Chapter 16
Howell couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that lingered inside him. The way things were unfolding had far exceeded his expectations.
The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. He though, Has Joanna been seeing Philip all along! Is that why she’s been so determined to divorce me?
We have barely been divorced for a month, and already, Joanna and Philip are living together.
Howell couldn’t ассері IL He didn’t believe it. Today, he had to see it for himself
Hanley looked at him with a complicated expression. He thought, This is something no man can easily accept
one so accomplished.
After all, Joanna had just divorced him, and now she was living with another man–especially one so are
Hanley didn’t dare say a word. At that moment, he felt like even breathing wrong would get him into trouble, so he held his breath and kept quiet.
“Give me the address. Howell said coldly.
Hanley didn’t waste a second. He quickly handed over the address and hurriedly left.
Howell grabbed it and, without hesitation, rushed out the door, car
Joanna had stayed home that day. After last night’s drama, the int
keys in ha
in hand.
internet was still buzzing, and the heat hadn’t died down.
Thankfully, after she issued her statement, i
the comments had started to turn in her favor. People sympathized with her and offered their support.
Originally, she hadn’t wanted to escalate things, but since Margot had gone so far as to trample on her, she had no choice but to
But she wasn’t lying about Margot–before issuing the statement, she’d already done her homework.
As she was
was a computer expert, investigating something like this was a piece of cake.
to strike back
Joanna glanced at her computer. The post hadn’t been taken down yet. But it didn’t matter much now–the people who needed to know already did
Feeling more at ease, she poured herself a glass of juice, planning to unwind a little. Just then, the doorbell rang
Dexter and his old friend were away on a trip, and Philip was at work. She wondered, “Who could it be?
She walked over to the door and peeked through the peephole. To her surprise, it was Howell, standing outside in a sharp suit
She froze, thinking. How has he found me here? Is he looking for me? How does he know!
She had been careful to keep her whereabouts hidden, not wanting to be found. But she had overlooked one thing–this was Howell. If he wanted to know something, there was no way it could stay hidden.
Joanna bit her lap, thinking things over.
But outside the door, Howell had lost patience. He pressed the doorbell again.
Joanna knew that once he set his mind out something, he wouldn’t give up until he got it. Reluctantly, she opened the door.
Just moments before, Howell had been wondering if Hanley had made a mistake.
The villa was large and elegant, with a luxurious exterior. It looked like the kind of place only the very wealthy could afford. Thinking about it made his stomach chairn with jealousy
But when the door opened and he saw Joanna standing there in a beautifully simple set of loungewear, looking effortlessly graceful, he froze. She muut lave just woken up–lier luir was a little messy, and she looked almost cute in that natural state.
But Harr, as die remembered this Philip’s dongan, Howell’s face darkened instantly. 11is lips pressed into a thin line as he silently stared at her. “What are you doing here Joanna frowned as she felt his eyes rake over her, making her unconfortable,
A flash of coldness passed through Howell’s e
Is eyes, and the anger he’ll been holding back finally boiled over. “I should be asking you that Why are you living here? And what’s this nuaseme you posted online!
“Where I live is one of your business, Joanna shot back slurply. “As for what I posted online, I was just speaking the truth. I didn’t make anything
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Chapter 16
- up. Isn’t that right!”
She thought. This jerk has come here to lecture me
“So now you’ve got some courage. This is Philip’s place, isn’t it? Are you really going to tell me you don’t have anything to do with
th him?
His words were
ere sharp, full of bitterness–like a jealous ex
Joanna sneered. “What does it matter to you? Mr. Buckley, we’re divorced now.
Howell’s gaze turned ice–cold as he looked at her, his eyes sharp as daggers. “Oh, really? It maners because I haven’t signed the divorce Didn’t you know! A divorce takes both people to agice.”
e papers yet.
Joanna froze. Her mind raced, trying to process what he had just said.
She thought. He hasn’t signed the papers yet? How is that possible? Isn’t he eager to get rid of me and marry his precious lover! I have stepped aside, giving him the space to move on–so why is he dragging his feet?”
She thought she knew Howell, but now she realized how little she understood him.
“Fine, you don’t want to sign? Doesn’t matter. After two years of separation, either party can file for divorce, and the court will grant it automatically,” Joanna snapped, her frustration growing.
She thought. What is he playing at? She had assumed he’d already signed the papers
“Want to go to court for a divorce! You’re dreaming. Howell sneered, clearly amused by what he saw as her naivety.
Before she could respond, he grabbed her by the arm and yanked her toward him.
Joanna pulled herself free with force. “Howell, let me educate you. If a couple’s relationship his broken down for over two years, one person can apply for divorce, and the court will grant it automatically
“If you’re not familiar with this, you can ask your lawyers. And by the way, this is private property. If you don’t leave. I’ll call the police.
But Howell didn’t budge. He stood there, blocking the doorway, as if he hadn’t heard a word she said.
His lips curled into a cold smile, “Broken down relationship! I
I don’t recall that. You’re the one who wanted the divorce, and I didn’t agree.
“You’re shameless!” Joanna couldn’t believe her cars. She thought. How could he say something so absurd?”
When he’d been parading around with Margot, he’d never once considered her feelings. Now, he was acting like he had no sense of right and
“I don’t care what you think, but you can’t stay here with Philip. Pack your things and leave. If you want a change of scenery. I’ll arrange a place for you” Howell’s tone was dark, his expression unreadable.
Joanna took a deep breath and responded coldly. “Howell, when I said I wanted a divorce, I meant it. It wasn’t a rash decision”
“So you’re in such a hurry to divorce because you want to be with Philip? That man’s nothing but trouble. What’s so great about him? You’d better give up on this fantasy
Joanna was done holding back. His stubbornness was maddening. “Are yo you’re still throwing a tantrum? You’re unbelievable
you out of your mind! Im stepping aside for you and Margot, and now
Howell’s anger flared, but he laughed bitterly. “Thanks for that, but what does Margot have to do with any of this? We’re just friends.” bothered to explain himself before,
He had
never
Juatina let out a sarcastic laugh. Friends? Should I catch you two in bed together before you admit the truth?”
“Joannat
“Oh, so now you’re angry because I exposing your Well, guess what? I’m done. The divorce is happening whether you like it or not, Joanna said firmly, standing her prod
“What if I don’t agree Howell’s voice was coll, like ice.
“Mr. Buckley, why force the issue?” A low voice suddenly spoke from behind him.
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