Return Of The Billionaire's Bride

Chapter9

Meanwhile, Vanessa had hired a private team to dig into Jane’s life overseas. But after weeks of searching, they had nothing to show.

"You're telling me you found nothing?" Vanessa asked, her voice sharp with disbelief.

"We’re just as surprised, Ms. Young," the investigator replied. "With our level of access, we should’ve uncovered every detail by now unless, of course, someone intentionally wiped her records."

Vanessa narrowed her eyes. She didn’t believe Jane had that kind of influence. Still, something about this wasn’t adding up.

"Are you trying to stall and squeeze more money out of me with this excuse?"

"Respectfully, Ms. Young, we’ve worked together for years. When we need a higher fee, we ask straight. We don’t play games," the voice on the line answered calmly.

Vanessa thought for a moment. Fair enough.

"If you can't dig up her past, then start with the people around her. I want everything friends, colleagues, anyone she’s interacted with."

"...Understood. About the payment—"

"Have I ever underpaid you?"

"Never. That’s why we’ll get it done."

As the call ended, Vanessa tossed her phone on the table and frowned deeply.

Why had Jane come back now? Did she really want to die again?

Over the years, she’d watched Logan fall apart because of that woman.A strange, heavy feeling settled in her chest.

Jane Alder…

She was a problem Vanessa thought she'd buried. And now she was back.

...

Jane was just about to grab her bag and call it a day when her manager called out, asking her to stop by the office.

As she walked in, she was surprised to see Vanessa already sitting there.

The manager glanced at Jane and said politely, “Ms. Young would like a quick word with you.”

Jane gave a small nod, her eyes briefly meeting Vanessa’s. “Alright.”

To her surprise, Vanessa turned to the manager and said calmly, “Manager Kim, if you don’t mind, I’d like to speak with her alone.”

The message was clear. He was being dismissed.

Caught off guard, the manager quickly recovered with a smile. “Of course, no problem. I have a few things to take care of anyway.” He stepped out, quietly shutting the door behind him.

Vanessa made herself comfortable on the sofa, legs crossed, her expression cool and confident.

“Sit down, Ms. Julie,” she said with a slight smirk.

Jane didn’t let the tone bother her. She stayed calm, even offering, “Would you like some coffee?” Then pressed the intercom button. “Could someone bring Ms. Young a cup of coffee?”

“No need. I don’t drink instant coffee,” Vanessa replied dryly.

“In that case, just bring me one. Thank you,” Jane said and hung up.Vanessa watched her, surprised. Jane had once been someone who shrank away in her presence. But now… there was no fear in her eyes, only quiet strength.

When the coffee arrived, Jane took her seat across from her, casually lifting the cup to her lips.

“So, Ms. Young,” she said smoothly, “how can I help you today?”

Jane wasn’t one to back down easily. Over the years, raising six kids had taught her patience, grit, and control. She didn’t lose her temper, but she also didn’t take nonsense.

Vanessa had expected to rattle her with this sudden visit but clearly, Jane wasn’t as easy to shake as before.

"What exactly is your relationship with Logan?" Vanessa finally asked, getting straight to the point.

Jane raised a brow. "Is this a professional inquiry, or something more personal, Ms. Young?"

Vanessa crossed her arms and replied coolly, "It can be either. That depends on how you choose to see it."

Jane paused for a moment, gave a faint smile, and took a slow sip of her coffee. "What’s your guess?"

"You—"

"You came all this way without even being sure about what ties I have with Logan. Isn’t that a little premature?" Jane replied calmly.

Confidence and arrogance weren’t the same, and Jane had no problem drawing that line. She gave people what they gave her.

Vanessa felt herself losing ground under Jane’s composed demeanor. "Jane Anderson, don’t think I don’t know who you are. You and Logan may have been married once, but that chapter is closed. There’s no future between you."

Jane gave a soft chuckle. "Of course. I’m well aware."

"Then stay away from him. Logan’s in love with me now, and we’re getting married," Vanessa said, her tone sharp.Jane couldn’t help but laugh again. "Are you confused? When have you ever seen me chasing him? His love life is none of my concern. I’ve moved on from that part of my life."

She added bluntly, "But maybe you should keep an eye on your fiancé. His attention seems to wander downwards more than it should."

Vanessa glared, clearly trying to see past Jane’s calm exterior.

"If that’s all, I’ll get back to my work," Jane said, rising from her seat. "Do thank Logan for the favor of today."

But just as she turned, Vanessa said, "If you’re interested in the project, I could make it happen for you."

Jane stopped and turned to face her.

"In the end," Vanessa said with a confident smile, "I’m the one who decides who gets the project. Whichever company wins… it’s up to me."

If Jane showed even a little worry, Vanessa would have won the deal. But Jane just didn’t care.

“What does this have to do with me?” she said. “This is your company’s problem, not mine. And I’m the only one who can fix it.”

Vanessa smiled confidently. “With just one word from me, Logan will sign the contract.”

Jane raised an eyebrow, realizing Vanessa knew how to play this game.

“As for whether you use our project, I don’t care. If you don’t, your company will lose out. I won’t say our project is the best, but it’s definitely the best you’ve seen,” Jane said, throwing a subtle jab at Vanessa’s character.

