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

With Johanna's and Janet's explanation, the group of wealthy women began to feel that Vera was actually a great mother-in-law.

And they decided to help scotch the rumor for her.

Johanna smiled while persuading Vera, "You don't need to worry about the children anymore. They have their own life. I used to worry about Janet and Brandon as well, but they're managing their lives so well! Vera finally breathed a sigh of relief and said, "You're right. I was probably worrying too much about them."

"That's right. If you get worried again, you can have afternoon tea with us just like you used to,"

said Johanna with a smile while pouring Vera a cup of black tea.

Completely relaxed, Vera took a delicate sip of her tea, and her smile was becoming more sincere. "You're right, Mrs. White."

Johanna smiled and said, "I think I should invite you more often to our tea parties in the future, and I hope Mrs. Harding would honor us with your presence."

Although Vera wasn't sure of Johanna's ulterior motives, she could only nod and agree because of the ladies surrounding them.

"I would be honored to join you."

The other ladies also moved onto other gossip and let go of the Harding family's scandals.

After finishing their tea, the ladies left one by one, while Vera remained seated.

Once other women had all left, Vera looked at Janet in confusion and asked, "Why did you help me? It did not benefit you in any way."

Janet smiled and said, "I didn't want to harm your reputation. I only argued with you earlier so that Laney could live a peaceful life without any disturbances for a while."

Vera's anger had already faded away when Janet spoke up for her in front of those ladies.

Now that Vera was calm, she thought about it from Janet's perspective and realized that what Janet had said was right.

After all, she was manipulated by Kailee. If Laney continued to stay in Barnes, she and her baby could likely be subjected to serious harm.

"But... The baby..." Vera hesitated, unwilling to let go of her misgivings.

She hadn't had many chances to see her granddaughter before Laney took the baby away.

Janet sighed and said, "I know you've always cared about your granddaughter, but a good family environment is essential for her growth. You don't want her to grow up without her mother's care and love, do you?"

Vera knew Janet's words was reasonable, so she had no choice but to nod and said, frustrated, "I just miss the child too much."

"I understand how you feel."

Janet took out her phone and showed Vera a photo. "This is your granddaughter, and Laney is taking very good care of her, so please rest assured."

The baby in the photo was cute and had chubby cheeks, innocently and adorably sucking her thumb.

At last, Vera saw her longed-for granddaughter, and even though it was just a photo, it brought tears of joy to her eyes.

She kept glancing at the picture, touching the baby's cheeks through the screen, and said, "She's really cute. She looks just like Garrett did when he was young."

Slowly, Vera's lingering misgivings finally dissipated.

"Since the baby is doing well, I'm glad."

Vera reluctantly took her eyes off the photo and added, "However, I still hope that you can persuade Laney to come back soon. As elders, we cannot help but worry when she is out there alone with her child." Janet nodded and assured, "Please don't worry. I trust that Garrett and Laney can handle their relationship and take good care of the child."

Having heard Janet's reassurance, Vera left, contented.

Watching her receding figure, Janet breathed a sigh of relief.

"You've been working hard. Don't think too much about Garrett and Laney's matters. Let them solve it themselves," Johanna said, patting her daughter's back.

Janet sighed and stated, "I can't really intervene in their relationship issues, anyway."

She suddenly held Johanna's hand. "Mom, thank you. If you hadn't come in time and brought in those ladies, I'm afraid Mrs. Harding wouldn't have cooled down so soon."