Chapter 35
As he heard that, Luke’s face immediately darkened.
Anyone who knew him well understood that his wealth was built largely through his wife. Her family was powerful, and now all of the financial control rested with her.
Though Luke had his share of affairs, as long as they weren’t too scandalous, his wife usually turned a blind eye. But if this video got out, showing him in such a compromising position, he wondered. How could I face ber?
Just the thought of his wife made his skin crawl. If she saw this video, he’d probably be out of a job and out of the company. Luke couldn’t let that happen
“You bitch, what are you trying to do?” he barked, his voice rough with anger, barely holding himself back from lashing out at Joanna.
But he knew better than to make a scene here–this was Joanna’s turf. As much as he was seething, he couldn’t risk making any rash moves. Luke had never felt so backed into a comer before.
“Mr. Hicks, you know exactly what I want. The real question is, what are you going to do about it?” Joanna replied, her tone as calm as ever. “And just 10 clarify, there’s no need for hostility
“If I really wanted to bring you down. I would’ve sent the video straight to your wife. I’m here because I actually want to talk business with you? “You’re threatening me?” Luke snapped, his anger flaring.
Joanna gave him a cool, level look. “Mr. Hicks, the choice is yours. How is that a threat? Besides, let’s not forget that you and your little friend tried to drug me yesterday.
“Iluven’t even started to deal with that yet. If I were to go to the police, I wonder what would happen to you?”
Luke felt a chill run down his spine. He wondered. “Who is she? Is she really just some pretty face, as everyone has said? She is dangerous.
He recalled how Sirena had mentioned that Joanna had gotten her position by sticking close to Philip, but now he wasn’t so sure. She didn’t seem like the kind of woman who would just sit back and rely on someone else. Not at all.
Before. Luke had been intrigued because she was linked to Philip–women involved with top players were never ordinary
But now, he saw that Joanna was tough, smart, and completely unbothered by his usual tactics. She wasn’t the weak, easy target he had assumed. And when she brought up the drugging incident, he realized that she must have solid evidence. He thought, She wouldn’t be so confident otherwise
Shifting in his seat, Luke straightened up. His usual lecherous gaze was now more calculating, his eyes sharper.
He looked at Joanna, then asked. “Alright, what are your terms?”
Having been in the business world for as long as he had, Luke quickly regained his composure. He knew that the situation was already at a point of
no retur
Seeing that Luke had finally accepted the reality, Joanna didn’t hesitate. She picked up the contract from her desk and slid it toward him. This is the contract we discussed earlier, Just sign it
No small talk. No ganes. Just straight to the point.
Joanna wasn’t about to drag this out any longer. She had gotten what she wanted, and now it was time to wrap things up
Luke stared at the contract, his face hardening as if it were a personal affront He throught, “That damos bitch has been scheming against me all along, just to
this contract.
To be honest, he was partly Jounna
y satisfied with the contract itself. He had planned to take advantage of the si
situation, but instead, he’d been outwitted by
Now, he had ended up losing more than he gained–what a ridiculous turn of events.
This was the first time afterward. After all, their “adventures were hardly things they could brag about.
ever been unplayed. Usually, it was him doing the manipulating, and the women he used never dared
speak out
But now, here he was, completely outwitted by Joanna. She was no ordinary woman–her looks, her courage, her intelligence–all of it screamed
1/2
Chapter 35
exceptional. He had no choice but to accept defeat
“Fine. I’ll sign the contract, but you need to delete the video,” Like tried to negotiate, seizing his chance.
“Don’t worry, Mr. Hicks, I’ll delete it. I’m a woman of my word, Joanna responded smoothly. She thought, “To deal with scumbags like him, you have to be just as ruthless!
She had figured out long ago that Luke wasn’t someone who would back down without pressure. He only understood that kind of force.
Soon enough. Luke signed the contract, and Joanna deleted the video without hesitation.
“Mr. Hicks, Hlook forward to our cooperation,” she said in a neutral tone.
But Luke didn’t leave with any grace. He stormed out, seething with anger. He had been tricked, and it wasn’t a good look.
Joanna walked over to Sirena’s desk, holding the signed contract. “Ms. Field, I think you know what to do now. I’ve left you a way out.”
The meaning was clear–Sirena should resign.
When Strena saw the contract, her eyes widened, and her pupils shrank in disbelief. She could hardly believe it–Joanna had actually gotten the contract signed.
But she thought. How is that possible? Isn’t Luke so sure he will never sign with someone like Joanna
Just earlier, when she saw Luke walk in, Sirena had been secretly gloating, thinking he was there to deal with Joanna.
But now, to her shock, he had signed the contract. She thought, “What about all the promises he made before? Sirena’s blood began to boil.
“Ms. Field, remember, you lost the bet. So, now you’ll have to face the consequences, Joanna said, her tone almost bored.
Sirena opened her mouth to argue but then, defeated, she swallowed her words. Her face twisted in frustration, like a comered rooster. “Fine. I’ll submit my resignation to the company later.
She ground her teeth, hatred burning in her chest. She had been under Joanna’s thumb for too long, unable to make a name for herself. Now that Joanna knew about her affair with Luke, Sirena didn’t want to be controlled anymore. The only option was to leave.
Though reluctant, she knew she had no choice. She had lost the bet. At least by resigning, she could leave with some dignity. That way, when she applied to another company, she wouldn’t be seen as someone forced out.
“Good, Please make sure to handle your resignation promptly, Joanna said, offering some grace. Given Sirena’s years of hard work for the company, she deserved to leave with at least some respect,
Joanna turned and left, finally wrapping up one problem.
just as she walked back to her office, her phone rang. It was Donald.
Joanna’s beart lifted with excitement, and she quickly answered the call. “Donald, are you back?”
He only called when he had returned.
“Yeah, I’m about to board the plane. Hut before I go, I’ve got a little divorce surprise for you. Let me know it came through the line
“Divorce surprise!”
if you like it,” Donald’s cheerful voice
