Chapter 13
The next day, I arrived at the company on time.
My subordinates were somewhat surprised to see me show up again.
After all, ever since my mom threw me into the company for training, I'd always had a couldn't-care-less attitude.
To the old me, the company wasn't important—what mattered was how to make John happy.
Before I even walked into my office, I heard a group of subordinates whispering.
"What's going on with Ms. Smith? Has she really changed?"
"Didn't Ms. Smith used to hate coming to the company? Last time I saw her buried in her computer all day handling things."
"Ms. Smith has really changed, but that's actually good."
Hearing the employees' discussion, I stepped back and sincerely thanked them. "Thank you all for your hard work. I'll also work hard to lead the company better from now on."
Hearing my thanks, the group of employees was even more shocked, their eyes full of disbelief.
After all, saying thanks to my employees was truly rare for me.
After speaking, I ignored the employees' stares and went straight into my office.
Once seated, I called the private investigator.
Some things needed to be investigated now.
After giving instructions to the private investigator, I called my secretary in.
Ever since my secretary betrayed me last time, I basically only had her do small tasks like printing documents and cleaning.
Hearing my call, the secretary walked in, clearly nervous.
"Ms. Smith, what can I do for you?"
I glanced at the secretary and asked in a low voice, "Annie, how are things going between you and John?"
Annie shook her head with an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, Ms. Smith. You asked me to get close to John, but I haven't found an opportunity yet."
Her answer was within my expectations. This wasn't something that could be done easily.
I waved my hand casually. "It's not your fault. Just get close to John as soon as possible. I have something I need you to investigate."
Annie nodded seriously in agreement.
After Annie left, I continued handling business matters.
Close to noon, there was a knock on my office door.
Thinking it was an employee reporting something, I responded without looking up.
But after the person came in, they didn't say a word.
Only then did I look up in confusion, meeting Susan's gaze.
Seeing it was Susan, I instinctively frowned. "Why are you here?"
Before Susan could answer, I noticed the clothes she was wearing.
Those were the ones Michael bought for me yesterday.
I immediately understood the purpose of her visit.
Susan placed the lunch box she brought on the desk with a flattering look. "Nancy, I heard you've been busy with work all day, so I specially brought you food. Want to try some?"
I didn't believe Susan was just making a casual visit.
After all, normal people don't wear someone else's clothes when visiting.
I didn't say anything, but kept my eyes on her outfit.
Seeing my attention on the clothes, Susan quite openly admitted it. "Nancy, I came today to talk to you about the clothes too."
I nodded slightly and said calmly, "Just say what you need to say."
Susan pointed at the clothes she was wearing and continued, "Yesterday when I saw the maid tidying up, I spotted a few pieces I liked. I wanted to tell you yesterday, but you were already resting, so I just took them first."
Susan didn't think there was anything wrong with her behavior at all. After all, she'd been taking things without asking for years.
And given my personality, I naturally wouldn't make a scene over a couple of pieces of clothing, so she became even more entitled.
Hearing this, I didn't indulge her. "No problem, just give me money for them."
Susan's face instantly turned ugly, clearly not expecting me to ask her for money. "Nancy, what are you saying? How can you ask me for money?"
Hearing her words, I wasn't surprised and continued. "You can take my clothes, but I can't ask you for money? What's the problem?"
"Ms. Smith, your coffee is ready." Annie knocked on the office door, interrupting our conversation.
Annie then placed a cup of hot Americano by my hand.
I immediately sensed something was wrong. Annie knew I never drank hot Americanos.
Suddenly bringing a hot Americano now was clearly suspicious.
I casually picked up the hot Americano and pretended to take a sip, but didn't actually drink it, secretly observing Susan's reaction.
Sure enough, a barely noticeable smile appeared on Susan's lips.
Meanwhile, Annie stood behind Susan, shaking her head at me repeatedly.
I understood that Susan had put her up to it.
I put down the coffee cup, acting oblivious.
Annie timely reminded me to change the subject. "Ms. Smith, Mr. Johnson will be coming personally to discuss the business cooperation later."
I nodded knowingly and got up to go greet him. "Got it."
Hearing this, Susan's face showed some surprise and anticipation, and she volunteered. "Nancy, let me come with you."
When saying this, Susan didn't think there was anything wrong with it at all.
I didn't refuse.
After all, she was wearing my clothes right now. If Michael saw her, it would surely embarrass her.
I waited for Michael to arrive with a group of employees from the project department, while Susan stood by my side.
Before long, Michael arrived at the Smith Group with his employees.
Seeing this, Susan greeted him even more enthusiastically than I did. "Michael, I've been waiting for you for so long."
Michael glanced at her, gradually emanating coldness. "I'm not blind. Don't think I'll mistake you for someone else just because you're wearing my fiancée's clothes."
At these words, Susan's face couldn't help but flush with embarrassment.
The employees nearby also started whispering.
"Isn't Susan Ms. Smith's good friend? Everyone knows Ms. Smith is Mr. Johnson's fiancée now. What is she doing?"
"What? She's wearing Ms. Smith's clothes? And she's being so showy about it?"
The discussions continued, and Susan's face turned even redder, but she still defended herself.
"No, Michael, Nancy gave them to me because she saw I liked them." As she spoke, Susan gave me looks, wanting me to back her up.
But Michael wasn't buying it, and instead pressed further. "Nancy is kind, but that's not a reason for you to take her things."
Seeing this, I stepped in to smooth things over, showing magnanimity. "Forget it, Michael. It's just clothes. If she likes them, let her have them. Let's not delay business."
Hearing my words, Michael stopped paying attention to Susan, but his face still showed displeasure.
Noticing his mood, I took the initiative to link my arm with his and explained in a voice only we could hear. "Michael, I didn't know she stole my clothes. This isn't the first time anyway. Besides, I don't want clothes she's worn. We embarrassed her just now, so let's just drop it."
Seeing me being so understanding, Michael couldn't help but sigh, his eyes full of undisguised heartache. "Nancy, you don't have to be so considerate around me. I'll naturally get justice for you."