Substitute Marriage With the Illegitimate Son (Ethan and Janet)

Chapter 1343 New Model For The Studio

Janet felt a warm surge in her heart, a testament to Derek's relentless faith in her. All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Her lips pressed together, forming a thin line before she expressed her gratitude, "I appreciate this, Derek. Truly."

A light chuckle escaped Derek's lips as he cheekily retorted, "Well, you've seen how kind I am, haven't you? Fancy having me lend my superior business skills to your cause? Perhaps I could turn your studio's fortunes around in no time!"

Yet, Janet shook her head with a soft, solemn resolve. "I wouldn't want to drag you into this mess or stir up any unwarranted controversy. Let's wait for the clouds to pass before discussing any form of partnership. It'd be in our best interest."

His hopes visibly dashed, Derek voiced his disappointment, "You never cease to push me away, dismissing my good intentions. You fail to recognize a good heart when you see one..."

His downcast demeanor, mirroring that of a puppy denied a treat, sparked laughter from Janet. "Alright, don't overthink it. I'm just looking out for you."

Still, Derek was far from placated, his dissatisfaction apparent. "Looking out for me? Who do you think you are, my mother? Clearly, you don't understand the value of someone's sincere intentions. I ditched work just to come here, offer my assistance, and you simply turned me down. That's beyond frustrating!" Despite Derek's grumbles, Janet found her melancholy beginning to lift. She managed a smile and reassured him, "Once the tempest calms, I promise I'll rope you in immediately. How does that

sound?"

With a dismissive toss of his hair, Derek retorted, "Like I care!"

Right then, Gilda, who had been silent all this while, chimed in to calm the brewing storm, "Derek, you're too much of a public figure, and this incident has garnered far too much attention. It's not the ideal time for you to join forces with Janet."

Irritated, Derek crossed his arms and shot back at his girlfriend, "And who could possibly do a better job, if not me? You?"

Undaunted, Gilda tossed her hair back, her confidence unwavering as she asserted, "Absolutely. I'm far better suited for this. I've got a background in modeling, genuine talent unclouded by needless hype, no sizeable fan base or negative publicity. Plus, my age and style align perfectly with Janet's aesthetic. I'm clearly a better choice than you!"

As her confident words hung in the air, she turned to Janet, her eyes alight with a friendly sparkle. "If you ever need a model for a collaboration, feel free to knock on my door. I guarantee I won't say no."

Janet's eyes sparked with an eager glow at Gilda's proposition.

Gilda's sense of style had always resonated with hers, in harmony with her own design ethos. In fact, Gilda was the one she initially thought of collaborating with. But the offer coming from Gilda herself was an unexpected turn. It was an opportunity of a lifetime, one she couldn't let slip away.

No sooner had this thought crossed Janet's mind than she yearned to delve into collaboration details with Gilda. However, Derek, now feeling sidelined, registered his discontent.

"Are you doing this just to spite me, Gilda?" Derek cut in, his voice rising towards his girlfriend.

Rolling her eyes, Gilda countered, "Spite you? Really,

Derek? Do you truly believe you're a fitting candidate for Janet's designs? If you can convince me, I'll be your cheerleader in this venture with Janet."

"Ugh!" A frustrated Derek failed to formulate a concrete argument to align his style with Janet's aesthetics. After a beat, he raised his head defiantly. "This isn't about you! And I won't stand by and let you partner with Janet without my approval!"

In response, Gilda stuck out her tongue, defiantly stating, "Well, I'm going ahead with the collaboration. What will you do now?"

The color rose high on Derek's chiseled features as he jabbed a finger towards Gilda, his voice filled with accusation. "So that's why you tagged along today! You were only using me to get closer to Janet! Gilda, you're craftier than I thought!"

With a complacent smile and a raised eyebrow, Gilda countered, "Does it matter? I've drawn Janet's attention through my own abilities."

That was the last straw for Derek. He lunged at Gilda, bellowing, "I swear, I'll fight you tooth and nail!"

Gilda's response was a disdainful snort as she clenched her fists. "Go ahead, try your luck. Let's see who comes out worse for wear."