Chapter 12
- 15.
Joanna rubbed her stinging check, holding back tears. “Byron, don’t let it get to you. We’ve got what we need. Let’s go visit Grandpa at the hospital.”
Byron gave a short nod, and they left the store. But as they reached the car, his phone buzzed again. It was an urgent work call.
Joanna, always understanding, said, “I’ll go see Grandpa alone. You take care of work.”
Byron nodded coldly, got in his car, and drove off.
He wanted to see how long Sylvia could keep up this act. He knew her too well–she couldn’t let go of Zack, always worried Joanna would take her place as his mom.
He smirked, thinking, “Three years hadn’t changed her for a bit.
Joanna hopped into a taxi, heading straight for the hospital.
On the way, she slapped a cooling mask on her face, hoping to ease the swelling from Sylvia’s slap.
Edward, still recovering from surgery, was propped up in his hospital bed.
Cedric was chatting with him.
Joanna knocked softly and stepped inside.
“Sir, I came to see how you’re doing,” she said, placing a stack of pricey supplements on the bedside table.
Edward frowned and waved her off. “Take your stuff and leave.”
Ever since he found out Joanna caused Byron and Sylvia’s divorce, he hadn’t had a nice word for her.
Cedric was unaware of the family drama. He thought Edward was just doing this because he was in a bad mood.
So, he chimed in, trying to calm him down, “You need to rest and heal. She’s just showing she cares. No need to kick her out.”
Edward’s jaw tightened. With Cedric there, he couldn’t spill the family secrets, so he let Joanna stay–for now.
Joanna gave Cedric a thankful nod.
She was counting on her charm and persistence to win Edward over, setting the stage for her and Byron.
She’d tried getting Zack to sweet–talk Edward into approving her marriage with Byron, but for some reason, Zack hadn’t said any of the things she’d told him to.
“Mr. Groove, how’s he doing? I’ve been so worried,” Joanna said, her voice full of concern.
Cedric smiled “My mentor did Edward’s surgery yesterday, and it went great. He’s doing line.”
“Your mentor operated on Edward?” Joanna’s eyes brightened. “If he stops by the hospital, I’d love to thank him in person.”
Cedric nodded. “It’s ‘she,‘ actually. And I came to tell Edward that she’s swinging by soon to check on him.”
Edward laughed from his bed. “My lifesaver’s coming to visit? Cedric, you should’ve told me! I’d have gotten gifts ready.”
Stuck in the hospital, he didn’t have his checkbook or anything valuable.
Plus, he’d never met this person. He was wondering what kind of thank–you gift would be proper.
Joanna jumped in, cager to score points. “Sir, don’t worry. When she shows up, I’ll thank her for you.”
Edward’s face darkened. “What’s that got to do with you?
Jeanna’s smile faltered, her attempt to butter him up falling flat.
Cedric stepped in, calming things down. “Edward, don’t worry. She’s not the greedy type. She’s got a heart of gold.
Edward’s interest was piqued.
Hed thought Cedric did the surgery, but now he was curious to meet this mysterious savior.
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4:11 PM
Chapter 12
Joanna, always eager, said she was going to get Edward some fruit.
She stepped out of the room–and stopped dead. Sylvia was walking toward her.
Joanna’s face soured. She stepped in Sylvia’s way. “Sylvia, what are you doing here?”
Sylvia gave her a cold look and kept walking toward the room.
Joanna’s eyes flared with resentment. She blocked Sylvia again. “Sylvia, I know you heard about Edward’s surgery, but he’s not up for visitors. Why don’t you come back later?”
She knew Sylvia was here to win Edward over; no way was she letting that happen.
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