Chapter 105: Kiss
Joanna looked worried: "That's a substantial amount of money. I feel guilty about it, so I prepared the maximum compensation. Now Jones Corp probably can't come up with that money, and the victims' families won't be easy to calm down."
The victims' families had known about the compensation for a while and had been waiting for it.
Yesterday's incident at the company happened because the promised payment didn't go through, and news spread about Chad running off with the money.
From the victims' families' perspective, they must think the company was just putting on a show and wasn't sincere about compensation.
Right now, their emotions were probably at their peak.
The police were also in a difficult position. They could only say they'd do their best about the compensation, but couldn't really help much.
He suggested: "Try borrowing from friends and family. That gentleman waiting for you outside seems well-off, he should be able to help. Alright, today's statement is complete. Miss Jones, please don't leave Austin City for now, in case we need to call you in for questioning."
Joanna said she understood and got up to leave.
Angelo was standing outside. Although he couldn't hear what was being said inside, when he saw Joanna come out looking upset, he could guess.
"Jones Corp isn't a big company. It was controlled by Henry before, and the accounts were basically running at a loss, needing Cooper Corporation's investment to keep going. You must have tried many ways to gather this compensation. If Jones Corp can't come up with it in the short term, Smith Group can help."
"Angelo..."
Joanna instinctively wanted to refuse, but Angelo cut her off.
"Joanna, I know you don't want to depend on anyone anymore. Chris hurt you badly. Your strength alone is limited - you can try accepting my help. Smith Group makes many charitable investments every year. This one from Jones Corp is nothing. You can even treat it as a loan and pay me back later when Jones Corp makes a profit."
Angelo spoke very sincerely, addressing all of Joanna's concerns.
She couldn't find a reason to refuse and could only agree: "Then thank you, Angelo. I'll find a way to make the company profitable as soon as possible."
Angelo smiled and nodded, not taking her words too seriously.
He was helping Joanna simply because of who she was, not for any business interest.
Besides, helping Joanna so much, he had his own selfish reasons.
If Joanna kept owing him favors she couldn't repay, she would never lose touch with him or forget him.
Only by keeping him in her thoughts could their relationship develop further.
Perhaps Angelo's gaze was too intense - Joanna didn't dare look directly at him. She looked down and searched for her phone to tell Lyle the good news.
"Nothing can go wrong this time. We need to get the compensation out quickly and calm them down."
Lyle was also surprised that she'd gathered the compensation so quickly. "Don't worry, boss. Once those families get the money, they won't trouble the company anymore. I'll work hard to lead the employees in bringing positive returns to the company."
Getting his assurance, Joanna wasn't actually that happy. She said a few encouraging words and hung up.
Seeing Angelo still watching her, she smiled bitterly: "Lyle is very capable, but doing business and projects isn't that easy nowadays. I'm not hoping to make big money, just hoping to fix all the problems left behind."
Whether finding projects himself or reviewing the investment department's bids, Angelo had sharp judgment and rarely failed.
He understood Joanna's concerns. "It's okay. If Smith Group has good projects later, we can help Jones Corp out."
This wasn't exactly good news for Joanna: "I'm troubling Angelo too much. I actually don't have high expectations for the company. You're helping me so much, I really don't know..."
Halfway through, Joanna thought of Angelo's confession.
She bit her lip, closed her eyes, and just went for it: "If you need it, I can pretend to be your girlfriend to deal with your parents' pressure about marriage."
Angelo didn't expect her to say that. He suddenly leaned in to look at Joanna's eyes.
When she didn't hear anything for a while and opened her eyes to look, she realized she was too close to Angelo.
Almost nose to nose, their eyelashes seemed about to fight, touching then separating.
Joanna jumped back in fright, but didn't stand steady and almost fell.
When she thought the pain was coming, a large hand caught her waist and pulled her back. Her breath landed on Angelo's neck, and when Joanna tried to speak, her lips seemed to kiss Angelo's Adam's apple.
Both their bodies froze, forgetting to separate for a moment, making the kiss last a full ten seconds or so.
Until Angelo couldn't help swallowing, and Joanna was forced to kiss him again.
She quickly pulled away, her ears already turning red.
Angelo also pressed his lips together. "Sorry, if you're unhappy about it, I can make it up to you."
"No no no, I lost my balance." Joanna said nervously, picking at her palm. "Angelo, it's not your fault. I was the one who crossed the line. I hope you're not angry."
Angelo's eyes were bright as he said playfully: "This kind of crossing the line, I'd prefer to have every day."
Joanna felt too embarrassed to speak anymore.
The two stood awkwardly for a while, until Peter finished seeing Chad and completed the financial certification for Jones Corp.
"Mr. Smith, Miss Jones, why aren't you leaving?"
Joanna coughed. "Leaving now. I think I'm not going your way, so I'll just take a cab. Bye~"
Her hurried departure looked a bit flustered.
Peter didn't understand why, until he saw the lip mark on Angelo's neck. His eyes widened in surprise: "Mr. Smith, you took advantage of the situation! Did you pressure Miss Jones?"
Angelo glanced at him. His good mood was ruined, but he just kicked Peter.
"Don't say these things in front of her. She'll be embarrassed."
Peter said with a grin: "Of course I know. Miss Jones has had it rough. Anyone else would've been driven to depression by that family. But Miss Jones is strong inside, always sunny and cheerful, living her life with contentment."
Angelo looked at Joanna's disappearing figure, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly: "That's just one of her good qualities."
Peter didn't say anything, but his expression was clear: Angelo was in love.