When Love Is a Lie (Whitney and Damian)

On the night of the birthday banquet, the fragrance diffuser in the restroom was nearly empty and needed replacing.

The cleaning lady had brought a new one, and as she stepped into the restroom, she saw Yvette standing with her back to the door, seemingly wiping away tears. Respecting the privacy of such high-status guests, the cleaner decided to step out and return later.

But just as she was turning to leave, she saw another woman emerge from one of the stalls and discreetly slip an emerald necklace into Yvette's bag, which was sitting on the sink. That woman was Jenny.

Stunned, the cleaner locked eyes with Jenny, who noticed her as well. Afterward, Jenny warned her not to meddle and offered her a sum of money to resign the next day.

A few days later, someone else called the cleaner, instructing her to leave Seabourke entirely or face serious trouble. So, on the same day she received that call, the cleaner packed her things and returned to her hometown. When Whitney finished recounting the story, Yvette's face lit up. "Thank goodness! Now, let's see what they have to say!"

"Helena has already recorded the cleaner's testimony and is preparing the case materials back in her office. The cleaner has also agreed to testify in court," Whitney said, feeling a huge weight lift from her shoulders. "However, as for the assault charge, there's still no one who can prove you didn't intentionally."

Whitney was still a bit frustrated. That kind of dispute would be hard to settle.

"I don't care about that as long as the theft charge is cleared," Yvette said, hopping off the bed to stretch. "Honestly, I can't stand Rachel anyway. If people want to say I hurt her on purpose, fine, let them."

For now, they had what they needed. Just when everything had seemed hopeless, a breakthrough had appeared.

Yvette wouldn't have to face an endless legal battle.

And Whitney wouldn't be forced into returning to Damian's place under the weight of his threats. She could keep living in her own cozy space, right where she belonged. Thinking of this, Whitney couldn't help but smile.

...

Meanwhile, in the CEO's office at Howard Group, Damian was busy signing a stack of documents that Sophie had just brought in.

Billy entered hurriedly, waiting until Sophie left with her files before speaking in a low voice, "Mr. Howard, the cleaning lady has returned to Seabourke, and Ms. Spencer now knows the full story." Damian looked up, his expression unchanged. However, the cold air around him was almost suffocating.

Billy quickly lowered his gaze, avoiding Damian's eyes.

"Continue," Damian said, setting his pen down on the desk.noveldrama

"Our people observed that it was Noel's assistant, Dariel, who brought the cleaning lady to Regal Gold Hotel. About an hour later, Ms. Spencer and Ms. Helena arrived."

Billy didn't dare hold anything back, relaying every detail his subordinates had reported.

Damian narrowed his eyes slightly.

"So, it was Noel..."

It seemed Noel's interest in Whitney was deeper than he had thought.

Damian knew exactly what had happened that night at the banquet. He was fully aware of what Rachel and Jenny had done. Since it didn't involve Whitney directly, he had no intention of intervening. In fact, he had let Rachel and Jenny play out their little scheme. He welcomed it. After all, it gave him leverage to pressure Whitney into moving back into the mansion. Why not take advantage of it? He'd been confident that, with only Whitney and Helena on the case, they'd never find the crucial evidence. That way, if Whitney wanted to help Yvette, she'd have no choice but to agree to his demands. But just as success seemed within reach, Noel stepped in and disrupted everything.

"Why would Mr. Noel help an outsider? He's a Howard too," Billy said, puzzled.

Damian's lips curled into a smirk. "Being a Howard doesn't mean loyalty. Everyone has their own agenda."

Except for Derek, who was content to idle his life away, each family member had their own schemes and ambitions.

As the heir to the Howard Group, Damian was well aware that both the main family and distant relatives were watching him, waiting for him to slip up.

"So, what should we do now, Mr. Howard?" Billy asked.

"Jenny's reckless and always causing trouble. Consider this her lesson," Damian replied curtly before turning his attention back to the quarterly financial reports.

In her VIP hospital ward, Rachel was leisurely enjoying a fruit salad. She was due to be discharged in two days. She hadn't expected Damian to spend so much time by her side during her stay. Every evening after work, he'd come and sit with her for a while. To Rachel, this confirmed that she truly meant more to him than Whitney ever did. A sweet satisfaction bloomed in her chest, and it felt sweeter than the fruits she was eating.

Suddenly, the door flew open.

Jenny rushed in, visibly distressed. "They found a witness! It's the cleaner who saw me put your necklace in Yvette's bag!"

Rachel's smile vanished, her face tightening into a frown. "I thought this was all taken care of?"

"It was. I didn't think they'd actually find her," Jenny said, moving closer and grabbing Rachel's hand. "Rachel, you have to help me!"

A flash of irritation crossed Rachel's face. She had hoped to use Jenny to teach Whitney and Yvette a harsh lesson. Now, it seemed Jenny was becoming more of a liability than an ally.

"They have a witness now, so it's as good as confirmed. I'm not sure how I can help you," Rachel replied, looking troubled.

Jenny yanked her hand away. "I did this for you! You're not thinking of leaving me to take all the blame, are you?"