40. Make that bastard even more jealous

Xander doesn't know whom to follow among the desires of the two women he's currently in a relationship with. Since last night, Matilda hasn't talked to him, and she left early this morning to find a way to repay the money she borrowed from Briella. The latter said she wouldn't go to work today and would just wait for his announcement about their engagement. If he doesn't follow Matilda, she'll surely get angry with him and might do something absurd to their child. But even if he wants to do that and ultimately break up with Briella, he'll lose his cash! Even though he claims to be in a position where he can't be brought down, he still doesn't hold the world in his hands. Things could change later today, tomorrow, or the day after that, and he needs to save the money in his bank for Matilda's childbirth and their grand wedding as she desires at the right time. He took a deep breath. I'm sorry, Matty, but I still need Briella—I still need her money. I just need to be cautious and be even sweeter to Briella, so she won't suspect that everything I'm doing is just an act." He grabbed his phone and dialed the number of a reporter he knew. He'd figure out how to explain things to Matilda later, but the important thing is that he still held Briella in his hands. 'Hello, Xander!" the voice on the other end greeted cheerfully. 'Do you need something? Do you want to ruin someone or expose the dirty secrets of your fellow businessman? Will I profit from it!" the voice asked excitedly. He chuckled softly and grinned.'I want you to put something in the headline," he said. 'Great! Tell me, quickly," the person replied eagerly. 'I'm getting married," he said. There was silence from the other end. His smile widened as he continued speaking. 'Xander Madrigal, the CEO of the popular and rising Star Agency, is already engaged to Miss Briella Montañez, the Heir of Lé Fragrancé." 'What?! You're kidding, right?" the person exclaimed; he had to move his phone away from his ear because of the loudness of the voice. 'No, I'm not. I'll send some of our photos to make it authentic," he replied. 'Dude, you hit the jackpot! Can I interview you? This news is sure to trend nationwide!" the person said excitedly. 'I can't wait to see your photos!" He laughed out loud, feeling like he was floating on cloud nine because of the simple praise. His confidence surged, and he decided to boast a bit more. 'Sure, in a moment, it'll be there. Briella and I are handling something right now," he said with a wide grin. She wouldn't know the truth because she won't see me! 'Can I talk to her? Even just a brief interview," the person asked. He chuckled at the request and declined it. 'She's busy with her wedding gown," he said. 'Let's not change the subject. Do as I say, and if possible, make it a trend for a few days and stay on top. I want to convey to Briella's family that we're getting married and we also plan to visit them at their Mansion," he added. 'Okay, you can count on me!" After hanging up his phone, he quickly emailed some old photos of him and Briella together. They looked happy and smiled in each picture. After sending them, he anxiously dialed Briella's number. She probably won't scold him if he implicates her family's company. Even if her parents disowned her, he's sure they wouldn't forsake their only child. He called her several times, but she didn't answer. He sighed heavily and patiently waited for the news that would surely shake the entire world. His name would become famous, and his company would rise when all business people learned that he wouldn't marry just anyone. Ah, it feels good to know he's marrying an heiress! Meanwhile, in a motel, Matilda's whole body ached, and she didn't know what Janice was doing to her. It was too dark for her to see anything, not even Janice's face. She called her early and agreed to meet her because she wanted to show Xander that she could find a way without relying on that woman! Despite the painful bruises and body pains, she managed to sit on the bed. The surroundings were dark, and she couldn't see much. Thick curtains covered the windows, and the lights were off except for a few small red bulbs in the distance, which served as their light, but it wasn't enough for her to see Janice's face. The door to her room opened, and she saw a figure of a woman quickly leaving. She frowned, realizing what was happening, cursed under her breath, and promptly got off the bed. She wanted to chase after the woman but then remembered she was in disguise, so she would have difficulty finding her. She turned on the lights abruptly and was startled by what she saw. Several s*x toys were scattered on the floor. She rubbed her forehead, picked them up one by one, and threw them all in the trash. What kind of monster is that woman?! If she weren't benefiting from her, she would never entertain her madness. Her phone rang, and when she saw the familiar number on the screen, her eyes lit up. 'Hello," she greeted happily. 'Good job, Matty. I didn't know you were this obedient and kind," she said warmly. 'I told you, you can count on me," she arrogantly replied. 'Oh well, let's not fool each other. You did that because you need something from me again. What is it?" she bluntly asked from the other end of the line. She raised an eyebrow and smiled. 'Of course, nothing's free now. I need two million pesos in exchange for my silence and cooperation with you," she replied just as bluntly. She knew two million was just a small amount of change to her; with her wealth and the fame of her company, it was nothing compared to what she earned in a day. She heard laughter from the other end of the line, and she felt annoyed because she felt like it was mocking her. 'Okay, I'll give you what you want, but promise me you'll come back and be my slave again," she said from the other end of the line. 