Chapter 43
Theodora’s face turned ashen, the color draining from her cheeks.
Joanna, that bitch: She had done this on purpose–she had to have known about her allergy to the ring. But she didn’t say a word, just stood back and watched Theodora embarrass herself.
Theodora was furious, her blood boiling. She wanted nothing more than to rip Joanna apart. How could that bitch be so cruel!
Everyone around them was watching, some enjoying the drama unfold with a mix of curiosity and amusement. They were all eager to see Theodora pay for her arrogance.
Ms. Buckleyi
Noticing Theodora s silence. Joanna pressed on, her voice dripping with irony, “What’s wrong. Ms. Buckley? You were so eager to earlier, but now you’re speechless?“–
Theodora’s hands clenched into fists, her lips tight as she stood there stubbornly, unwilling to back down.
bet with me
Margot, seeing how the situation was spiraling, furrowed her brows and spoke up. “Joanna, you’re going too far. You can’t take something said in the heat of the moment so seriously, can you”
Her
te the situation.
words reeked of insincerity, a classic act to manipulate the
Joanna shot her a withering glance, her voice sharp. “When you accused me of being a thief, that wasn’t just a spur of the moment thing, was it? You were practically sending me to prison.”
Joanna words left Margot speechless. She had tried to defend Theodora, but Joanna’s words cut through her like a knife.
Margot had no choice but to look toward Howell, hoping he’d step in.
At this moment, Howell furrowed his brows, his face dark with displeasure. He had witnessed the scene just now, and it didn’t sit well with him.
Theodora’s tone had been harsh, almost vindictive, as if she was determined to see Joanna thrown in jail. Howell had tried to reason with her earlier, but Throdora had turned a deaf ear to his words.
Now, with the truth finally revealed and Joanna’s innocence proven, Theodora owed her an apology–both morally and legally. Howell knew that much, and he was certain Theodora herself would eventually realize it.
Theodora, apologize to Joanna right now,” Howell said in a low, stern voice. He had had enough of this,
She was absolutely fearless, capable of framing and making
ng false accusations without a second thought. How could he not see through his sister’s little schemest
Theodora’s trimper
flared the
moment she
saw Howell supporting Joanna. She exploded, Tim not apologizing! I did nothing wrong!”
Joanna, already expecting this reaction, turned to the police and said, Tm suing Theodora for defamation of theft. This has caused significant harm to my reputation”
Theodora’s eyes widened in shock. What was this batch saying! Was she really calling the cops on her? Was she trying to get the police to arrest her!
Theodora i face twisted into dislerlief. How dare joanna–how could she be so bokl?
Joanna, you little batch, I’m going to make you pay! Theodora hissed, stepping toward Joanna with fury in her eyes.
But before she could get any closer, Donald gralded her, holding her back
“What the hell do you think you’re doing? Donald’s voice was calan but dangerous. “If you so much as touch a hair on Joanna’s head, I’ll make sane
“You in the out who should be embarrassed, Donald continued, his voice like ice. “Do you really think Joanna would ever steal a ring? She’s never
ven looked twice at any of the jewelry around here‘
Throdona wes Memerntarily stunned, her anger disupating as the realized who had stopped her. Donald was holding her firmly, his handwune face
spon, a sense of dread settling in. Donald wasn’t just angry–he was furious. She shivered as he loses eyes with her, his gaze elangg at chili down bare spona. “Mr. Buckley, you better keep your sister in check. If the causes any more trouble, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
elli oppression darkened, and he hurriedly responded. “Mr Menzie, 11 take care of it. I apologize for my sister’s behavior”
1/2
Chapter 43
‘disapproval, then turned.
valked away, pulling joanna along with him.
Donald wand
sem leave. Her bearr surik as the saw fo ina leave with him. A sharp pang of jealousy twisted in her cheu
“Joanna said softly, noticing the storm brewing his eyes. “‘“I was just trying so
ch that girl a lesson. You know I can handle
mething like this ever happens again, you come straight to me. I won’t let anyone make you feel wronged, not even for a second.” voker gentle bur Ernu
Joanna replied, her heart swelling with gratitude.
them. Howell’s chest tightened, a sharp, almost suffocating pain lancing through him. The sight of Joanna walking away with Donald um harder than he expected. It was like a weight had dropped into his stomach
He wanted to chase after her, to stop her, but Theodora had gone too far this time. He had to deal with her first.
Without another word. Howell grabbed Theodora’s arm and dragged her toward the door.
“Where are you taking break
Theodora protested, fear creeping into her voice as she saw Howell’s furious expression. He was like a storm ready to
Usually. Howell pampered her, but when he was angry, he could be terrifying. This wasn’t the same Howell she was used to.
He didn answer. With one swift motion be shoved her into the car, slamming the door shut
Margot, still fuming watched helplessly as they left. She had been completely forgotten, standing there alone in her frustration.
With no other choice, she hailed a cab to go home.
At home, Polly noticed the tension in the air the moment Howell and Theodora entered. “What’s going on?” she asked, her voice laced with
“Ask Theodora what she’s done today, Howell snapped, his voice icy. His commanding presence was enough to make anyone back down. Theodora, its Howell’s fault. He’s always choosing Joanna over me?” Theodora whined, her voice rising
“Theodora, go to your room and think about what you’ve done. If you pull another stunt like this, you’ll be grounded. No more outings for you,” Howell warned, his tone leaving no room for argument.
After be left. Theodora immediately burst into tears. Polly rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on
“Theodora, what exactly happened? Polly asked, concerned.
Through her sola. Theodora recounted the entire situat
situation, her voice trembling with anger. “Mom, you have no idea how insufferable Joanna is now. Star’s practically clinging to Donald’s side–she’s really gotten too cocky?”
he is not your match” Polly said, her voir low but ferre. “That girl has tricks up her sleeve, and she knows how to use them” “Moan, how can we just let her walk all over us like this?” Theodora tumed. She hasn’t even divorced Howell yet! I think she’s try together with him, only to realize he’s the best thing she had”
undly again:
Pully’s eyes narrowed, her expression n growing colder “She won’t be stepping foot in the Buckley family “Yes, we’ll make sure of that Theodora said, a dark smile creeping onto her face.
Thon’t worry I’ve got a plan Pully whispered, already plotting her next move.
