Susan had already researched Q&N Collective''s design portfolio before meeting Natalie. She knew they had a brilliant, mysterious designer behind the brand. For years, every collection had been a sensation. It was only in thest two years, after the designer ran into some trouble, that thepany had started to stumble. Still, she had always seen its potential, and her father felt the same way.


    She nodded eagerly. "That sounds great, Natalie! I''ll talk to my dad tonight. He''ll definitely agree. He''s wanted to work with Mr. Jones for a while, but never got the chance. With you involved, I''m sure we can make it happen."


    Natalie knew about this. Back then, however, she had been blinded by love, wanting only to take care of Sebastian, so she had stopped designing. Now that she was back, thepany was on the rise again.


    Jared chose that moment to sneer. "Natalie, what right do you have to make decisions for Q&N Collective? Mr. Jones hasn''t said a word. You''re just a designer. What can you decide? Don''t forget, you''re just a girl from the sticks. What do you know about design? I bet you''re not even as good as Monica."


    Nataliepletely ignored his taunts. The noise was irritating. She turned her head to look at him. "Why are you still here?"


    Jared was stunned, ring at her. "I''ve been here the whole time! Natalie, you malicious woman, what did you say to Susan to make her skip my wedding?"


    Natalie thought Jared must be delusional.


    Susan, however, was furious. "Jared, have some decency! Why do you me your sister for everything? Let me tell you, the truly malicious onès are you Scotts. You just don''t see it. You love to trample on others'' pain, rubbing salt in their wounds. Does it make you feel superior? So what if Natalie is a designer? So what if she''s from the countryside? You a graduate from some third-rate city college, don''t have an ounce of her talent. She earned her position as design director by impressing Mr. Monroe with her work andnding a coboration with him. You have no right to criticize her. You all enjoy your wealth and privilege while ignoring your own sister."


    Susan then pointed a finger at Monica. "And I have you to thank, Ms. Sanders. Your rotten life helped me see that you two are just as


    rotten You''re a perfect matchen &


    Monica, all your dirty little secrets Can


    be uncovered with a little effort And I''ve already found them. So don''t provoke me, or on your wedding day, I''ll give you a very special gift."


    Monica froze, her eyes wide with panic. "Susan, you''re justshing out because you can''t have him. You''re trying to frame me. You say my life is rotten? Yes, I grew up without parents who loved me, so my life was hard. I''m not a pampered princess like you, who''s had everything handed to her. But everything I have now, I earned with my own two hands. What right do you have to judge me?" As she spoke, Monica began to cry, leaning pitifully into Jared''s arms.


    Natalie thought, And the award for best dramatic performance goes to...


    Susan was speechless.


    Honestly, a woman like that was impossible to deal with. She gave a coldugh. "Monica, since you insist on ying this game, it would be a shame not to do something to repay you for what you did to me before. I will give you both a surprise at your wedding ceremony. Jared, I hope you''re ready for it. And I hope you won''t regret your choice."