Playing the Villainess, He Fell for Me

Jasper Sinclair narrowed his eyes. ’It seems this brother of mine has many secrets.’

Jasper Sinclair carefully reviewed the five pages of the report, his gaze finally landing on the last page, which contained information on Simon Lockwood after his return to the country.

Sinclair Gardens, a residential complex developed by the Sinclair Family two years prior, was a bona fide wealthy district, but most of its residents were celebrities and rich heirs.

Simon Lockwood had refused the villa in the Jornheim Suburbs that the Old Master offered him, instead turning around and buying a property from his own family—a penthouse, no less...

”Who are his neighbors?”

Jasper Sinclair didn’t think his brother was an idiot. He must have had a reason for buying a place here.

The bodyguard in black opened his mouth but said nothing.

Jasper Sinclair frowned. ”You didn’t look into this?”

”Young Master Sinclair, I thought...” The bodyguard immediately clamped his mouth shut when he saw the man’s dark expression, quickly adding, ”I’ll go check right away.”

Since Sinclair Gardens was a Sinclair Family property, it was easy to check the residents. A short while later, a file on Joanna Kennedy was placed in Jasper Sinclair’s hands.

*

During a break in the variety show recording, Joanna Kennedy took the thermos her assistant handed her, opened it, and took a sip. The infusion of goji berries and golden-rimmed roses inside effectively eased her fatigue.

”Jojo, Mindy said you need to attend a charity gala tonight with Mr. Thorne. The gown has already been chosen, and the stylist will be at the office waiting for you soon,” the assistant whispered.

”Tonight?” Joanna Kennedy frowned. ”Isn’t that a bit last-minute?”

Normally, invitations for events like this were received two or three days in advance. Getting notified so suddenly was rare.

The assistant glanced around, and seeing that no one was paying attention, said, ”I heard this one is hosted by the Sinclair Family. Originally, they only invited a few top actresses and established actors to add some star power, but I don’t know why they suddenly added a few more people.”

Joanna Kennedy was one of those last-minute additions.

It was one thing to not get an invitation to an event hosted by the Sinclair Family, but to receive one and not attend was a blatant sign of disrespect. Joanna Kennedy knew she couldn’t refuse.

By the time the show’s recording ended, it was already past 4 p.m. Joanna Kennedy went straight to the company office. The moment she arrived, Mindy Morgan, who had been waiting for a while, pulled her into the lounge to get styled.

A charity gala wasn’t a red-carpet affair, so there was no need to be overly extravagant; elegant and appropriate would suffice. Joanna Kennedy wore a long, black evening gown with a form-fitting design that perfectly highlighted her exceptional curves.

Her long black hair was styled in a simple updo. Even without a trace of makeup, she was already a vision of pure, striking beauty. The astonishment in the stylist’s eyes was undisguised.

After a light touch of makeup and a final adjustment to her hair, the stylist looked her over from every angle. Then, just before 5:30, they added a pearl necklace to Joanna Kennedy’s ensemble.

”Are you done yet? It’s almost...” Howard Thorne pushed the door open, but his impatient words died in his throat the next second.

Even though he had known Joanna Kennedy for many years and had seen all sorts of beauties in the entertainment industry, she could still leave him stunned.

Not wanting to seem so easily impressed, Howard Thorne said with a critical air, ”You’re just wearing that?”

Charity galas were never really about ”charity”; they were a battlefield of vanities where the rich subtly competed. Everything a person wore or accessorized with was a display of their wealth.

Joanna Kennedy was wearing nothing more than an unremarkable pearl necklace. Anyone who didn’t know better might think he was stiffing his artists on their pay. Dissatisfied, Howard Thorne said to his secretary, ”Go get that jade set from my house. That’s right, bring the entire set.”

Howard Thorne’s ostentatious declaration stunned everyone in the room. Seeing that the secretary was actually about to leave, Joanna Kennedy quickly interjected, ”There’s no need! Tell him not to go!”

”This is perfectly fine,” Joanna Kennedy said calmly. ”I’m just going as an attendee; there’s no need to wear something so valuable.”

