Chapter 59 Reconciliation
Soon, everyone started checking Y's social media.
From the draft details to the guidance in the emails, it was indeed... Y's work.
The contemptuous looks immediately softened.
Jena's face also darkened. "You know Y? Then why didn't you say so earlier? Why did you have to let us embarrass ourselves like this!"
Joanna remained calm. "Would you have believed me if I had? Even if I explained, you'd still question and doubt me, and probably expect me to drag Y and Linda here in person to tell you themselves before you'd believe it."
It was originally just a small gift-giving episode. Since Joanna had chosen to give the gift, she wouldn't care how Nicole handled it. She just didn't expect it to attract so much doubt.
Cynthia felt a bit awkward too and tried to smooth things over, saying, "Oh my, it's a misunderstanding. We should have thought of it. Joanna knows Y. Although this gift isn't from a master jewelry designer, you put thought into getting Y to help."
As she spoke, she wanted to pick up the gift and return it to Nicole, but, seeing Nicole's disgusted expression, she could only awkwardly place it on the table.
The gift, stained with wine, had fallen to the floor and collected dust. Although it would be clean after washing, Nicole couldn't get past that mental barrier.
If she wore it, it would mean compromising with Joanna.
So even knowing the piece had Linda's guidance, she could only reluctantly toss it in a corner to gather dust.
Joanna sighed, feeling a bit sorry for her work, but at least it was just an immature crossover design.
If it were clothes she designed being treated this way, she'd probably go crazy.
Of course, Joanna didn't forget the main issue, staring coldly at Nicole. "So I just got slapped for nothing?"
Chris saw that the matter was resolved, but Joanna was still unsatisfied. He steeled himself and pulled her away, warning in a low voice, "Today is my mom's birthday. Don't forget what you promised me!"
Joanna looked up at him. "So I'm just supposed to do nothing?"
Chris gritted his teeth and said, "I'll have finance transfer ten million to you when I get back!"
Since Joanna had been wronged, the ten million for Henry wouldn't be delayed anymore. He'd have the finance transfer it tomorrow when he got back to the office!
Joanna withdrew her gaze and said nothing more.
Consider the ten million as payment for this piece.
Cynthia watched Joanna being pulled away by Chris, furious. Were these two really going to reconcile? Chris used to believe her and question Joanna directly—how could he wait patiently for her explanation? And Joanna actually knows Y! This means last time with the draft, it really was Joanna framing the company! Chris knows and isn't angry?
The more Cynthia thought about it, the more unwilling she felt. She took a photo of their backs, found a number, edited it, and sent it.
Nicole had been about to get angry from Joanna's questioning, but seeing her son step in, she couldn't lose her temper again.
This birthday party turned out to be somewhat unpleasant after all.
When it was time to leave, Chris specifically said to Joanna, "I'll give you a ride."
Joanna knew the apartment was far from here and didn't refuse.
In the car, neither of them spoke.
When they were almost at the apartment, Chris asked, "When are you moving back to the villa?"
Joanna looked back, puzzled. "When did I say I was moving back?"
Chris frowned. "Didn't I tell you at the hospital last time to move back to the villa? Doesn't your mom hope we'll have a child?"
Sandra certainly hoped so.
Joanna just hadn't told her that she and Chris had been living separately for a while now.
She lowered her eyes and said, "That was just to calm her emotions. Chris, our cooperation is over. If there's a next time, I'll come find you."
Deep down, she hoped there wouldn't be a next. She still needed to resolve everything quickly and come clean with her mom so she wouldn't have to deal with the Coopers anymore.
Having made up her mind, Joanna stopped paying attention to Chris. All the way to the apartment, Joanna got out of the car without a word to Chris, with no intention of inviting him up.
Chris watched from the roadside for a while, confirming she had no attachment whatsoever, before driving away in frustration.
After them, a familiar car also quietly turned off its lights.
Angelo looked at Joanna's apartment location, saw the light turn on in that room, lit a cigarette, and looked down at the photo on his phone.
Had they... reconciled?
No, they probably hadn't, otherwise Chris wouldn't have dropped Joanna off here.
The Hillside Villa, where they used to live together, was still empty, with servants only going to clean every few days.
Angelo watched the cigarette burn down, then deleted the photo from his phone.
He blacklisted the sender.
The winter weather was a bit cold. Angelo didn't stand outside long before returning to his car.
He called Joanna. "The surgery for my uncle's friend can start tomorrow. Have you arranged your schedule?"
Joanna had just changed into home clothes. Hearing this, she smiled. "Of course. I asked Dr. Lawson for half a day off. I'll go to the hospital in the afternoon."
"Mm." Angelo hesitated, then asked tactfully, "Why did you suddenly want to take on surgeries? Is the hospital's salary not enough? Do you need a raise?"
Joanna quickly refused, "No, no. My dad just got into some trouble again, and the company needs money. I've already got the money, so don't worry."
Got the money? From Chris?
Disappointment flashed in Angelo's eyes, though since they weren't face to face, Joanna couldn't see it.
Thinking of Henry and Chad who kept dragging Joanna down, Angelo asked, "Your father's mess... I think I can help."
Joanna hesitated, not answering.
Actually, she had already covered the money Jones Corp needed. What remained was just getting Henry released. If she troubled Angelo with that, wouldn't she owe him even more?
Joanna ultimately refused, "Angelo, you've already helped me so much! The medical team you found is great. My mom has even woken up recently. I haven't found a proper chance to thank you yet!"
Angelo chuckled softly, "The help I'm talking about is different from what you're thinking. What I mean is that your dad and your brother might not be suitable to manage the company. Do you need me to help you find a professional to take over?"