Chapter 7
7
“Howell L… I’m just so afraid of losing you,” Margot said cofily, her voice trembling. “That’s why I feel so insecure.
“When I went away to study, it was so I could be good enough for you. But now that I’m back, there’s no place for me anymore. I’m scared you’ll fall for Joanna
Howell’s expression darkened as he watched her, his eyes full of quiet restraint. His voice, however, was sharp and cold. “Don’t do this again. If it happens next time, you’ll handle it yourself”
Margot froze.confusion flickering in her eyes. She thought. “What does he mean by that? Fear suddenly gripped her.
She knew how much Howell valued his principles and boundaries. She had overstepped, and now she was paying the price.
From now on, she needed to be careful. If she pushed him too far, he’d grow disgusted with her.
She had already been humiliated by Joanna today. Next time, she had to be more cautions
She lowered her head, biting her lip and trying to sound more vulnerable. “Howell, I understand. I won’t do it again. It’s my fault for causing you Trouble”
Howell remained silent, has face unreadable. Without another word, he turned and walked toward the inner hall, clearly ready to confront Joanna
When Howell entered the inner area, he immediately spotted Joanna. She was laughing and holding onto Philip’s arm, face immediately darkened
in his eyes as he gently looked at her.
looking utterly at ease. His
she used
“Joanna, are you alright! Why didn’t you let me step in?” Philip asked, concern in
“Philip, I can handle it” Joanna replied playfully, a small smile tugging at her lips. “See Wasn’t it satisfying?” She wasn’t the helpless person il
‘t go so far”
“You re a handful, you know that?” Philip chuckled, though h his eyes softened as he saw how much Joanna had grown up. “Next time, don’t
“Got it. Joanna said with a cheeky grin. “By the way, I’m hungry. Let’s have some dessert, shall we?”
“Go ahead, just let me know if you need anything
“Okay“” Joanna replied, then made her way to the dessert counter. The pastries there were made by world–class Phuewood chefs–rich, smooth, and melting in your mouth
As slur took a delicate bite of one, savoring the taste, the suddenly felt a shadow fall over her. Looking up, she saw Howell standing before her, his
She glanced at him for a moment, then casually returned to her dessert, ignoring him as if he were a stranger,
Howell’s heart tightened at being dismissed so easily. His irritation flared, but remembering Philip was nearby, his anger was reignited. “Joanna, is
that man that reason you were so quick to divorce me?”
Joanna’s lips curved into a slight smile, the kind that barely concealed her mocking tone. “Mr. Buckley, we re divorced. It’s none of your business anymore. Who I’m with or not with, has no bearing on you.
“Besides, you’ve always liked Margot, haven’t you! I’ve stepped aside so you two can be together. What else do you want from me?”
She fought, “What’s wrong with limit I’ve been more than generous already. Why can’t be just let it go?
Howell frowned, has expression turning ity. “What does this have to do with Margot!”
Tarold laugh, her voice dripping with sarcasmi: “Oly, really? Doruï’t it? Isn’t she your lover, the one you can never forget? You wouldn’t dare tell me she’s pot the one in your heart, would you!”
Howell was sent for a moment, las expression coll
“So now you’re acting
spoke, “What gives you the right to accuse me? At least I haven’t done anything to betray.
ven fualized the divince, and yet you’re already at a party holding another man’s hand?“
Do you want me to can you in bed with her before you’ll admit it. Mr. Huckley?”
11:59 AM
Chapter 7
“Joanna” Howell was seething with rage. He thought. How does this woman always know how to push my button
Sering his anger, Joanna felt oddly calm. “Howell, after three years of murriage. I have nothing to feel guilty about. I’ve done nothing wrong. From now oil. I want us to go our separate ways and never cross paths again“.
With that, she set her plate down and stood up, ready to leave. Her appetite was gone; after everything that had happened, even the most exquisite desserts sermed bland.
Just then. Philip came over. He’d been watching from a distance, and he c
couldn’t help but think, This Howell is really hard to shake off
“Mr. Bockley, I think you’ve the wrong person. Your date’s over there, practically drooling over you. My Joanna only needs me,” he said, yanking Joanna away
What the hell did he just say? My Joanna Howell froze for a moment, his brows f
furrowed.
was undeniable. How could they claim they don’t know
His lips tightened, and his fisis clenched without thinking. The intimacy between them was u each other before”
Margot watching from the sidelines, was seething with rage. That damm Joannat I’m not letting this slide. I’ll figure out a way to get back at her, no
Muller what
by some things
After dropping Margot off. Howell sped away in his car, has mind a whirl of thoughts. Margot had wanted to invite him up for coffee, but he hadn’t given her the chance. Though frustrated, she had no choice but to let it slide. There was always tomorrow. When she got home, she was relieved to see her manager, Cecelia Townsend, standing at the door. Margot thought. Perfect tar
timing. Cecelia was supposed to have arrived a couple of days ago but had been delayed With Cecelia here, Margot felt more at ease. Cecelia was smooth and dependable–a good ally. Meanwhile, Howell, lost in thought, found himself driving to the old apartment he had once shared with Joanna. He opened the door, and the silence hit him like a wave. The apartment, once filled with her pr No more hearing her bustling about, taking care of everything. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but there was a strange, empty feeling in his
presence, was now empty.
Back then, no matter how late he came home, she would always be waiting, a soft light glowing by the wall. She would smile at him, immediately pour hum honry water, take off his shors, and help him with his tie.
She was always so attentive, so patient. And yet, he had taken it all for granted. Every smile she gave, every little thing she did for him, he had never appreciated it
He had always been distant, never offering a kind word. But that foolish Joanna kept giving, as if it didn’t matter.
Now, sining on the cold sofa, he suddenly felt a deep loneliness settle over him
He pulled our a cigarette and lit at, hoping it would ease his restless mind. The smoke swirled around him, mingling with a faint trace of her scent. For a trotzett, he felt an odd sense of nostalgia
But as soon aude remembered her holding Philip’s h
is hand tonight, his anger flared up again.
He did understand. He had thought Joanna was just speaking out of frustration, but now it seemed she was dead serious.
That tralization only added to his turmoil. Unable to sleep all night, he arrived at work the next morning with dark circles under his eyes Handey was the ligat to appmath, r
Cready to f
to brief lumn on the day’s schedule. But before he could speak, Howell interrupted.
*Find out where Joanna is, he ordered, lis võite cold
Hanley hesitated, then quickly got to work. He couldn’t help but wonder to buself, “Mr. Huckley is divorced, so why is he still so concerned about his ex wife? But he kept these Hinglats to laluself. He disha’t dare say them out loud.
lly noon, Hanley came back with an awkward expression.
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11.58 AM
Chapter 7
Howell raised an eyebrow as he saw Hanley hesitating.
His patience was clearly running
ning thin “Spit it out.
“Mr. Buckley, I found out… Joanna is working at Menzie Group now. People there say her relationship with Philip is quite close,” Hanley reported, eyes lowered.
The moment he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the office shifted. Even from several feet away, the cold, tense air was palpable.
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