Revenge is best served cold

Hearing my response, Eric raised an eyebrow, looking like he was about to press for details.

I smiled and quickly changed the subject. "I finished shopping. I think the clothes I picked will be perfect for the interview."

Then, I shook a slightly different-looking shopping bag in my left hand. "I also got you some ties. Yours are way too outdated for someone your age."

Eric's ties had been on my list of things to complain about for a while now. He was young and sharp, yet some of his ties looked like they belonged to a middle-aged

man.

A flicker of surprise and delight flashed across his face as he took the bag from me. Without hesitation, he also took the rest of my bags.

At home, while I sorted through my outfits, Eric was in front of the mirror, trying on the ties one by one. It was obvious he liked them.

...

Time passed quickly, and it was soon the day of the interview. It was scheduled for the evening, so after work, Dad had Jack drive me to the TV station. As soon as I got in the car, I saw Elsa sitting in the front passenger seat, looking as innocent as ever.

I immediately rolled my eyes.

"Should I report you for abusing your authority, Jack?" I asked dryly.

Jack opened the back door, shoved me inside, and got behind the wheel-all in one smooth motion.

He barely even looked at me as he replied nonchalantly, "Elsa's never been to a TV station before. I figured I'd bring her along. It's not a big deal. Why are you so petty?"

I turned to the window, ignoring them. They didn't even need to spell it out-l already knew what they were up to.

The media had intentionally kept the guest's identity vague, only revealing that a female executive would be interviewed. Besides me, the only other woman in this car was Elsa.

If something unexpected" happened

to me, Elsa could easily step in to

take my place. Once the show aired, she'd gain exposure, and the company-wanting to maintain a polished public image-would likely give her an official position.

As expected, the moment I finished my makeup, Elsa appeared at my side, holding a glass of water.

"Jane, you must be thirsty after sitting under the lights for so long. Here, have some water." Her expression was perfectly neutral as she passed me the water.

I took the glass from her, but instead of drinking it, I placed it on the table beside me. Then, I grabbed a sealed bottle of mineral water, twisted it open, and took a sip.

Jack immediately frowned. "What's wrong with you? Why aren't you drinking the water Elsa went through such trouble to get for you?"

"What trouble

looked up at them

and asked, "If you're talking about the water she delivered to me across the room, I suppose I should be grateful. But I don't like drinking

from an open glass like this. The taste is different from what I prefer." noveldrama

Jack muttered under his breath, "Water is water. You're just being difficult."

Elsa hurriedly shook her head,

putting on her usual pitiful act. "It's

okay! If Jane doesn't like it, I won't

force her. But, Jack... You don't think Jane actually suspects me of tampering with the water, do you?"

She looked at me with wide eyes that contained a trace of hurt, her voice trembling slightly. "Jane, you've misunderstood me. I'd never do that to you..."

Before I could call out her act, she lifted the glass to her lips and took a sip. "See? It's perfectly fine."

Nice try. She had barely let the water touch her lips before putting the glass back down without drinking anything.

I smiled and nodded apologetically. "I'm so sorry, Elsa. It's just... I don't like sharing glasses with other people. Now that I have my own water, you don't have to go through the trouble to get me another glass"

With that said, I grabbed my bottled water and walked out of the dressing room.