Chapter 12
Margot waste
wasted no time and called Gecelia. Not only was Cecelia Margot’s agent, but also her go–to person for everything
As soon as she picked up. Margot jumped straight into making plans
After hanging up. Margot poured herself a glass of red wine and strode over to the floor–to–ceiling windows.
She pressed her hand against the cool glass, her gaze hardening as she stared out, eyes burning with cold determination
Joanna waited for almost 20 minutes before finally getting into a car.
She’d originally planned on having Philip pick her up, but she didn’t want to stress him out. If he found out that Howell had just left her hanging. he’d probably march right over to kick his ass.
The next morning, Joanna drove herself to the office. After putting her bag away, she grabbed her cup and headed for the break room.
As she got closer, she overheard some coworkers gossiping
“You hear? Ms. Osborne’s apparently divorced.”
“No way! She’s super young! Guess you really can’t judge a book by its cover, huh?
“Yeah, but it’s gotta be her skills, right? Maybe she’s just really good at, you know, sleeping around.
“Yeah, but it’s her skills, right? Maybe she’s good at sleeping with pthers….
The women chuckled quietly, clearly enjoying the gossip.
Joanna stood there for a moment, her expression unreadable. She’d never bothered to defend herself against their rumors; after all, the innocent needed no explanation.
But hearing their absurd comments, she couldn’t help herself. She walked over calmly, her steps deliberate,
As soon as they s
saw her, their faces turned pale.
“Ms. Ms. Osborne, good morning they stammered, looking like they’d just seen a ghost.
“If I ever hear anything like that again, you’re out. Got it?” Joanna’s voice was ice–cold. “Our design department doesn’t have room for gossip
“Y–Yes, understood…” they mumbled, scurrying off, heads down in shame.
After refilling her cup. Joanna returned to her desk, where Britney began briefing her on the day’s tasks. There was a lot to catch up on.
By noon, if it hadn’t been for labella calling to invite her to lunch, she might have lost track of time.
They’d agreed to meet at a five–star hotel for high–end food, known for its delicious desserts.
Joanna wondered if her tastes had changed since getting pregnant. She found herself craving things she never used to.
Now, she was treated like a national treasure–her family and friends were all overly protective of her.
As soon as they arrived, a server greeted them warmly.
Just then, a sharp voice broke through the air. “Joanna, you again? Why do I keep running into you everywhere! Are you some kind of ghost who can’t leave me alone?”
Joanna froe. She turned, and sure enough, there were Theodora and Margot. The world really was too small.
Joanna gave a a cool, composed response. “Is this your restaurant! Why wouldn’t I be able to come here?”
Theodora sneered. “Do you have any idea how expensive a meal here ist You look so shabby–how dare you even show up?”
zie Group. Of course, she can come
Margot gently pulled on Theodora’s sleeve. “Theodora, don’t forget, Juanna is now the design director at Menzie here. In fact, she’s the one who designed my outfit this time.”
“What? The director? Don’t make me laugh, Margot! You’re way too kind. This woman’s been fooling you. She don’t know anything.” Theodora
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Chapter 12
scoffed loudly.
Isabella, who had been quietly watching the exchange, felt her temper flare. “You’re the one who doesn’t know anything. You’re just a parasite, good for nothing but eating and drinking”
Joanna, overhearing this, couldn’t help but let a faint smile curve her lips, bobella’s description was spot on. Theodora really was someone who did nothing at home, completely spoiled by Polly, and had no sense of responsibility
Just then, their commotion caught the attention of the restaurant manager, who quickly approached.
“Ladies, this way, please,” the manager said politely.
“Mr. Robinson, do you really let anyone in here? Is this place for any stray dog flust walks in?” Theodora snapped, clearly trying to make things difficult for Joanna
“Ms. Buckley, you and your party are valued VIP customers here… Keenan Robinson was caught between a rock and a hard place. afford to offend anyone–be’d risk complaints either way.
He couldn’t
“I don’t care. I don’t want to see her here. I’m a VIP here, and someone like her has no business dining in this place, Theodora insisted, her tone sharp and demanding, leaving Keenan in an awkward position.
Keenan looked at Joanna, noticing her graceful demeanor, elegant dress, and the rare beauty she possessed. He had met plenty of socialites in his line of work, but someone like her was truly a sight to behold
He wasn’t sure why Theodora thought Joanna didn’t belong here.
Joanna, now feeling quite hungry, had no time or energy for a fight. She simply reached into her bag and pulled out a card, handing it to Keenan “Excuse me, we’d like a private room”
When Keenan saw the card, he froze. Cold sweat immediately broke out on his forehead. He had nearly made a huge mistake.
That card was a direct link to Philip. Unless he was looking to get fired, there was no way he could afford to offend someone tied to the Menzie family
With a respectful how, Keenan led Joanna and isabella straight to the private room.
Theodora stood there, completely stunned. She couldn’t understand why Keenan was treating Joanna with such reverence. It was all too much to
take in
She was a regular here, a VIP even, but she had never been given such treatment. She thought, “What is going on?
“What kind of trick has Joanna pulled? She’s come from an underdeveloped area, has relied on the Buckley family, and now, without anything, she is living this lavish life. How is the managing it?
Theodora’s mind was racing with questions.
Margot, on the other hand, was lost in thought. She hadn’t realized how deeply Philip had invested in Joanna
Joanna’s life now was a thousand times better than it had ever been with the Buckley family,
Before, she had worked tirelessly to take care of everyone, but now, she had become a career woman–an elite of hi
high society
Not only had her lifestyle changed, but her entire demeanor had transformed too. She exuded an elegance that was both refined and unattainable. a presence that felt far beyond reach.
“Margot, let’s go. I don’t want to look at that won
woman any longer,” Theodora said, acting on impulse, completely indifferent to how others might feel “Theodora, don’t let her ruin your mood. You love the desserts here, right? We’ve finally come, so let’s enjoy it. Don’t let Joanna get to you,” Margot replied, ever considerate
“It’s infuriating! I thought once that village girl divorced my brother, I’d never have to see her again, but she keeps popping up in front of me, It’s so annoying.” Theodora complained bitterly
“Well, Joanna only has what she has because of Philip. Without him, she wouldn’t be standing here.” Margot said, trying to sound casual.
“I know, right? It’s so shameless. Who does that being someone’s mistress, Baunting it for the whole world to see, Theodora sneered.
Yeah, but don’t worry I’m sure she’ll be back to her little villages
Theodora’s eyes brightened. “What Do you have a plant
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soon enough” Margot said, her tone low and mysterious.
11:58 AM
Chapter 12
Margot pressed a finger to her lips in a “shh” motion, signaling for quiet.
Just then, her phone buzzed with a new message. A grin tugged at her lips as she snatched it up, eager to see who it was
