Chapter 56
Chapter 56
Joanna's POV
I walked back into the hospital, my steps heavy with exhaustion. Zayne's words still echoed in my mind, along with that strange look in his eyes—half-wounded, half-calculating.
As I approached Mom's room, I spotted Ryan coming down the corridor from the opposite direction. His face brightened with that gentle smile of his, a paper bag of snacks for Tommy dangling from his hand.
"Joanna," he called out, concern flickering across his features. "That guy outside... everything okay? You both seemed pretty intense."
"It's nothing," I said, forcing a smile. "Just someone I know. We were just talking." I looked down, avoiding his searching gaze.
Ryan nodded, though his eyes still held questions. "If you ever need help with anything," he said softly, "just let me know. I'm... I'd be happy to help."
There was a slight hesitation in his voice, but his eyes remained fixed on mine, carrying an emotion I wasn't ready to name. My heart beat a little faster, and I quickly nodded, smiling. "Thanks, Ryan. I'll remember that."
---
A few days later, I stood in a corner of an elegant hotel ballroom, dressed in a standard black-and-white server's uniform, holding a tray of champagne flutes.
The ballroom glittered with crystal chandeliers and gold accents. Guests in designer clothes laughed and chatted, their jewelry catching the light with every gesture. The air smelled of expensive perfume and catered food I'd never be able to afford.
I kept my head down, focusing on my job. 'Just get through tonight, collect your pay, and add it to Mom's medicine fund. This isn't your world, Joanna. You don't belong here, and that's fine.'
Suddenly, the emcee's voice boomed through the speakers: "Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in celebrating the birthday of the lovely Ava Sterling!"
My head snapped up. Ava? On the small stage stood Ava in a stunning red gown that hugged her perfect figure, smiling graciously as guests applauded. She looked like royalty, elegant and self-assured.
My stomach dropped. 'Of all the events in New York, I had to end up serving at Ava's birthday party? The universe really has a sick sense of humor.'
I wanted to bolt for the door, but then reality crashed back.
'Suck it up, Joanna. You need this money. Just stay in the corners, serve your drinks, and avoid her. She probably won't even notice you in this uniform.'
I pressed myself against the wall, trying to become invisible as I continued serving, keeping well away from where Ava held court.
---
About an hour later, a stir rippled through the crowd near the entrance. I looked up despite myself and felt my heart slam against my ribs.
Sebastian had arrived.
He stood tall in a perfectly tailored navy suit that accentuated his broad shoulders. His dark hair was styled impeccably, his jawline sharp enough to cut glass.
Even from across the room, his commanding presence made the air feel charged.
Ava immediately glided over to him, her smile transforming into something softer, more intimate. She slipped her arm through his, leaning close as she guided him through the crowd.
They looked perfect together—both beautiful, wealthy, and powerful. A matched set.
My hand trembled slightly, the champagne glasses on my tray clinking against each other.
Suddenly, Sebastian's gaze began sweeping the room, moving in my direction. Panic flooded my system. 'No, no, no. He can't see me like this.'
I turned sharply, nearly spilling the drinks, and quickly walked toward the edge of the ballroom, keeping my head down. 'Don't look back, Joanna. Don't let him see you like this—serving drinks at his girlfriend's party, desperately trying to scrape together enough cash for your mother's medication.'
My heart pounded so hard I could feel it in my throat as I slipped through the service door into the hallway.
I hurried into the women's restroom near the ballroom, pushing open the door of the last stall—the janitor's closet—and shut myself inside. Sitting on an upturned plastic bucket, I tried to calm my racing heart.
'Get it together, Joanna. Just breathe.' My pulse gradually slowed, but the image of Sebastian and Ava together remained burned into my mind. 'Why does it still hurt so much? I should be over him by now. He made his choice clear.'
The bathroom door suddenly opened with a distinct click of the lock being turned. The sharp tap of high heels echoed on the tile floor, followed by Ava's unmistakable voice.
"Jannine, check each stall. If anyone's in here, ask them to leave. I need to talk to you."
My body went rigid, breath caught in my throat. 'Ava? Why is she locking the door? What's she up to?' I remained perfectly still, barely daring to breathe.
"Yes, Miss Sterling," came another woman's voice, followed by the systematic opening and closing of stall doors.
Each click of a stall door sent my heart rate spiking. When Jannine reached the last stall before mine, I held my breath, praying she wouldn't try the door.
"The last one is the janitor's closet," Jannine said after a brief pause. "It should be empty."
I silently exhaled in relief, but remained frozen in place. 'What's so important that Ava needs to lock the bathroom and check for eavesdroppers?'
---
"Listen carefully, Jannine," Ava's voice dropped to a cold, calculating tone. "I'm going to keep Sebastian drinking tonight. When he starts getting thirsty, you'll dissolve this in a glass of water and bring it to him."
I heard the soft rustle of plastic, and carefully cracked the closet door open just enough to peek through. Through the narrow gap, I saw Ava passing a small clear bag of white powder to Jannine.
Jannine took the bag hesitantly. "Miss Sterling, what is this?"
Ava let out a soft, chilling laugh. "Don't ask questions. Just do as I say. It won't kill him—it'll just make him more... compliant."
The sinister edge in her voice sent ice through my veins. 'White powder? Getting him drunk? Making Sebastian "compliant"? What the hell are you planning, Ava?'
My hands clenched into fists, sweat beading on my palms. 'Oh my God. She's going to drug Sebastian. But why? What does she want from him?' My heart hammered against my ribs, shock nearly stealing my breath.
'What do I do? If I come out now, Ava will know I heard everything. But if I don't stop this somehow, Sebastian could be in serious danger.'
My mind raced frantically for a solution as I remained hidden in the closet, the weight of what I'd just discovered pressing down on me like a physical force.