Vanessa’s face darkened. She looked like she wanted to tear Jane apart.

“Instead of trying to threaten me with the project, why don’t you just ask how much money i want? That would be simpler,” Jane said, staring right at her.

Vanessa narrowed her eyes, finally seeing Jane’s greedy side.

“As usual, a gold-digger. How much do you want?” Vanessa asked.

Jane smiled. “How much do you think Logan is worth?”

No matter what Vanessa asked, Jane answered with a question.

Vanessa realized Jane had tricks up her sleeve. She was stronger in negotiation than any woman Vanessa had met. Her bottom line was impossible to guess.“One million,” Vanessa said.

Jane raised an eyebrow. “So, to you, Logan is only worth one million?”

“Jane, you know exactly what Logan is worth. Giving you one million is already generous. There should be a limit to greed,” Vanessa replied.

Jane thought over Vanessa’s words carefully and finally nodded. “You might be right. So, is the check ready?”

Vanessa had expected a long fight but was caught off guard by Jane’s sudden change. Still, as long as Jane was willing to accept the money, things would go smoothly.

Vanessa reached into her bag, pulled out a check, and placed it on the table.

Jane glanced at it. “Is there anything else you want me to do?”

“Never contact Logan again. And don’t let him know you’re Jane. He already despises you enough,” Vanessa said coldly.

Jane nodded. “Got it.”

Vanessa figured any woman who could be bought wasn’t a threat.

“If that’s all, I’m leaving,” Jane said, picking up the check and giving Vanessa a pointed look before walking out.

As soon as she stepped outside, she bumped into the manager.

He looked cautious. “All done?”

Jane smiled slightly. “Manager, please tell the company that Mrs. Young from rising sun tech company was impressed by the project and is awarding one million dollars as a bonus to all employees.”

The manager stared, stunned. “Wh-what?”

The receptionist and others nearby overheard.

Jane waved the check. “The money is right here. Please distribute it to everyone, Manager.” She handed him the check firmly, then turned and walked away.Vanessa came out shortly after, saw what Jane was doing, and her face drained of color.

At that moment, Jane turned to Vanessa. “Thanks, Mr. Young,” she said before heading to the front desk. “Please order afternoon tea for a hundred people. It’s on me.”

“Re-really?” the receptionist asked.

Jane nodded with confidence. “Alright, I’ll get right on it!” the receptionist replied cheerfully.

Jane smiled as she walked back to the project department, feeling on top of the world.

But Vanessa stayed behind, her fists clenched. “jane, you really have guts!”

Manager Kim stared down at the check in his hand, feeling the pressure, then looked at Vanessa. “Mr. Young, this…”

Without a word, Vanessa just turned and walked away.

Manager Kim was left holding the hot potato, unsure of what to do next.

...

News of Jane's gesture quickly spread through the company’s group chat.

Even though there were many employees, splitting a million dollars among them was still a big deal. And who wouldn’t want free money?

Many expressed disbelief in the chat. The receptionist even shared photos—one showed the manager looking completely confused while holding the check. That’s when everyone finally believed it.

But a million dollars? Jane just handed that out to everyone? And why would Vanessa Young give away such a large sum without reason?

It was all so baffling!

Eventually, someone couldn’t resist and asked Jane directly, “Ms. Adler, what’s the story behind the million dollars?”

“You all know about it?” Jane smiled.

“So, it’s true?”

“Yes!” Jane nodded confidently, sure Vanessa wouldn’t ask for the check back just to save face. “The check is with the manager; you can go to him to cash it. But since it’s a check, it might take a little time to process.”

“I… I…” The person was so stunned they stumbled over their words. “I’ll go ask!” They quickly hurried off.

Their conversation was loud enough for others to overhear.

Though no one understood why Jane did this, the feeling in the air was... something else.

Soon, the person returned, standing at the door for several minutes, looking like they’d lost their mind.

Someone finally asked, “What’s wrong? What happened?”

The person suddenly shouted, “Damn, the check is real!”

A strange energy filled the project department.

Just then, a delivery from "Perfect Score Afternoon Tea" arrived. Several people carried in boxes filled with treats.

Andrew asked, "guys, why so much afternoon tea? Who’s paying for this?"

Someone smiled and replied, "Ms. Adler bought it. She said it’s for everyone to enjoy!"

All eyes shifted back to Jane.

Jane stood up and said, "I know I’ve caused some trouble since I got here, which wasn’t planned at all. This afternoon tea is just a small way to say thank you. I hope everyone enjoys it."

Getting paid and free snacks? Jane's gesture was definitely welcomed.

“Honestly, we all know this has nothing to do with you, but thanks anyway!” someone joked.

Then everyone eagerly started grabbing some treats.

It was clear to everyone that Jane wasn’t behind the situation, but Andrew still sneered, kicked his chair aside, and stormed out.

“ Andrew is just in a bad mood it’s nothing personal. Don’t worry about him,” Brent Carter reassured her.

Jane didn’t let it bother her and calmly took a cup of coffee from the afternoon tea set.

Everyone else was enjoying themselves, except for Andrew.