'Give me your bank account. Give me one hour to process the money that you need." She hung up immediately, leaving her nothing to do but stare angrily at her phone. ‘I am not your slave, b*tch!' she yelled at her phone. **** 'Briella, are you ready?" Janice's head popped out from the door. Briella glanced at her and nodded. If Xander hadn't flipped, he probably had already announced their engagement, and she'd soon be bombarded with questions. She was with Braun, and he was in a hotel room, watching her from there. She took a deep breath; she needed to stay calm and act normal. She nodded and stood up. 'The dress really fits you. I wonder how you convinced Braun to let you wear that revealing sexy dress?" Janice said with a smile, admiration evident on her face. She's wearing a gold sequined off-shoulder long dress with a long slit on both sides, showcasing her long legs. The upper part is the most revealing, perfectly highlighting her breasts; she didn't need to wear a push-up bra to emphasize that area. Her dress was even more enticing because of her beautiful collarbone and her morena skin tone. 'You sure know how to piss him off, don't you"? Briella chuckled. Janice had chosen her outfit for the evening, and initially, when Braun saw it, a negative aura surrounded him, but it quickly disappeared when she said she could accompany him to the launch and watch her. 'He should be proud that his wife looks stunning, gorgeous, and seductive! You're one of a kind, Briella; believe it!" Janice said, admiration evident in her voice. She smiled and took a deep breath. 'Let's go," Janice said, extending her hand to her. She took it, and they walked out of the dressing room together. She wasn't accompanied by Chelsey today because she had something important to take care of, and only her friend could do it. As they reached the hallway, they could already hear the loud music in the event room. She initially thought it was just a simple launch, but she was surprised when she was greeted by a crowd eagerly awaiting the launch of the clothes and the new magazine. 'Ladies and gentlemen, let's give a big round of applause to the owner of Sun Glow Fashion, Miss Janice Ortega, and the Goddess beside her, who has the most important role in today's event, Briella Montañez!" the emcee announced. All eyes were on them; she maintained a formal expression while her companion smiled widely and waved. 'Smile, Briella, this is your moment. Maybe you can help me make that bastard even more jealous," Janice whispered to her, subtly tilting her head in a specific direction. She followed where Janice was pointing and was briefly taken aback when she saw Braun trying to hide himself from the guests. Their eyes met, and she saw him give a slight smile before disappearing. A beautiful smile formed on her lips, and she felt Janice squeeze her elbow. 'Earth to Briella," she whispered. She redirected her full attention to everyone and smiled. 'Briella Montañez? Is she the one who caused trouble at Mr.Cayab's event?" a guest passing by whispered to her companion. 'She's really gorgeous! Look at her! I don't care if some people talk shit about her! Don't you see? She's a natural beauty! A Goddess! Too bad, Mr. Cayab still wants to use that unknown model. By the way, who is that unknown model?" she heard her companion say. Various reactions from the people present while the reporters tirelessly took photos of her and Janice. As they sat in the middle of the long table on the stage, the murmurs around them gradually died down. She secretly sighed and discreetly looked around to see where Braun was, but she couldn't find him. 'Ladies and gentlemen, before anything else, I would like to inform you that the photo shoot for next month's magazine is already done!" Janice announced with a smile. The reporters immediately got excited and raised their hands, but she remained quiet, discreetly studying the people present and those invited to the magazine launch. 'Miss Janice, how about the rumors that Miss Matilda Jimenez was chosen to be the model for your next magazine? Miss Matilda announced it, and even the CEO of Star Agency, Xander Madrigal," a reporter asked. The question was directed at Janice, but it seemed to be aimed at her. From the look in the reporter's eyes, she knew they had already drawn a conclusion, and no matter what explanation they gave, it wouldn't matter. 'Oh? I don't know because as far as I remember, the proposal I offered them included the name of Miss Briella Montañez and not just any model," Janice replied. 'You mean you had no idea they were using your name and your company's?" another reporter asked. She saw Janice shake her head and speak again.'If I knew they'd use my name and my company's, I'd make sure we'd see each other in court." she replied. 'But if you do that, won't Miss Briella also be implicated in your lawsuit?" a sharp question came from a plump reporter. Janice sighed heavily, and she could feel her losing patience with these annoying reporters. 'I'm a vengeful person, but I think you know it better than anyone," she said meaningfully to the reporters. The reporters seemed intimidated, and none of them raised their hands to ask further questions. 'Any questions?" Janice asked with a smile.'No," she asked again when no one raised their hand. Would anyone still ask questions after you subtly threatened the people in front of you? She secretly shook her head and remained silent. She stayed quiet as Janice began explaining their journey to Baguio and the behind-the-scenes preparations for that day. From sketches to the actual settings, attires, and makeup. In all that Janice mentioned, she always emphasized her name, as if she was making it known to everyone that everything was for her and not for anyone else. The interest of the people in the event room was gradually piqued as they eagerly awaited to see the entirety of the photoshoots. After Janice finished speaking, she was introduced and thanked by Janice. She responded with a smile, feeling restless because she hadn't seen Braun again. She knew he was the one who ordered her to watch her on the large TV monitor, but she also wanted him to see her triumph.