Laverne smirked, a hint of pride in her voice. "Of course. Did you expect anything less from someone I hired?"


    Vanessa fell silent, lost in thought. Laverne had noticed that since her return, she seemed more preupied than ever, even canceling several lucrativemercial events that had been arranged for her.


    "Vanessa, there''s an advertiser offering fifty million for a campaign. Are you interested-"


    "Not interested," Vanessa cut her off with a frown.


    "Fifty million is a lot of money just to show up and smile for the camera."


    At that, a disdainful smile touched Vanessa''s lips as she shot her manager a dismissive look. "Do you really think I still need to shootmercials to make money?"


    Laverne was taken aback, momentarily speechless.


    She was right, of course. Vanessa didn''t need it.


    Her one and only ambition had ever been to marry into the Goodwin family and im the revered title of Mrs. Goodwin, thedy of a multi-billion-dor dynasty. Endorsement fees and appearance payments were trivial inparison.


    Vanessa gazed out the window and sighed. "Laverne, the title of Mrs. Goodwin is the only thing worth fighting for. It represents true top-tier status, an endless stream of wealth and resources. Once I have that, do you think I''d let you down?" Laverne saw the determined glint in her eyes and understood. Vanessa''s career was secondary; she was entirely captivated by the prospect of bing Mrs. Goodwin. Her work was merely a stepping stone toward that ultimate prize, and she was willing to sacrifice anything for it.


    Sighing, Laverne asked cautiously, "Vanessa, I have to ask... Is Mr. Goodwin truly sincere about you?"


    She had always sensed thatn''s attitude toward Vanessa wasn''t as intimate as the rumors or Vanessa herself suggested if felt more like a transaction, though she would never dare say that word aloud.


    "Men aren''t sincere," Vanessa said with a confident smile, as if she had everything under control. "The only thing that matters is whether I have value to him. And my value is irreceable. He needs me."


    Laverne was momentarily stunned.


    1.n


    With Vanessa''s family background, beauty, and emotional intelligence she was indeed almost perfect. What man could refuse her? And evenn didn''t marry her there was still Mr. Holt, the son of a real estate tycoon, waiting in the wings.


    "Well, in that case, Vanessa, I hope you be Mrs. Goodwin very soon," Laverne said, her tone shifting to one of ttery.


    A flicker of bitterness crossed


    Vanessa''s eyes, but her voice remained firm with conviction, as it trying to convince herself as much as hermanager. "The position of Mrs. Goodwin will be mine, o Course. Ive waited ten years. I''ve been by his side for a decade. No one is more qualified than I am."


    A decade of her youth, a heart full of devotion-she would never let that investment go to waste.


    On the morning of New Year''s Eve, Eleanor received a call from Gina Quinn.


    "Eleanor, why don''t you and Evelyne over to celebrate with us? Have dinner with the family," Gina''s voice sounded weaker than before, tinged with exhaustion.


    "Thank you for the invitation, Gina, but we won''t be able to make it," Eleanor replied politely. Even knowing Gina''s condition, her feelings were limited to sympathy.


    "Alright. Well, bring Evelyn to visit after the holidays when you have time," Gina added.


    "Of course," Eleanor said, maintaining the courteous tone.


    She then called Joel, who had already booked a flight to spend the holiday abroad with his father.