Chapter 28
Even after returning to her room, Joanna still felt disgusted
She thought. What the hell is that bastard Howell thinking? Won’t it be easier if I just step aside and let those two shameless people be together? Or do they enjoy sneaking around behind my back? Does the secrecy make it more thrilling?”
She was too drained to even complain. At this point, all she could do was accept her rotten luck and move on….
She placed a hand on her belly, and instantly, her expression softened. This child was all she had now.
From now on, she would stay as far away from Howell as possible. She just had to endure two more years. Once that time passed, everything would fall into place
Even if Howell refused to sign the divorce papers, the court would rule in her favor.
That night, she didn’t sleep well. Maybe it was the unfamiliar bed.
The next morning, Isabella had already left. She had been gushing about meeting a handsome guy last night and had set up a morning run and breakfast date with him.
Not wanting to play third wheel, Joanna had taken her time getting ready before heading to breakfast. She truly hoped Isabella would find someone who treated her well
She strolled leisurely through the hotel grounds, taking in the scenery as she made her way to the buffet area.
By the time she arrived, the restaurant was already buzzing with guests.
She picked up a plate, selected a few of her favorite dishes, and found a quiet table by the window, Senling in, she ate slowly, savoring the rare moment of peace
Then, a shadow fell over her table.
Still chewing on a piece of apple, Joanna looked up–and saw Margot standing in front of her, dressed in an elegant white dress, looking as fragile and pitiful as ever.
“Joanna, can we talk?” Margot’s voice was soft and gentle.
Joanna frowned slightly. Before she could even respond. Margot had already pulled out the chair across from her and sat down.
With a sigh, Joanna grabbed a napkin, wiped her mouth, and said coolly. “What do you want to talk about?”
Margot smiled faintly, her fingers absently tracing the jewel bracelet on her wrist. “Howell is so thoughtful. He knows I love jewel, so for my birthday this year, he gave me this bracelet. Look, it’s top–tier glassy jewelite. Isn’t it beautiful?”
Joanna’s chest tightened. A mix of emotions surged inside her–bitterness, irony, something deeper she didn’t want to acknowledge
She had always loved jewel. Over the years, she had built up quite a collection. Even the jewel tobacco pipe she had gifted Dominic for his birthday had been carefully selected. She had a sharp eye for quality.
Her gaze flickered to Margot’s wrist. As expected, the bracelet was flawless–crystal–clear with a luminous glow, undoubtedly worth a fortune.
She had been with Howell for so many years, yet he had never once given her a gift. Not for her birthday, not for anything. In fact, he probably didn’t even know when her birthday was
type, that being in a position of power made him overlook things
She had always told herself he was simply too busy, that he wasn’t the romantic type, th like this
she understood. It wasn’t that he couldn’t. It was that lie wouldn’t.
When somer
someone truly cared, they didn’t need to be taught how to show it. And when they didn’t, no amount of effort could change that
Joanna stared at the bracelet, her ininud wandering.
Margot noticed her silence and assumed her words had hit the mark. If she was miserable, she wasn’t about
“Taking a slow sip from the glass of water the waiter had just brought over, she smiled sweetly and continued, “Howell has always been so thoughtful and gentle. He’s just that kind of man.
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Chapter 28
“Whenever I like something, he buys it for me. I don’t even keep track of my birthdays anymore, but somehow, he never forgets…
Margot seemed completely lost in her own thoughts, getting more carried away the longer she talked.
Joanna took a sip of orange juice, her expression calm as she asked, “Miss Caldwell, what exactly do you want from me? Are you just here to share the details of your love story!
“Sorry, but I don’t have time for that–I have plenty of other things to do.”
A mocking smirk curled at the corner of Margot’s lips. “Joanna, you keep saying you want to divorce Howell, but it sure doesn’t seem like it. If you were so eager to cut ties, why do you still respond to him so quickly!
“The moment I sent someone to
one to call you, you came running. Are you really going to pretend you don’t care about him?”
Joanna thought. So last night really was her doing. How predictable! Joanna had already suspected as much
She let out a dry laugh and shot back. “Miss Caldwell, are you confused? Howell and I are still legally married. I’m still his wife. So tell me, what exactly is your position here?
“What gives you the right to stand in front of me acting so smug! Who gave you the confidence!
“Last night, when you were clinging to my husband, I should’ve taken a picture and let the world see what kind of person their beloved dancer really is. I’ve already been more than civil, but it seems you have no sense of shame
Margot refused to back down Joanna, don’t try to threaten me. Howell would never let you do that.”
Joanna scoffed. “Howell I still need to marital assets, doesn’t it?
I to settle th
things with him. The gifts he gives you, the money he spends on you that all comes from our shared
“How much did that jewel bracelet cost? Maybe I should sue and take it back”
Margot’s face immediately paled. “You’re shameless! That money belongs to Howell–you have no right to it
Joanna leaned in slightly, her tone laced with sarcasm. “Miss Caldwell, maybe you should educate yourself a little. Or have you been living in an ivory tower so long that you actually believe that?”
Honestly, she was tempted to throw the glass of water in her hand at Margot–maybe it would wake her up
Her fingers tightened around the cup, trembling slightly from anger.
Margon, catching sight of a familiar figure approaching from the corner of her eye, quickly hit her lip. Then, in one swift motion, she grabbed Joanna’s wrist and yanked it–making the water splash all over her own face.
In an instant, she stood there, drenched, looking pitiful and helpless.
Joanna barely had time to react before the water had already been thrown. She froze for a moment, but as soon as she spotted the figure in the distance, she immediately understood.
“Miss Caldwell, the same old trick? You really need some new material” Joanna’s voice was ice–cold
Margot smirked. “Why change it when it works every time?“
Joanna let out a short, humorless laugh, then pointed toward a security camera nearby. “Oh! And yet, you still haven’t learned your lesson?” Margot’s expression instantly stiffened. She thought. Damn it. How have I forgotten about the cameray
She had been so focused on provoking Joanna that she hadn’t thought it through. Now, with security footage, it would be obvious that she had splashed liersell on purpose
She thougle. And what would Howell think then? She had planned to play the victim, to turn the tables on Joanna, but now she didn’t dare say
andlier word
Howell had arrived, in gaze landed on Margot, filled with confusion. “What are you doing here?”
Margot hesitated, scrambling for an answer.
Meanwhile, Joanna calmly stood up, pulled a supkin from the table, and handed it to her. “Miss Caldwell, next time, be more careful with that, she turned to leave
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Chapter 28
But before she could take another step, Howell grabbed her wrist. I need to talk to you”
Joanna met his gaze, her voice indifferent. “Sorry, but I have nothing to say. Let go
But Howell didn’t loosen his grip. Instead, he pulled her toward a quieter corner, leaving Margot standing there, fuming as she stomped her foot in
frustration
She thought, “What are they talking about? Why does it feel like Howell still cares about that damn woman?‘
