Chapter 14

Zoe stomped forward, her face twisted with rage "Kayla,what were you doing in Jeremy's house?"

Kayla held her gaze, unfazed. "And why exactly can't I be here? This place doesn't belong to you."

Zoe let out a mocking snort "You're Liam's wife Hovering around his uncle? Completely out of line.You should really keep your distance"

Kayla gave a quiet laugh "Wow. Giving orders like that? Maybe try actually becoming Jeremy's wife before acting the part Right now, it's a bit too early for that"

Zoe's face flushed, her embarrassment quickly morphing into smugness "Let me guess You offended Jeremy, and your husband sent you to clean up the mess? Makes sense He's not exactly loved by the Graham family If Jeremy's patience runs out, you both could be cut off for good"

Kayla stayed silent.

Zoe went on, her tone sharp with contempt "You and that worthless husband of yours really do suit each other"

There was a time when Kayla would have exploded at anyone insulting Liam and wouldn't have held back with Zoe But now? She didn't care Zoe could talk all she wanted.

With a dramatic toss of her hair, Zoe turned to walk away,her heels clicking with every step.

A faint, mocking smile played on Kayla's lips. Just as Zoe walked by, Kayla casually slipped her foot out in her path.

"Ah!"

Zoe toppled forward and landed flat on her face with a loud,graceless thud

Moments ago, she looked every bit the polished socialite. Now, she was sprawled on the floor,humiliated.

Kayla covered her mouth to hold back a laugh. "Oops.Careful-wouldn't want something artificial falling out."

Zoe clutched her chest, her face red with fury as she looked up. "You're unbelievable!"

Kayla tilted her head slightly "Yesterday, when you tripped me, that was pretty unbelievable too. Think of this as a payback." Fuming, Zoe hurried to her feet, her hair tangled and wild, and charged at Kayla, shaking with fury

Kayla stepped aside effortlessly, and Zoe lost her balance again, nearly going down a second time

"Next time you feel like starting something, Zoe,make sure you're up for it. Know your place."

Without waiting for a response, Kayla turned and walked away.

"Kayla!"

Zoe stood frozen,her chest rising and falling sharply,her face flushed with rage.

The butler had seen everything. He turned around and went back into the villa.

Jeremy sat quietly in the living room,lost in thought since Kayla had walked out

Edwin finally spoke up, unable to stay quiet. "Mr Graham, if you're aiming for Perennia Group, why not just buy the whole thing? Why bother with share negotiations?"

Jeremy gave a light shrug, his voice casual.′′An outright takeover would be too dull. And the way Kayla linked me to Liam's mother? It shows she's serious about locking down this project, regardless of Liam's opinion."

Edwin looked uncertain. "But they're married. Isn't her behavior a little off?"

"If their marriage is already crumbling,then what she's doing adds up."

Edwin's brows furrowed into a frown."But the wedding was just recent. How did things go downhill so fast?"

Jeremy glanced up, his voice suddenly cold. "What's the latest on Kayla's background?"

Edwin got straight to the point. "Kayla moved out of her father's place a long time ago. After her mother died,her father,Damon Cooper,married his mistress.Since then, Kayla hasn't gotten along with them.That's what led to the argument yesterday. Also, I found out that she and Liam are in the middle of a divorce."

Jeremy lifted his cup and took a slow sip, saying nothing.

Edwin continued, "It seems Kayla found out that Liam's a little too close to his secretary. That's what pushed her to file for divorce."

Jeremy placed his cup down and said casually,"Forget about Kayla for now. What did you find out about the other thing I asked you to look into?"

"Zoe was indeed at the hotel that night. The brooch you found? It's hers. The Cooper family staff said Damon gifted her two identical ones years ago. That confirms it-she's the woman who was in your room that night."

Jeremy nodded slowly."Got it."

If she had been with him that night, then he'd have to take responsibility for what happened

"Mr. Graham." The butler stepped in. "Kayla and Zoe ran into each other outside. Things got a little tense,and Kayla ended up tripping Zoe."

Jeremy let out a dry laugh. "She's got some fire in her."