"Because someone paid that person an even larger sum, told him to carry out Madam’s idea, but to make it an even bigger deal—best if it could push Nonta to the brink of collapse." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

Skyler Jones’ brows furrowed tightly, his expression growing darker and darker.

When his subordinate finally reported the name of the one pulling strings behind the scenes to frame Nonta and shove the blame onto Christine Quinn, a murderous light was already blazing in Skyler Jones’ eyes.

The next second, a soft female voice came through the phone Skyler had just connected. "Oversky, I never thought you’d call me again."

"Your acting talent is impressive, Jennifer Douglas. What on earth am I supposed to do with you?"

"Huh?" Jennifer sounded dazed. "What are you talking about? Oversky, I don’t understand..."

Skyler gave a cold laugh. "Bribing someone to sabotage your own company— even I hadn’t considered that angle. No wonder it didn’t arouse suspicion... Jennifer Douglas, you really bet big."

Jennifer was clearly caught off guard. "You..."

"If you don’t want people to know, then don’t do it in the first place."

With no way left to argue, Jennifer finally chose to confess after a long silence. "Yes, I bribed my daddy’s confidant to help me do this... Uncle An has followed my daddy for so many years, how could he possibly betray Nonta? He only took Christine Quinn’s money because he wanted to help me turn her own scheme against her..."

"Jennifer Douglas, you’re the best actress I’ve ever met. But women like you—every role you play comes with a price."

Jennifer answered firmly on the other end, "Since I did it, I won’t deny it. But I’m not fake. Other than this time, I never thought of hurting Christine Quinn. And the reason I did it this time is because I hate her. She’s always calling me fake, but who actually knows—the truly fake woman is her. She keeps saying how much she loves you, yet she and... She’s not worthy of being with you at all."

Mrs. Geoffrey could clearly feel that Christine Quinn’s mood had improved noticeably over the past few days.

Early that morning, Mrs. Geoffrey asked Christine to accompany her for a walk in the garden. Seeing the bright, happy smile on Christine’s face, she felt relieved.

"Oversky’s been back in Y City for a few days now, hasn’t he?"

Christine nodded. "Almost a week."

"When I saw Oversky leave so hastily before, I was afraid there was a rift between you two. Now it seems I was worrying too much..." Mrs. Geoffrey said with a smile.

Christine earnestly reassured her, "Mom, Oversky and I haven’t really been together for so many years, so of course there’s a lot we need to adjust to. But we’ve been through so much, and we both cherish each other, so no matter what obstacles or setbacks come, from now on we’ll face them together."

Mrs. Geoffrey patted Christine’s hand. "Oversky having you is the greatest blessing of his life."

Christine blushed and smiled shyly.

"Oh right, Christine, last time I heard Oversky mention holding a wedding with you. Have you two decided on a date yet?"

"Uh, Oversky’s in charge of all that. I don’t know either."

"Oh... Since he hasn’t told you the exact date, I suppose he wants to give you a surprise!"

"A surprise?"

"Yes. Look at your birthday..." Mrs. Geoffrey had just started when she hurriedly covered her mouth. "Listen to me, I just can’t keep anything in."

Christine gave a light smile. "Mom, what about my birthday?"

Mrs. Geoffrey looked at her lovingly. "If I’m not mistaken, the day after tomorrow is your birthday, isn’t it?"

Christine was stunned. "Mom, you know?"

"I’ve never celebrated your birthday with you before, so I didn’t know the day after tomorrow was your birthday. I know the date because Oversky’s subordinate Justin told me well in advance. He said they wanted to use the Jones’ Mansion for a day the day after tomorrow because Oversky’s prepared a very romantic birthday surprise for you."

Christine’s expression was one of astonishment, her lips slightly parted. "A birthday surprise?"

"Yes, Oversky’s been preparing it for a long time, secretly asking us to cooperate with him. And I just went and ruined his secret with this mouth that can’t keep anything in."

So he remembered her birthday after all...

She’d thought that after more than ten years, he would’ve long forgotten.

Thinking of how he’d been planning a birthday surprise for her all this time, Christine couldn’t help feeling a little moved.

He was still the same man as before...

Not good with words, but quietly arranging everything behind the scenes.

Christine smiled faintly, happiness written all over her face.

"Christine, now that you know, the surprise is gone. Will Oversky blame me..." Mrs. Geoffrey asked anxiously.

Christine laughed. "Mom, it’s fine. I’ll pretend I don’t know a thing and cooperate with Oversky to let him surprise me."