianca’s gaze upon Meredith was warm and affectionate, while Terrence Sterling also nodded in greeting. As for Joy Chaucer, both Meredith and Terrence seemed not to notice her.Têxt © NôvelDrama.Org.

“Mrs. Sterling, shall we sit over there?” Tessa suggested enthusiastically. “I have many friends I’d like you to meet.”

“That sounds lovely,” Meredith agreed, already well-informed by Terrence about Mr. Granger’s previous intentions of fostering strong alliances through his daughter.

As Meredith and Tessa walked away, engaged in lively conversation with a group of young women nearby, Mr. Granger, envying Terrence’s luck in partners, remarked, “Mr. Sterling, you’ve chosen a wonderful wife. I was astounded to hear of your marriage; you truly kept it well hidden.”

Feeling the fortune of his conjugal match, Terrence openly admitted, “I did put in quite the effort.”

This admission sparked admiration and reaffirmed Meredith’s significant status in Terrence Sterling’s life, solidifying his reputation as a devoted husband.

Unable to listen anymore, Joy Chaucer seethed with irritation. Her mind raced with thoughts of losing to Meredith. “Mom, I need to use the restroom,” she excused herself, feeling utterly ignored.

Bianca nodded, unconcerned.

As Joy Chaucer left the banquet hall and walked down the hallway for some air, she noticed someone acting suspiciously. Driven by curiosity, she moved closer, just in time to overhear, “Slip this into the drink and serve it; proceed with the plan…”