Chapter 5
Joanna had expected this. She knew she would inevitably run into Howell’s family and Margot at the charity gala. But now, they were nothing to her, so after entering, she deliberately ignored them.
With a poised smile on her face, she confidently linked arms with Philip, walking in with grace and composure.
She wasn’t worried at all about people recognizing her. During the three years she was married to Howell, she never had the chance to attend events like this, so tonight, her appearance was like a breath of fresh air.
As for the divorce, she was sure it was the right decision. She thought, ‘Look at Margot–desperate to take my place! If she hadn’t let go when she did, it would’ve been her that ended up disgusted.
Howell was just as shocked. As he saw Joanna on Philip’s arm, his face darkened instantly. He thought, ‘Is this the real reason she has been so eager to get a divorce?‘
She’d always been beautiful, but now, dressed up and exuding confidence, she looked even more radiant.
Howell thought, ‘She has just gotten divorced, and now she is already with this man? And not just any man–Philip, someone on equal standing with me?
A bitter, sour feeling churned inside Howell. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but something about the whole situation made him uneasy. His forehead creased, and veins popped up in frustration.
He had been worried she was left with nothing after the divorce–no money, no home. But now, she was with someone like Philip. It made him realize how wrong he had been.
Margot didn’t miss the flash of anger that crossed Howell’s face. It sent a chill down her spine. She thought, ‘Is he still thinking about that woman?‘
Philip gently patted Joanna’s hand, silently telling her to relax. He would handle things.
Joanna gave him a small smile, but inside, her heart was perfectly still–calm, with no emotions stirring.
Their interaction was like a slap to Howell’s face. Every second of it was painful for him to witness.
Philip walked over to Howell and greeted him with a casual smile, his tone polite but distant, “Mr. Buckley, I’ve heard a lot about you. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person.”
“Mr. Menzie, the pleasure is mine,” Howell responded stiffly, though his words were laced with coldness.
There was a subtle tension in the air between them–two powerful men, but the atmosphere was thick with unspoken hostility. The underlying currents were unmistakable.
Howell was confused. He thought, ‘We have no real connection, right? So why the hostility from Philip? After all, it is he who is now walking with my ex–wife.
But after the brief exchange, Philip showed no interest in continuing the conversation. He immediately turned to chat with others nearby.
Howell’s brows furrowed, and an icy aura seemed to radiate from him. It was so intense that it could be felt even from ten feet away.
Margot, who had been watching the exchange, bit her lip in frustration. She was determined to make sure Joanna’s life fell apart.
At that moment, Theodora walked over.
The moment she spotted Joanna, she marched right up to her, grabbing her arm. “What are you doing here? You’re just a nobody. Do you even know where you are? Or are you still trying to cling to Howell?”
Margot saw the opening and quickly stepped in, her voice gentle but deliberate. Theodora, you’re mistaken. Ms. Osborne is Mr. Menzie’s companion. They came together
Theodora finally noticed that Joanna was arm–in–arm with Philip, and her fury exploded like fireworks. “So, that’s what this is! You shameless woman, no wonder you were so quick to divorce.
“It turns out you already had someone else. This must be your lover, right? You two have probably been together for a while, haven’t you?”
Joanna looked at her coldly and replied. “Theodora, did you eat something foul? Why’s your mouth so filthy?”
“You–Theodora shot back, livid with rage.
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Chapter 5
Philip cast a frosty glance at Theodora and asked, “And who might this be?”
Joanna gave a faint, mocking smile. “This is Mr. Buckley’s sister, though she’s been rather spoiled.”
“How dare you!” Theodora shouted, glaring at Joanna. But when her gaze shifted to Philip, she froze.
Her heart burned with jealousy. She thought. This woman… How lucky is she? How did she manage to land someone like him?‘ Her anger flared. ‘No, I won’t let her get away with this. I’ll expose her for who she really is.
Theodora turned to Philip, flashing him a sweet but insincere smile. “Sir, don’t be deceived. This woman isn’t what she seems. She’s divorced and definitely not a socialite. She’s just a nobody.
“She used underhanded tactics to cling to my brother, and now that he’s finally rid of her, she’s already looking for her next target. She’ll do anything for money…”
Theodora assumed Joanna had somehow hitched herself to a higher rung, and not knowing about the divorce, she tried to warn Philip, playing the good Samaritan.
Before she could finish, Joanna slapped her hard across the face.
You-! You dare hit me?” Theodora stumbled back, clutching her cheek in disbelief.
“Yes, I dare,” Joanna responded coldly, her gaze sharp and icy. “And I’d love to tear your filthy mouth apart, too.”
Philip had been listening to the exchange, his expression darkening with every word. He gave Theodora a look of pure disdain. “Mr. Buckley, I’ve truly seen it all today.
“Your sister’s manners are something else. If Ms. Osborne hadn’t told me she was your sister, I would’ve assumed she was some street thug.”
His cutting remark left Howell speechless, his face flushed with embarrassment. “Theodora, apologize. Now,” Howell said.
Theodora looked at Howell in disbelief. She thought, ‘He’s letting this happen? He’s not even backing me up?‘
“You want me to apologize to her?” she spat. “Dream on!” With that, she turned and stormed off.
“Theodora!” Margot called out dramatically, rushing after her.
Philip turned to Howell with a mocking smile. “Mr. Buckley, Ms. Osborne is a good woman. If you don’t appreciate her, that’s your loss. Since you two are divorced, I hope you both can move on in peace.”
With that, he took Joanna’s arm and led her through the crowd.
Throughout the entire scene, Joanna hadn’t spared Howell even a single glance, but he couldn’t take his eyes off her. She looked radiant, almost blinding with her newfound confidence. The people around her seemed to fade in comparison.
As he watched them walk away, Howell’s expression darkened. He couldn’t understand. ‘How could she move on so quickly? Is this her plan all along How have I not seen this side of her before?‘
Joanna could feel his gaze burning into her like a knife at her back. She sneered softly but straightened her posture, unaffected.
A few minutes later, some business partners pulled Philip into a conversation, and he was distracted.
“Philip, I’m fine, Joanna said casually. “Go ahead with your meeting. I’ll just get some air by the pool.”
Philip nodded, trusting her to be fine. He knew how capable she was after seeing the way she’d taken control of the design department.
Once he was gone. Joanna grabbed a glass of orange juice and headed to the poolside. It was quieter there, and the air felt less stifling.
But just as she settled down, she heard footsteps. Turning, she saw Margot standing there, her face clouded with anger.
Margot had been comforting Theodora, but when she spotted Joanna alone, she immediately approached.
Joanna, you’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?” Margot hissed. “Why are you even here? Is it because of Howell? You’re not his wife anymore, so what’s your excuse? Why are you still hanging around? You’re shameless!”
Joanna gave a faint smile, her eyes cool and mocking. “Oh, what’s wrong? Not pretending anymore? Is this your turf now? Margot, Howell was just a man I got bored with. If you like picking up leftovers, go ahead.
“But don’t be so obvious. We just got divorced–don’t rush things. You don’t want everyone knowing you’re just the mistress trying to take my place, do you?
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