SHE IS KIND AND WICKED
Adrian was no longer at Dynamic Motors but attending a dull meeting at his family's company—Royal Empire. Meetings like this exhausted him. It was always the same old arguments, the same family feud recycled over and over again.
Today's agenda: the government's plan to build a new hospital. Several companies were vying for the construction contract, and Holland Pedro, his father, wanted it desperately. Their competitor, Dynasty Construction, had been snagging every major project in Tybis lately, and Holland wasn't about to lose this one.
"We've discussed it and decided Adrian will visit the President to discuss the contract," Holland announced.
Robert Pedro, Adrian's older brother, nearly choked on his annoyance.
"Adrian just got married. He's currently enjoying his honeymoon with his beautiful wife. He's too busy for a business meeting," Robert said calmly, though he was boiling inside.
"You're more busy than Adrian," Holland replied dismissively. "Your company is going through a crisis. Instead of worrying about contracts, fix your problems."
Robert fumed silently. He was the eldest son, yet everything important was handed to Adrian. Years ago, he had been the one who acquired Grand Aura for the family. Instead of rewarding him, they passed it off to his younger brother like he was nothing. Did his efforts mean nothing?
Meanwhile, Adrian wasn't even listening. His mind wandered, wondering what Janis was doing at home. Probably lounging like a proper housewife. Or shopping. She didn't strike him as the type who'd be involved in business affairs. So why was she on his mind?
---
On the other side of Tybis, Janis was not lounging. She was sitting in a restaurant, phone pressed to her ear, deep in investigation mode.
"Boss, the embezzlement scheme is the same as what happened when Mr. Jackson was in charge," the voice on the line said.
"You mean the criminal charges against him ten years ago before his death?"
"Yes. The same tactics are being used again."
Janis clenched her jaw. Years ago, her father had been falsely accused of embezzlement and exploiting the people. He had mountains of evidence to prove his innocence. But on the day of his trial, an assassin's bullet silenced him forever.
And now… the same pattern.
She was about to respond when a loud commotion caught her attention. A woman was being dragged to the center of the restaurant by an overly dressed lady.
"Keep investigating. Something just came up," Janis said, ending the call.
The well-dressed woman rained curses and even slapped the other woman. The diners? Useless. They filmed the chaos instead of stopping it.
Janis stood. Enough.
"Let go of her," she ordered. Hermes, her bodyguard, stood at the ready behind her.
The woman turned, sizing her up. "And who do you think you are?"
"Who I am isn't important. The question is—who do you think you are, assaulting someone in public?"
"You must be new in town."
Janis nodded. "I am."
"I'm Rachel Darling, Lucius Graham's fiancée."
Janis blinked. "Hermes, who's Lucius?"
"CEO of Majesty Ltd."
Janis returned her gaze to Rachel. "So because your fiancé's rich, you think that gives you the right to hit someone?"
"Innocent? This woman is Lucius's ex-wife! She shows up everywhere, even here—his restaurant! She eats for free like she still belongs to him!"
"That's it?" Janis raised an eyebrow. "You interrupted everyone's meal because you can't keep your man in check?"
Hermes leaned in and whispered, "His ex-wife bore him a son."
That was all Janis needed to hear.
"You really have some nerve, Rachel."
"Excuse me?"
"You're beating up the mother of Lucius's only child? Want to get arrested? Dumped? You women who chase status without substance are always the loudest."
"How dare you!" Rachel shrieked and raised a glass of water. Before she could throw it, Hermes stepped between them, taking the splash.
Janis flared. Oh no she didn't.
She grabbed someone's wine glass and poured it over Rachel's head.
"You'll regret this! Lucius will ruin you!" Rachel screamed.
Hermes dragged her out and told security not to let her back in until Janis left.
Janis turned to the shaken woman, helping her up. She erased all video evidence before escorting her outside.
When the woman saw the Rolls Royce, her eyes widened.
"Thank you for helping me, but I can go home on my own."
"No, you can't. You look terrible. Stop being modest and get in."
The woman hesitated but obeyed.
"Tell Hermes your address. I'll drop you off."
"I don't even know your name."
