Chapter 195 You’ve Worried for Nothing
When Nicole and Whitney entered Colton’s home, they found a woman sitting on the couch and the massive chandelier had been switched on, illuminating the entire mansion.
At this moment, the woman sitting on the couch, dressed in a black suit, was sipping coffee.
After taking a surprising gander at the woman, Whitney turned to Nicole, baffled. “Miss Nicole, this is…”
Nicole immediately understood what was going on. With a smile, she stepped forward and greeted, “You must be Ms. Olivia Gardner, am I right?”
Hearing that the young woman recognized her, Olivia shifted her gaze slightly and sized the young woman up. The young woman was dressed slightly casual in black and white, and her makeup was on point, delicate but not flashy. Her posture was also neither overbearing nor servile. At first glance, she was rather pleasing.
However, at the thought of this young woman delusionally hoping to marry into her family with a child whose father was a mystery, Olivia became upset.
When she put the cup down, the porcelain cup clinked as it touched the coffee table. “So, you’re Nicole Anderson, the Chief Designer of F&M Apparel?”
Nicole nodded in reply and turned to hand Whitney her bag while hinting at Whitney with a gaze in the meantime. Whitney instantly got her and went upstairs with the bag, giving the two some space.
“May I know what brought you here, Ms. Gardner?” Nicole asked with a smile, standing in front of Olivia.
A hint of admiration arose within Olivia when she saw that Nicole wasn’t the slightest bit nervous, courtly even.
With that, she smiled and announced, “I’m here to see what sort of woman my nephew has brought home.”
As Wendy had given her a heads up, Nicole knew Olivia’s true purpose for visiting. Hence, she answered truthfully with a smile, “I’m staying in President Gardner’s home because of what happened a few days ago. I’m sure he only offered me his place in hopes that Gardner Corporation and F&M Apparel’s collaboration can operate smoothly.”
“I’ve heard a thing or two about it. It became quite the scandal,” Olivia commented.
However, Nicole said nothing more as she knew Olivia’s main issue was Hayden.
Sure enough, seeing Nicole left the conversation hanging, Olivia cut right to the chase.
“Edith said you brought your son over to Gardner Residence for dinner.” As Olivia spoke, she looked Nicole straight in the eye with a hint of inquisition. “She also said you’re delusionally thinking of marrying into my family using that boy.”
At that, Nicole hurriedly denied, “Of course not. Mrs. Gardner had mistaken me, so President Gardner and I explained it to her over dinner. You can verify it with them yourself.”
Seeing that Nicole denied in two shakes, Olivia frowned slightly with twitched lips. “How do I know you’re not playing hard to get?”
Despite Olivia’s intimidation, Nicole didn’t back down. She chuckled before going straight to the point. “President Gardner is indeed handsome, wealthy, and charming, but I’m also very much aware of where I stand. As a woman with a son, I’m not worthy of him.”
Seeing contempt and doubt on Olivia’s face, she continued with a smile, “Just as you said, I’m the Chief Designer for F&M Apparel. I’ve managed to sell my designs for a few million, tens of millions even, proving that I’m not short of money. So, why do you think I would play hard to get?”
Olivia narrowed her eyes slightly at that, repeatedly sizing Nicole up before clearing her throat. “Gardner Apparel may not be the best of the best, but our technology is globally renowned. How would I know you’re not trying to cling to a rich man and live the rest of your life as a wealthy missus?”
“Then, you’re worried for nothing. F&M Apparel’s focus has always been abroad. After our project with Gardner Corporation, I’ll return to F&M Apparel. So, I’m sure President Gardner and I will have nothing to do with each other after this,” Nicole said straightforwardly.
