Chapter 9: Chapter 9

“You’re Jeremy came to a halt, looking at Annie, a flash of recognition mingled with confusion crossing his face. He had a sharp memory, and a woman as breathtaking as she should have left a lasting impression.

Jessica caught the moment of admiration in Jeremy’s eyes. She gripped the hem of her dress tightly, trying to keep her composure. Since Annie first showed up at the Sanders residence, Jessica knew that this face would bring about trouble. Especially after discovering Annie’s crush on Jeremy, a sense of urgency had set in. That was why she orchestrated situations where Annie continually embarrassed herself in front of Jeremy. Only then would Jeremy start noticing Jessica.

But now. Annie had reinvented herself, thwarting all of Jessica’s carefully laid schemes. Jessica swore silently to herself. No way am I letting Annie have the upper hand.

“Mr. Chandler.” Jessica’s voice rose, immediately grabbing Jeremy’s attention. She continued with grace, “This is my younger cousin, Annie. You’ve met her before.”

Just met? Everyone knows Annie is my devoted admirer, sticking around me like a shadow. But…” Jeremy looked at Annie again, his surprise evident. ‘She appears different this time–not rushing towards me frantically, nor dressed oddly. And wait… is that a touch of disdain in her expression?”

“Annie, why not say hi to Mr. Chandler?” Jessica whispered softly while urging in her heart, ‘Just a step forward… One step….

With a casual air, Annie flashed a smile and threw a question at Jeremy abruptly. “Ever seen a zero- point diving?”

“What?” Jeremy looked utterly puzzled.

“Ah, this way.” Annie clutched her dress and pulled hard.

Jessica, standing on the hem of Annie’s dress, was taken aback by Annie’s sudden move. Losing her balance in high heels, she tumbled headfirst into the pool.

Click!

Phones that were ready in advance snapped away eagerly, capturing the unexpected plunge. Only after the photo frenzy did everyone realize something was amiss–the person who had fallen wasn’t Annic?

“Hurry! Someone help her!”

“Stop taking pictures!”

“Why is everyone just standing there? Help her!” Yolanda’s voice broke the spell, prompting someone to dive into the pool to rescue Jessica.

Ten minutes later, Jessica was pulled ashore, a complete wreck. Her makeup was a smeared mess, her hair disheveled, and her once elegant dress now clung to her wet form, leaving her looking like a drowned rat.

Annie stood beside her, her eyes cast down in a mocking gaze, as if the roles of their past endings had been reversed. A slight smirk played on her lips. “Blowing it in front of your beloved. You into this birthday gift. Jessica?

“Annie Sanders, did you do this on purpose?” Yolanda glared at Annie, furious. She had been right there and saw clearly how Jessica had fallen into the swimming pool.

Jessica hurriedly intervened, “Yolanda, don’t jump to conclusions! I believe Annie didn’t do it on purpose.” Jessica was wrapped in a towel delivered by a servant, still drenched, with a pallid face and a slightly lowered head, looking pitiful.

She was indeed a clever one, appearing gracious and kind even when wronged, seemingly defending Annie but actually adding fuel to the fire behind the scenes.

Sure enough, Yolanda flared up instantly, “If it wasn’t intentional, my name is spelled backward! Just a few words from Jessica, and she holds a grudge, pushing Jessica into the pool. Today, I scolded her here. Is she going to poison my food tomorrow?”

Though the words were harsh, they carried a grain of truth. Everyone present was a friend of Jessica’s, so naturally, each became suspicious of Annie.

“Poor Jessica, having such a venomous cousin by her side. If it were me, I couldn’t bear it!” “Exactly, it was one thing to embarrass herself before, but now she’s actually causing harm!” Selena yelled the loudest, “Hmph, she was smearing my name moments ago. She has a sharp tongue with a sharper heart. Better watch out, Mr. Chandler. I’m afraid she might have some villainous schemes up her sleeves, ready to pull some shameless stunts.”

Jeremy’s expression shifted slightly yet still maintained his composure. “While Ms. Annie Sanders. may be a bit… impulsive, she’s not malicious. Must be a misunderstanding.”

Annie arched an eyebrow, sporting a sardonic smile. “Pretty rare. He used to steer clear of me like the plague. And now, he’s starting to defend me. Talk about fickle, huh? What a waste of his talent if he’s not in the entertainment biz!”

As Jeremy spoke up, Jessica promptly echoed, “Exactly, I also believe Annie didn’t mean any Let’s move on, everyone.”

Even those with half an ear could sense Jessica’s effort to calm things down. Selena exhaled deeply, “Jessica, you’re just too forgiving.” She didn’t think there was any need to put up with someone like Annie.

Annie casually flicked her hair over her ear. ‘No one saying anything now? Fine, it’s my turn to speak.

Just then, a lazy voice sounded behind her. “If I’m not mistaken, just now, Ms. Annie Sanders was standing in front of Ms. Jessica Sanders, right?”