Chapter 19
Joanna furrowed her brows, took the phone, and her expression immediately changed when she saw the message.
It was a statement from Howell. [Dear friends, I apologize for letting personal matters take up public space. My wife, Joanna, and I have had some misunderstandings, but everything is fine now.
Thank you all for your concern. Margot is just a friend of mine, and I sincerely apologize for the trouble caused.]
The gist of it was that their marriage was going through a rough patch, but everything said before was just in the heat of the moment. Margot wasn’t a mistress, just a friend
Joanna stared at the message, sneering. The words sounded so polished, so righteous. She thought, ‘How could he have e the nerve to release something like this?”
“Well! Got nothing to say now? All that acting before, was it just a show? Was this the plan all along?” Theodora’s voice was dripping with frustration. She thought. How could a woman like that be so shameless!
Theodora thought she could finally get rid of J
Joanna, but THOW it was back to square one.
“Theodora, if you have time to throw words at me, maybe you should go back and ask Howell why he won’t divorce me.” Joanna’s tone darkened, She was furious, thinking. How could anyone be so shameless? I have already agreed to divorce, and I am walking away with nothing, yet he still won’t pull the trigger. What is he even waiting for?
“Don’t act all righteous! If it weren’t for you clinging to him, do you really thank my brother would still be involved with you? Maybe you’re just bitter after that last guy dumped you!” Theodora’s words grew more venomous
“Theodora, if you don’t want me to rip that mouth of yours off, I suggest you keep quiet, Joanna said coldly.
Theodora froze, shocked by the sharpness in her voice. After glaring at her, she turned on her heel and stormed off.
Joanna watched her leave, her frown deepening. It was clear–she needed to contact Howell and finalize the divorce as soon as possible.
Back home, she quickly got in touch with a reputable lawyer and sent Howell a letter through her lawyer, hoping he would agree to start the divorce proceedings soon.
But when Howell saw it, he immediately threw it into the trash. He had someone relay a message. If she really wanted a divorce, they needed to discuss it in person
Joanna knew he wouldn’t make it easy.
But now she was also worried. As her pregnancy progressed, her belly would eventually show, and if Howell found out, she thought, “Would he try to fight for custody? What would I do then?
Reluctantly, she agreed to meet him. They set up a t
set up a time to talk at a coffee shop
She was still furious about the statement he had released and hadn’t had the chance to confront him about it yet.
Joanna was seething–she could almost imagine taking her stiletto heels and smashing them into his face.
At noon, she slipped into a white babydoll dress and grabbed a small purse before heading out.
When she arrived at the coffee shop, Howell was already there. That was a surprise–she was usually the one who arrived early.
Once she walked in, she couldn’t help herself. “Howell, is this your way of sticking to me like gum? How annoying. Don’t tell me you’ve fallen for me and don’t want a divace anymore?”
She was
purposely provoking him, eager to see how he’d respond.
Howell glanced up at her before responding coolly, “Joanna, wasn’t it you who started this? I’m just going along with it. Grandpa’s birthday is next month, and wear expected to attend together.
“I don’t want to
in disappoint hitn. After his birthday, Fill think about whether to proceed with the divorce
Joanna furrowed her brow in confusion. She thought, “This bastard
Are you serious? Don’t try to pull a fast one o
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11:30 AM
Chapter 191
“Of course, I’m serious. When have I ever lied to you? But there’s one condition you need to move out he’ll start getting suspicious.” Howell said, taking the opportunity to make a demand
to move out of that man’s house. If Grandpa finds out,
“Tine” Joanna had already planned to move. With the pregnancy, she was feeling more exhausted than usual, and since the office was far from her place, she had already decided to move on the weekend.
Philip had bought an apartment near the office, which would be perfect for her.
Howell nodded in satisfaction, surprised by how easily things were going
Joanna didn’t want to waste any more time dealing with Howell, but Dominic had always treated her the best in the Buckley family, so she would definitely attend his birthday. It was the least she could do to show respect
As for Howell, she wasn’t sure what was going on in his n
mind. But for now, she would go along with it. His attitude was just as complicated as hers.
Joanna moved out quickly. Although Philip wasn’t thrilled about it, he eventually agreed, especially considering her pregnancy. He also made sure to remind her to contact him immediately if anything went wrong.
The new place was closer to the office, so it was more convenient.
The next morning, she arrived at work and overheard some whispers about her. She walked past them with a stern face, and the fell silent
Jisanna
went to her desk, pulled out some documents, and began working.
office immediately
Sirena, watching from the side, couldn’t shake the feeling that Joanna was hiding something. She couldn’t believe that Joanna was really Ada, her idol. Now, Joanna was only handing in a few design plans. She thought, “Who is she trying to fool?
Everyone seemed distracted by her personal life, and no one seemed interested in verifying if she was truly Ada,
But Sirena was certain that, given time, Joanna’s true nature would eventually come to light. Then, it would be a show worth watching. She thought. People these days really have no shame!
Joanna didn’t care what they thought. She got to work.
Soon enough, it was time for Dominic’s birthday. The Buckley family treated the event with great importance. After all, birthdays for elders were rare and precious, and Howell had made all the arrangements.
The guest list was full of influential people from high society.
Joanna made an effort to look good for the occasion. Since she wasn’t showing much yet, she chose a champagne–colored gown. The fitted design highlighted her curves, and she styled her hair up, revealing her smooth forehead and graceful neck.
Her makeup was subtle but elegant, a far cry from
from the heavy look she used to wear. Now, she radiated an air of aristocratic pai her up. If they arrived separately, Dominic would definitely get suspicious.
poise.
Howell arrived to pick h
When he saw her, lie froue for a moment. Every time he looked at her, it felt like a fresh surprise. He thought, “How have I like this woman las undergone a complete transformation.
At the venue, guests had already began to arrive. They went over to greet D
“Grandpa, happy birthday! Joanna said.
Joann you’re here! Have you b
energized
Dominic, who had just been talking
not
noticed before! It is
en busy lately? You’ve lost weight” Dominic was in high spirits today–good news always made him feel
“Grandpa, bering slim is fashionable now. It’s the modern look” In reality, she’d lost weight b “Nonsense! A lude plumperss is a sign of good fortune. Don’t listen to those people; Dominic said, laughing as he patted her hand.
because her appetite had been poor from the pregnancy.
“Got it Grandpa,” Joanna replied, smiling-
Nearby. “Theodora’s eyes Hashed with jealousy. She was Dominic’s biological granddaughter, yet every time Dominic treated Joanna with more warmth than her, it stung.
More guests began arriving.
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Chapter 19
– voice callest out, “Grandpa, happy b
At that moment, a soft, meleshe
birthday.
Tips
Joanna looked up and saw Margot standing in front of her, a smile playing on her lip
Joanna wasn’t surprised to see her. Margot gave her a look–sharp, almost provocative, as though she were deliberately challenging her.
AD
