Playing the Villainess, He Fell for Me

Although he’d complained internally a thousand times, the moment the man emerged, Jack Warren’s professional smile snapped back into place. "Mr. Lockwood, regarding that plot of land in the western district, the initial development proposal is ready. Quite a few companies want to invest. I’ve compiled information on some of them..."

As Jack Warren spoke, he passed the documents over and placed them on the desk.

The companies he’d compiled were all quite powerful, with good reputations. In the past, the Jennings Group would have certainly been ranked among the top contenders.

But now, the Jennings Group was on the verge of collapse.

A few days ago, the current head of the Jennings Group, Charles Jennings, had somehow secured a sum of money to patch up the cash flow. However, because their earlier losses were so severe, their strength was a shadow of its former self. They could only barely maintain a facade of glory.

Simon Lockwood skimmed through the company profiles and selected a conventional, well-established firm.

They needed to understand both parties’ terms and finalize the contract before the festival. The moment Jack Warren stepped out of the office, he was on the phone contacting the other company’s representative.

Behind the black desk, Simon Lockwood opened his laptop. Just as he was about to tackle his unfinished work, his phone pinged. A message had come in.

It was a photo. A tray once laden with food had been thoroughly "demolished," with only a few crumbs left behind.

In the lounge, Joanna Kennedy sent the message and then hugged her phone, waiting for a reply. DING! She immediately opened it and couldn’t help but laugh.

Butler Lockwood: [Mm. Very good.]

Joanna Kennedy could almost picture the man’s expression as he typed that. It would have been completely deadpan and serious.

’We’re clearly the same age, but he always has to play the part of an elder. What a weird quirk.’

Joanna Kennedy huffed twice and poked a finger at the man’s profile picture. ’Butler Lockwood is Butler Lockwood, through and through.’

They rehearsed for another two consecutive days, ran through the stage blocking one more time, and were finally more or less set. All that was left was one more dress rehearsal the day before the Mid-Autumn Festival Gala.

There was no rehearsal today, so Joanna Kennedy stayed home and completed two practice exams. She also reviewed a few difficult classical literature texts.

Three hours later, she stretched her weary body and decided to get something to eat.

Just then, her phone rang. It was an unknown number. After a moment’s hesitation, Joanna Kennedy answered it.

"Is this Miss Kennedy?" The voice on the other end was formal and polite. "We’re calling from Aethelburg People’s Hospital."

’The hospital? Why are they calling me?’

Joanna Kennedy subconsciously touched the back of her hand. The gauze had been removed, but a pinkish mark still hadn’t completely faded.

Before Joanna Kennedy could ask, the person continued, "Miss Serena Sutton has paid her medical expenses in full. We were wondering if you’re available to come in and complete the paperwork. We need to process the refund for the money you paid."

The staff member’s tone was somewhat apologetic.

Joanna Kennedy froze for just a moment before it came back to her. She had indeed paid for the medical fees at the time.

It was mainly because Serena Sutton had been in no condition to do so, being unconscious and all.

’A full refund?’ Serena Sutton really wanted nothing to do with her. Joanna Kennedy pursed her lips, finding it slightly amusing.

Not that she had ever expected Serena Sutton to be grateful. She had helped her purely of her own volition. If it weren’t for this call today, Joanna Kennedy would have nearly forgotten about the woman.

’Anyway, I’m free this afternoon, and I’m almost out of scar cream. I can pick some more up while I’m there.’ Joanna said, "Okay, thank you. I’ll be there shortly."

At the hospital, Joanna Kennedy pulled her hat down lower. Following the staff’s directions, she went to the third-floor refund window and completed the process quickly.

She picked up another tube of scar cream and was about to leave when she saw Serena Sutton standing at the end of the corridor.

Serena Sutton was still in a loose-fitting hospital gown, her face a little pale. It made her look even more frail and delicate, giving her a fragile, broken air.

Joanna Kennedy averted her gaze and walked past as if she hadn’t seen her, heading for the elevator.

At the end of the hall, Serena Sutton, having been completely ignored, clenched the fist hanging at her side.

The elevator doors opened. Just as Joanna Kennedy was about to step inside, a pair of thin arms blocked her way. Serena Sutton had appeared from nowhere and was standing directly in front of the elevator.

Joanna Kennedy frowned, looking at the person blocking her. "What are you doing?"

Serena Sutton didn’t speak. She was too close to the elevator, and the doors began to close, nearly catching her clothes.

Joanna Kennedy couldn’t help but pull her back, her voice cold. "If you have a death wish, don’t do it in front of me. Trying to stage an accident?"

Serena Sutton’s nails were digging into her palm so hard they nearly drew blood. She slapped Joanna’s hand away and stared at her intently. "Joanna Kennedy, stop pretending to be some saint. Do you really think no one knows your true colors?"

Her voice was full of indignation, each word landing with force.

Joanna Kennedy was so angry she laughed. She asked with mock sincerity, "Is your concussion not healed yet?"

’My true colors?’

’Beautiful, kind, elegant, and generous. Always ready to help others, a paragon of virtue.’ Joanna Kennedy silently assessed herself.

The girl’s sarcastic words made Serena Sutton think of that night again. Her face turned deathly pale, and even her fingers began to tremble.

’She didn’t know why she’d dared to attack someone with a knife. In that instant, it felt as if she were being controlled by some force. When she came to her senses, she saw Joanna Kennedy.’

At this thought, her pale face twisted. "Did you think I would thank you? The pathetic state I’m in today—it’s all thanks to you!"

Serena Sutton had never told anyone. When she was eighteen, she had a dream. In the dream, everything was so vivid and wonderful.

She was the heroine of this world, and Simon Lockwood loved her deeply. Joanna Kennedy was just the despised, vicious villainess destined for a tragic end!

The dream was so real it felt like a prophecy. She followed the path from her dream, step by step.

She finally waited until Joanna Kennedy and Simon Lockwood separated, and Simon Lockwood went abroad.

Everything was developing just as she had foreseen. She could almost see the wedding of the century, the crowd below gazing up at her with envy and jealousy.

’It shouldn’t be like this. None of this should be happening...’

Serena Sutton twisted her pale lips into a bitter smile, but her tone was vicious. "Joanna Kennedy, why aren’t you dead yet?"

’As long as Joanna Kennedy dies,’ Serena Sutton thought, ’everything will go back to the way it should be. Simon Lockwood will fall in love with me, and the title of Mrs. Lockwood will be mine.’

Her complexion was dreadful, a picture of impotent rage.

Joanna Kennedy had no interest in bullying a patient. She gave up on the elevator, her young face cold, and turned to take the stairs instead.

This time, Serena Sutton didn’t follow.

Being cursed for no reason still angered Joanna Kennedy. She took a few deep breaths to calm herself down.

At the same time, Serena Sutton’s words flashed through her mind—’The pathetic state I’m in today—it’s all thanks to you...’

’Why would Serena Sutton say something like that...?’

Joanna Kennedy pondered for a moment. ’Could Charles Jennings have said something to her?’

’It’s not impossible. That would provide a logical explanation for Serena Sutton’s words and actions.’