Chapter 9
Joanna couldn’t help but think to herself, “Well, since I’m here, I might as well go with it! She and Britney soon arrived at the conference room.
When Sirena saw them, she quickly spoke up. “Miss Caldwell and her manager just arrived”
Joanna nodded and stepped inside. As soon as she entered and saw the people seated, her brow furrowed.
It felt like her worst fear was coming true. Not that she was scared of her, but she really didn’t want to get caught up in all that mess. It was like the universe was just fucking with her. Yeah, it was Margot.
And when Margot saw her, her eyes widened in surprise. She raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a mocking smile. “Joanna, what a coincidence. What are you doing here!”
Sirena, overbearing this, was puzzled. She thought. ‘Do they know each other? But when she saw Margot’s unfriendly tone, she quickly realized there must be some history between them.
A little thrill ran through her. She thought, Maybe someone
one will finally
finally put Joanna in her place. Then, I can be rid of her once and for all
Sirena quickly stepped in, trying to maintain professionalism. “Miss Caldwell, this is our Design Director, Joanna. She just sta
I started today
Margot looked at her as though she had just heard the most absurd thing. “Ms. Field, you must be joking. She’s the design director? A housewife who never steps outside her front door?
“And this is supposed to be Osland City’s best design company? Are you really trying to pass this off as professional?”
Her manager immediately joined in with his criticism. This is ridiculous! We need a top–tier designer, not some amateur!”
Sirena, clearly uncomfortable, tried to smooth things over. “Miss Caldwell, our director is an excellent designer. How about we sit down and discuss things properly!“
Joanna unfazed, walked up to Margot and spoke calmly, “Miss Caldwell, I’m the designer assigned to your project. If you’re not satisfied, you can request sartarone else at any time!
Margot sized her up. At first, she’d planned to just walk out–there was no way she’d wear anything designed by her. But seeing Joanna’s calm demeanor, she decided it was time to tear off her mask.
Margot thought, Joanna must have used Philip’s influence to land this position–there is no way she is a real designer. She’s just donned a fancy title‘ Margot was determined to make her regret pretending to be something she wasn’t.
“M.. Osbome, is at Margot began, her tone dripping with condescension. “Since we’re practically acquaintances, I guess I owe you a favor. Let’s go over the details, shall we?”
Joanna nodded, her expression cool and professional. “Of course”
the designs,” Margot said, deliberately dropping his name. “Tve g
got performances. press conferences.
“Actually, it was Philip who sent me here for th and various events with him coming up.”
Joanna uninterested in her attempt to boast, cut to the chase. “Do you have any specific requests for the designs, or would you like me to handle everything?
She didn’t give Margot a chance to continue with her bragging. The sudden shift in focus left Margot’s face tightening in frustration.
Margot thought. That bitch She’d expected to get a reaction, but Joanta just stayed cool as ever. Why the hell is she so calm
“Ms. Osborne, you must be familiar with Philip’s preferences, right?” Margot pressed. “Just design something to his liking. After all, the clothes are for him”
Her words, sharp and pointed, were all about Philip. She made no attempt to hide it.
Joanna kept her expression neutral. “Miss Caldwell, I’m afraid I don’t quite understand”
Tigla Lough. “Philip doesn’t love you. No matter h
Dlc sorry, Horgot. Margot said
Joanna’s gaze remained cool.
r how good you look, he won’t give you a second glance.”
If you’re not here to seriously discuss the designs, I think it’s best if you leave
i just speaking the truth,” Margot inerred. “Alright, you’re the designer, so I’ll leave it to you. I want two dresses designed, and you’ve got five days. Hope they meet my standarıls”
1/2
11.58 AM
Chapter 9
She scanned Joanna, her jealousy bubbling up. Joanna had become more confident and beautiful, her outfit elegant and well–put–together, giving off a chic and poised vibe.
Margot couldn’t help but feel a twinge of frustration. She thought, “How did joonna, of all people, become a design director? She’s just a housewife. How did she suddenly become so talented!
Margot gritted her teeth, thinking to herself, ‘She must be copying someone else’s work. “There’s no way she can come up with this on her own.
Joanna remained unruffled. “I’ll do my best.”
“You’d better take it seriously, Margot warned, her tone dripping with superiority. “Otherwise, I’ll report you to the company. Who knows, you might not even keep your job as design director”
Joanna didn’t flinch, her expression steady. “Miss Caldwell, please take care, Goodbye, Joanna said flatly, turning and leaving the meeting room without another word
Margot scoffed, then walked out after her.
It was Joanna’s first official day at work, and since she was handling Margot’s case, she got so wrapped up in the work that time flew by. By the time she checked the clock, it was already time to go home.
She stretched and got ready to leave. After all, she didn’t want to skip dinner and risk her baby going hungry
She grabbed her bag and walked out of the other. She’d originally planned to have a driver pick her up, but since it was rush hour, she decided it would be quicker to take a taxi
Just as she stepped outside, the screech of tires cut through the air. A car slammed to a stop right in front of her.
The sound of tires screeching against the pavement was sharp and grating
Joanna jumped, startled, and looked up, only to meet Howell’s cold. ft
Howell’s cold, furious gaze
Her eyes widened in surprise, and a wave of uncase washed over her. She thought. What’s he doing here? What does he want?
Howell opened the car door, stepped our, and walked straight toward her.
“What what do you want?” Joanna’s heart skipped a beat, a sense of foreboding creeping in. His expression was dark, as if she owed him millions. His face was unreadable, his lipst
ps tight. He
He spoke in a low, commanding E voice. “Get in
in the car. His tone left no room for argument.
Joanna swallowed, forcing herself to stay calm.” Is something the matter?” She took a step back, putting some distance between them.
“I need to talk to you” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “If you want everyone to know, I don’t mind having the conversation right here”
He took another step closer, his presence overwhelming. The cold intensity in his gaze sent a shiver down Joanna’s spine.
“Mr. Buckley, we’re divorced.
- We h have no further connection,” she said firmly, pushing him away,
“Joanna!” His voice was icy, like it came straight from hell. “Don’t provoke me, or the consequences will b
Joanna didn’t move, but Howell, lusing his patience, grabbed her and yanked her into his chest.
be yours to deal with.”
She slammed into his hard body, the heat from his chest swallowing her up, and she couldn’t help but feel this surge of warmth. The scent of las cologne hit her all at once, and the heat pouring off him made her heart race, leaving her frozen for a second.
୦