Howard Thorne was still annoyed, but seeing that Joanna Kennedy genuinely didn’t want to wear it, he didn’t push the matter.

Joanna Kennedy’s temperament was like that. She seemed agreeable, but she was incredibly stubborn. Once she made up her mind about something, nothing could change it. He had no desire to hit that particular brick wall.

The charity gala was held at a five-star hotel in the city center. The Sinclair Family, in an incredible display of wealth, had booked the entire floor.

With half an hour to go before the gala began, titans from all walks of life were mingling and chatting. Howard Thorne was pulled away for a drink, and since Joanna Kennedy disliked such occasions, she politely declined conversations with those who approached her. After a quick scan of the room, she headed toward the dessert bar, where fewer people had gathered.

Unfortunately, her peace didn’t last long. Looking at the unwelcome guest blocking her path, Joanna Kennedy’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, though her expression remained a polite smile. ”Young Master Holt, is there something I can help you with?”

”Can’t I come over for a chat even if there’s nothing I need?” Having successfully cornered her, Fabian Holt was in a good mood. But then he recalled how Joanna Kennedy stubbornly refused his advances, and his mood soured again. His gaze raked over her body before he sneered, ”What’s wrong? Isn’t First Young Master Thorne keeping watch over you tonight?”

In the past, every time he tried to get close to Joanna Kennedy, Howard Thorne would rudely shut him down. He still held a grudge over it. Now that she was alone, he couldn’t resist being snide.

When Joanna Kennedy didn’t respond, he narrowed his eyes and said, ”Looks like Howard Thorne is just toying with you. Oh, right, I saw him taking some little starlet to a hotel just the other day.”

’Another one who misunderstands my relationship with Howard Thorne.’ Joanna Kennedy couldn’t fathom it. ’Is this kind of filth all these rich heirs ever think about?’

”And?” Joanna Kennedy said, unconcerned.

Her dismissive tone infuriated Fabian Holt. His already unpleasant face darkened, twisting into a hideous expression. ”Joanna Kennedy, I’m giving you a chance. Don’t throw it back in my face.”

”Plenty of women would kill to be with me. Stop playing hard to get while I still have some patience for you.”

That arrogant declaration, coming from his repulsive face, completely exhausted what little patience Joanna Kennedy had left. She moved to walk past him and leave.

In her peripheral vision, she saw Fabian Holt raise his arm. Her face turned cold, and just as she was about to dodge, she heard a pained squeal like a pig being slaughtered.

Fabian Holt’s arm had been twisted behind his back by another man and was now hanging limply, as if dislocated. His face was contorted in pain. Many guests turned to look. Bodyguards quickly escorted Fabian Holt away.

It was a minor commotion, but Joanna Kennedy hadn’t expected it to attract his attention. She lowered her gaze. ”Thank you, Mr. Sinclair. I apologize for causing a disturbance at your gala.”

Jasper Sinclair seemed a bit surprised. He let out a soft chuckle. ”You know who I am?”

”Mr. Sinclair is so young and accomplished, it would be difficult for anyone not to know you,” Joanna Kennedy replied with a polite compliment.

”Miss Kennedy, you flatter me,” Jasper Sinclair said. ”Might I have the honor of inviting you to a meal?”

Joanna Kennedy couldn’t help but frown. ”Now?”

The gala was about to officially start. For Jasper Sinclair, the actual host, to not stay and preside over the event but instead ask her to dinner—it was rather illogical.

Joanna Kennedy politely declined. ”I’m very grateful for your help, Mr. Sinclair, but tonight isn’t convenient. Perhaps I could treat you another day.”

As if he hadn’t expected her to refuse, a flicker of emotion crossed Jasper Sinclair’s face. He then sighed regretfully and said with feigned distress, ”I was hoping to apologize to Miss Kennedy on behalf of my younger brother. But since you’re unavailable, we’ll have to leave it for another time.”

’Apologize on behalf of his brother?’

Joanna Kennedy was confused. ”Mr. Sinclair, what do you mean by that?”