"Janis."
"I'm Davina Green."
She was 26, a year older than Janis, yet she felt like the younger one. Janis exuded strength. Davina… did not.
Janis felt for her. Davina reminded her of her old self—sickly, bullied, fragile. That weak girl had died with her family. The Janis of now? She trained in martial arts and self-defense. She was done being helpless.
When they arrived at Davina's house, Janis instantly loved it. It was small, cozy, and honest. Davina misread her expression, thinking she was judging.
"Can I come in?" Janis asked.
"S-sure," Davina said nervously.
Inside, toys were scattered everywhere. A little boy rushed up, hugging Davina's legs.
"Mummy! I missed you!"
"I missed you too, baby."
"Mummy, who's that?" he pointed at Janis.
"Don't point," Davina scolded.
"It's okay. I'm Janis. What's your name?"
"I'm Prince Graham! I'm four!"
Janis smiled warmly and shook his hand.
"I want to stay with Aunt Janis!"
"You can't—"
"I don't mind," Janis interrupted. Prince jumped into her arms.
Just then, an elderly woman walked in.
"Is that Davina?" She stopped when she saw Janis holding her grandson.
"Grandma, this is Aunt Janis! She helped me!"
The woman—Sandra—noticed the expensive outfit and warm greeting. Rich people never showed this kind of grace to commoners.
"Ma'am, it's nice to meet you," Janis said politely.
Sandra smiled. "Please, have lunch with us."
"I'd love to—but only if I can help cook."
Davina blinked. "You… cook?"
"I do."
"Yay!" Prince shouted.
In the kitchen, Janis slipped off her coat and heels, put on gloves, and asked, "What are we making?"
"Braised cabbage—bacon, onions, carrots, herbs, and stock."
"I know how to make it," Janis replied, slightly annoyed.
Davina handed her a cabbage. "You wash. I'll cut."
"Why can't I cut?"
"You look rich. I didn't think you'd want to—"
"I grew up in a place like this, Davina. I only got money recently. Don't assume."
Davina, embarrassed, handed over the knife.
They cooked together, and when the meal was served, Sandra was stunned—but stayed quiet.
The doorbell rang.
Davina opened it. "Dad!"
"My darling girl! What smells so good?"
"Braised cabbage. Janis helped."
Henry Green raised an eyebrow at the elegant stranger.
"Good evening, sir," Janis greeted. He nodded.
She helped him in, and they sat to eat.
---
That night, Adrian returned home to find Janis curled up watching a rom-com.
Typical. Housewife.
"Welcome back," she said with a warm smile.
That smile? Dangerous. His ears turned red.
"I made braised cabbage for you. Go freshen up."
Suspicious, he thought. But maybe the housewife life was finally kicking in.
After showering, Adrian sat to eat. Janis sat beside him, watching.
"Do you like it?" she asked as he took a bite.
Did he like it?
He loved it. It was the best thing he'd eaten in years. It had love, flavor, heart.
"It's okay," he mumbled.
"Good to hear."
A beat passed. Then Janis asked, "Do you know Henry Green?"
"I don't think so."
"He worked at Grand Aura. Retired last week."
"Oh—yes. One of our oldest employees. What about him?"
"Your company won't pay his incentives."
"I don't handle retired employees' incentives."
"You should. Just because you're on top doesn't mean you get to ignore the people beneath you."
"Who said I do?" Adrian asked coldly.
"No one has to. I know how rich men behave."
"You seem to know everything. How would someone who spent all day at home know who Henry Green is?"
How wouldn't she? Henry used to bring Davina to her house back when her father owned Grand Aura.
"I know him because his daughter is my friend. Satisfied?"
"I don't like how you talk to me."
"And I don't care. Pay your employees properly. Without them, you'd be nothing."
"Get out!" Adrian barked.
She didn't move. "Do you order all your girlfriends out like that? Good thing I'm not your girlfriend."
He was fuming—until she reached over and wiped some cabbage from his lip. The touch sent shivers down his spine.
"Eat up, hubby. So you can pay your employees their incentives."
She walked away gracefully, leaving him stunned… and very confused.