Chapter 10
Howell immediately shoved Joanna into the car, followed by himself, and then ordered the driver to take off, speeding away without a second thought
Howell, pull over now! I want out?” Joanna was thrown into the car, her head spinning.
Ti this guy completely out of his damn mind” she cursed silently
“Shut up“” Howell’s handsome face was frozen with anger. Just the thought of her rushing off to be with Philip made his blood boil.
Joanna suddenly remembered her baby and froze. She couldn’t afford to do anything rash now. She had to be careful not to hurt the child. Besid she was already in this mess–there wasn’t much she could do about it nove
She settled back into her seat, fuming with rage, and glared at Howell, her eyes blazing.
Howell sat beside her, the faint scent of flowers wafting from her. It wasn’t overpowering, but it still managed to affect him
As the
car drove on, her phone suddenly rang
She pulled it out and saw it was Philip calling. Joanna hesitated. She thought, Should I answer?
She didn’t warn Philip to worry. If he found out she was with Howell, he’d probably come after her. Right now, Philip had a terrible impression of
Howell
She but her hip and was about to let the call go to voicemail when she realized it wasn’t picking up automatically.
“Why aren’t you answering the phone?” Howell’s eyes narrowed as he spoke, having caught the quick, guilty glance she’d shot at the phone. It was obvious she was avoiding something
“I don’t want to,” Joanna said, her voice cool, her eyes fixed on the passing scenery.
She thought. Wait a minute, why does this road look so familiar?” It almost seemed like they were heading to the Buckley family.
Howell’s lips tightened into a thin line. He thought, “This woman! She is getting good at getting under my skin. How has she changed so much in just a few days! What else am I still in the dark about?”
The call finally ended, and Joanna breathed a quiet sigh of relief–only for the phone to ring again
She couldn’t ignore at this time
Joanna, why arent
time. It was probably Philip, worried about her. She answered immediately.
aren’t you back yet? Do you want me to come pick you up? Phillip asked.
“Well I’m just out with a friend. I’ll be home soon, Joanna said, offering a harmless excuse.
He sounded
After lunging up, she heard Howell’s voice, dripping with sarcasm. “What, a friend” What did you do something you’re ashamed of? H like a jealous husband,
“Noue of your business, ex–husband” Joanna rolled her eyes and stressed the word “ext
-husband” made Howell’s face darken instantly. His icy gaze swept over her face.
“You’d better not push me,” he warned coldly
Joanna wasn’t intimidated. “Where are you taking me
Grandfather has seen us in a while, and he asked us to come home for dinner. You know his health isn’t great, so please don’t say anything that maght upset him; Howell explained, his voice almost casual.
“You dada i tell him we’re divorced?” Joanna frowned. She didn’t want to lie to Dominic, and she couldn’t keep pretending. “Not yet. We’ll wait until Grandpa is in better health Howell replied, his gaze briefly flicking to the back of her head.
His eyes softened for a moment, a subtle warmth flickering there–perhaps he didn’t even realize it himself.
the one who cherished her most in the family, and she couldn’t bear i
my him. It seemed like this to worry haar
sation would require some careful consideration.
me to a stop in the courtyard of the Hockley family Joanna stepped out, taking
the expansive garden around her.
11:58 AM
Chapter 10
The Buckley family estate was vast, designed like a traditional garden with exotic plants, pavilions, and gazebos scattered throughout.
Howell look her hand and led her toward the inner courtyard.
Joanna instinctively tried to pull her hand away. Although they were pretending to be affectionate for Dominic’s sake, they
they were divorced now,
and
in still felt awkward.
When they entered the living room, Dominic in his eighties, with a full head of white hair but still looking energetic, sar at the head of the table.
“Grandpa, we’re back, Joanna greeted politely.
“Joanna’s back!” Dominic ignored Howell completely and warmly reached out to pull Joanna closer
She was the only one he truly considered family. Even Howell couldn’t get away with mistreating her.
“Has this brat been bullying you?” Dominic, despite his age, still had sharp eyes. He was well aware of the rumors and the situation.
Joanna hesuated for a moment, then calmly reassured him, “Grandpa, we’re fine. Don’t worry about us.
“Good, good. If he’s been bullying you, you tell me, and I’ll deal he once wJE
al with him myself. D
Dominic said with authority, a reminder of the powerful figure
“We’ll talk after dinner. Howell interjected, his tone cutting through the conversation
“Fine, but don’t think I don’t know about your little escapades. I’ll be having a word with you later,” Dominic said firmly
During dinner, Joanna was extremely attentive, carefully removing fish bones for Dominic, serving him food, and sharing little amusing stories to keep him entertained.
She had always done this. Dominic had always treated her like his own granddaughter, so she respected him deeply
Watching her. Howell couldn’t help but show the faintest of smiles at the corner of his mouth
After dinner, Joanna spent a couple of rounds playing chess with Dominic. Throughout the game, Howell remained silent, saying nothing.
Eventually, the game came to an end, and seeing that Dominic seemed to have something he wanted to discuss with Howell, Joanna made an excuse to step outside into the courtyard.
Sure enough, not long after, Dominic’s voice could be heard booming through the house, angrily scolding Howell as if he were a child.
Dominic had seen all the rumors in the papers, and he was furious. He’d come back today specifically to give Howell a piece of his mind and remind him not to let Joanna slip away.
Howell didn’t argue. He took the scolding quietly, knowing full well Dominic’s temper. If he spoke up, it would only make things worse.
Once Dominic had finished, they were allowed to leave.
On the way back, the car was quiet. Joanna was already thinking about getting out at the next intersection.
Just then, the sound of a phone ringing broke the silence
Howell glanced at his phone. It was a call from Margos. He hesitated for a moment before answering “Margot, what’s wrong”
“Howell, I’m scared. Theodora and I ran into some thugs at a bar.. Can you come help us!” Margot’s voice way shaky with fear.
“Don’t worry, I’m on my way. Which bar are you at?” Howell’s expression instantly darkened.
After hanging up. Howell noticed Joanna looking at him with a mocking expression.
He tightened his lips, then reluctantly explained, “Theodora and the others got into some trouble at a bar. I need to go check on them. You can take
Joanna was fuming. They were in the middle of nowhere, and Howell was acting like everything was no
was no big deal.
She drought. “Why the hell did Leven come with lain to see Grandpa? If Grandpa had just broken his legs or something, maybe I wouldn’t be stuck in this shinshow. What the hell was I thinking, marrying him in the first place?
Without another word, she opened the car door, stepped out, and slammed it slut. She watched as the car sped off.
Her expression grew colder, and her eyes hardened. In the end, everything seemed to fall apart with just one phone call from him. She was
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11:58 AM
Chapter 10
thankful, though–she’d long since stopped expecting anything from him.
