The Mysterious Billionaire and His Substitute Bride (Ethan and Janet)

The living room's television channel was in flux, shifting and morphing into something new.

Sophia let out a tired yawn, feeling heavy-eyed. Janet urged her to rest, so Sophia slowly began her walk to retire for the night.

The front door then opened and closed shut. Janet looked up and noticed that Elizabeth had returned from seeing Frank off downstairs.

A sense of unease crept over Janet as she asked, "Is Frank upset?"

The realization suddenly dawned on her that she had been too harsh on Frank.

"He's not upset. He left with a smile on his face," Elizabeth said as she walked over, sat down, and switched the TV channel. "He won't inform Brandon about it, so don't worry. Just stay here."

"I already told Frank in the kitchen earlier. Please don't take it out on him because of me. I can handle my issues with Brandon." Janet was anxious that Frank and Elizabeth might argue because of her.

"It's fine. Despite Frank's usual aloofness, he's quite timid. I was only trying to shake him a bit, and he quickly promised not to tell Brandon," Elizabeth chuckled and explained.

"You two seem to get along well." A smile graced Janet's lips. As she realized they were alone, her thoughts soon drifted back to Brandon.

Elizabeth noticed she was preoccupied and hesitantly asked, "Did you and Brandon fight? Usually, you two seem to have a good relationship. For you to have run away from home, something big must have happened."

Janet was seated on the sofa, feeling depressed. Elizabeth couldn't tell what was going through Janet's mind, but a tinge of sadness was visible on her beautiful profile. Once someone who loved to talk and laugh, Janet was now unusually quiet and withdrawn.

"It's not that big of a deal." Janet didn't want to discuss it any further.

As Janet withdrew from the conversation, Elizabeth's expression grew increasingly solemn. She had a sinking feeling that something terrible had happened to her friend. Worried, Elizabeth asked hastily, "Please tell me the truth, Janet. Is it bad? What did Brandon do to you? Did... Did he assault you?"

Janet shook her head with a faint smile, deciding she shouldn't disclose to others that Brandon had once suffered from amnesia. She didn't delve into the details but replied, "No, he didn't physically hurt me. Don't worry too much. However, he hid something significant from me. Everyone around him was aware, and I was the only one left in the dark for a long time, like an idiot. That's why I'm mad."

Elizabeth furrowed her brows and said firmly, "I'm on your side. As a couple, Brandon shouldn't have kept anything from you."

When she finished speaking, Elizabeth looked somewhat concerned. "But then again, running away from home isn't a solution. You could have just had a heated argument with him at home instead of leaving with such a heavy suitcase."

"I couldn't bear to stay at home and see his stupid face!" Janet replied, her voice filled with sadness.

"Were your parents aware of it? Maybe you can stay at your parents' house before you and Brandon sort things out." Elizabeth was concerned that Janet might not wish to remain here any longer and she couldn't really make her stay in that case. Therefore she believed it would be preferable to encourage Janet to stay with her parents. At least they could keep her safe.

When Johanna and Beal were mentioned, Janet's facial expression became more intricate. She clarified, "I cannot go back to them either. They aided Brandon in concealing it from me." She remained furious, and the possibility of returning home and having a heated argument with her parents was high.

Nonetheless, after hearing a reminder from Elizabeth, Janet recollected that Johanna appeared unwell before she left. Her parents had been kind to her ever since she was found. Specifically, Johanna had nearly spoiled her.

As Janet contemplated her mother's worry for her, she began to feel remorseful. Hastily, she retrieved her coat and announced, "Elizabeth, I have to step out for a while and may return late." "You shouldn't go out so late because it's dangerous. Wait until tomorrow." Elizabeth immediately halted her.

Janet tossed and turned while lying on the sofa even after midnight. She gazed at her cell phone while contemplating whether or not she should contact Brandon to inquire about Johanna. Her phone instantly lit up.

A message from Brandon appeared, informing her that Johanna was in good condition. She had been better after taking the medicine that the doctor had prescribed.

A bitter smile crept onto Janet's face as she couldn't control her conflicted emotions, causing her eyes to become slightly reddened. Brandon seemed to understand her all too well. Janet couldn't help but wonder why someone who seemed to read her thoughts, like Brandon, would

choose to deceive her.