Unexpected Fiancée

Chapter 68: Uncovering New Alliances

Chapter 68: Uncovering New Alliances

Jane scrutinized Patrick, narrowing her eyes. She firmly believed that today's incident had not been an accident. Pansy Group's equipment, as well as the studio's ceiling lamps, underwent annual professional inspections and maintenance. The sudden fall of the lamp left her perplexed about its cause, especially since it had resulted in her injury.

Initially, she suspected Florence of trying to harm her. However, upon further consideration, she remembered that it was her own choice to step onto the stage to provide a demonstration, as Annie's performance was falling short. Florence couldn't have foreseen the unfortunate incident.

The key actors on the stage that day were Annie and Osborn. There seemed to be no motive for anyone to target Annie, as she was a newcomer in the city and unlikely to have attracted any enemies. It was also improbable that this was the work of one of Osborn's foes, as orchestrating an attack in Pansy Group, which was Patrick's territory, would invite severe consequences.

As Jane pondered, Robert also contemplated the incident. Eventually, Patrick voiced his thoughts as he examined the cut on Jane's leg, his voice resonating with depth. "I'll have someone investigate this."

Jane nodded in agreement. Ever since Patrick had taken her to the hospital, the commercial shoot had been postponed. Annie was upset by Jane's public reprimand and wanted Bruce to comfort her, but Bruce's mind was preoccupied with Jane's well-being.

"I'm not sure about Jane's condition. Let's go to the hospital to check on her," Bruce suggested.

Annie was taken aback. She couldn't fathom why Bruce was asking her to accompany him to the hospital to see Jane. Her face darkened, feeling increasingly frustrated.

"Honey, I've spent the entire day working on the advertisement, and I'm exhausted."

"Very well, you can head back to the hotel and get some rest," Bruce replied gently.

"And what about you? Don't you want to come with me?" Annie inquired.

"I'm going to visit Jane. After all, she was injured during today's shoot," Bruce replied as he walked away, leaving Annie behind.

Annie's fists clenched as she watched Bruce's departing figure. She could sense that Bruce's enthusiasm for her had waned, and she couldn't comprehend what had brought about this change. Today, she had suffered a loss of face after being publicly scolded and threatened with replacement by Jane.

But all Bruce cared about was Jane's injury. The more Annie dwelled on it, the more her anger flared. She left the studio with a furrowed brow.

"Hello, Annie," a woman's voice greeted Annie as she exited the studio. Looking up, she spotted a tall and stunning woman standing at the studio's entrance – Florence.

Annie inquired, puzzled, "Who are you?"

Florence offered a sweet smile as she introduced herself. "Nice to meet you, Annie. I'm Florence Doyle."

Annie nodded, her curiosity piqued. She had recently become aware of the complicated relationships among Patrick, Jane, and Florence.

Earlier in the day, Florence had been at the studio's entrance, pleading to see Patrick, but he had sternly denied her request. It appeared that the rumors were true.

"How can I assist you?" Annie questioned, a hint of suspicion in her tone.

"I've heard of you for some time. Hearing about someone is not the same as meeting them in person. Annie, would you like to join me for a cup of coffee?" Florence inquired, offering a sweet smile.

Annie agreed, aware of the Doyle family's prominent reputation in Guavo. Many people sought their favor, and Florence seemed to be extending an invitation, which Annie wanted to explore. She also hoped to gain more information from Florence about Jane.

"Sure."

They proceeded to a nearby café near Pansy Group and took a seat. Florence cleared her throat before speaking, "I observed your work on the advertisement just now, Annie. You did an excellent job. Why did Jane criticize you so harshly?"

Florence defended Annie, aiming to make an ally out of her. The enemy of an enemy was often considered a friend. Florence was confident that by speaking ill of Jane, Annie would develop a dislike for her.

Annie felt embarrassed as Florence mentioned the incident in the studio. Taking a sip of her coffee, she stated coldly, "Jane knows nothing about shooting; she's an outsider."

"Do you know why Jane has it out for you?" Florence inquired with a sly grin.

"Why?" Annie responded.

"During the shoot, both Patrick and Bruce were present. Jane humiliated you intentionally in front of them to elevate herself," Florence explained casually as she sipped her coffee.

Annie was taken aback, clenching her teeth as she processed this revelation. Florence nodded knowingly, continuing to sow the seeds of discord. "Jane is a woman with questionable ethics. When she sees a man, she tries to seduce him, regardless of her being engaged to Patrick. Just look at her. The fact that she dared to seduce Osborn in front of Patrick today speaks volumes about her character."

Annie's face contorted with disgust as Florence's words fueled her aversion to Jane. "I can't stand her." Florence let out a sigh, reinforcing her position. "Jane seduces men everywhere in the name of work, using her allure to manipulate them. Be cautious, Annie. Don't give her the opportunity to seduce your man."

"I won't allow her to succeed!" Annie declared with determination, her eyes gleaming with coldness.

With Jane's leg injury, Patrick made the decision to keep her from going to work. Instead, she rescheduled a meeting with the photographer. Early sunlight streamed into her room through the curtains, casting a soft glow on the bed as Jane rubbed the corners of her eyes. It was now seven in the morning.

After a refreshing shower, she descended the stairs. A delightful aroma wafted from the kitchen – the fragrance of a delicious breakfast. Jane inhaled deeply and felt her stomach rumble. "Thank you, Amy," she called out and headed towards the kitchen. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

However, in the kitchen, she encountered an unexpected sight – Patrick. Jane couldn't help but wonder why he had taken it upon himself to prepare breakfast.