Chapter 83 Visit
Joanna spotted the car parked in the distance. The license plate matched what Linda had sent her, so she immediately waved and walked over, not sparing another glance at the two people behind her.
Chris was furious at her words. He wanted to grab her and demand answers, but then he saw Joanna getting into a luxury car.
He narrowed his eyes and asked suspiciously, "Joanna knows rich people in this city too? Does Angelo know about this?"
As he spoke, he didn't forget to snap a photo with his phone.
Earlier that morning, he'd learned that the new drug launch collaboration had been won by Smith Group. The Lu family had lost the opportunity to cooperate and didn't need to waste any more effort on the research institute.
Since it was still early before his return date, he accompanied Cynthia home to visit her family. This was also his mother's idea - to discuss their wedding date.
Chris wasn't as resistant to marrying Cynthia anymore. He was even starting to look forward to it, wondering if Joanna would be jealous and regretful after the wedding.
Her current act of indifference and not caring was probably because she didn't believe he would actually divorce her.
Cynthia smiled meaningfully. "I didn't expect Miss Jones to have so many admirers. Chris, no wonder she doesn't care whether you're going to marry me or not."
Chris felt uncomfortable inside and snorted coldly. "She's just putting on an act! Joanna must be anxious inside. Never mind her for now - haven't your parents' car arrived yet?"
Cynthia quickly looked down at her phone. After contacting her parents, she left the airport with Chris.
After being picked up, Joanna started chatting with the girl who came to get her.
"Joanna, it's been so long! Ms. Stone was so happy to hear you were coming, she couldn't sleep well all night!" Katie's excited face was flushed. "Oh, and your trophy from the Blue Ocean Design Contest is still at my place. After I drop you off at Ms. Stone's, I'll go get it!"
Joanna smiled. "It's okay, the trophy can stay with you for now. I'm here today to thank Ms. Stone. And about leaving the industry before - I need to properly apologize to Ms. Stone. Even though she forgave me over the phone, her disappointment over these three years can't be erased with just a simple sorry."
Katie was a bit surprised. "No wonder Ms. Stone always says she has mixed feelings about you. Joanna, you're always too sincere. If it were me, once Ms. Stone said she forgave me, I wouldn't dare bring it up again."
"Ms. Stone has helped me so much, she's like a mother to me." Joanna pressed her lips together and turned to look at the scenery outside the car window, remembering the time when she studied design under Linda.
Back then, she had worked hard to get into graduate school, and despite the tight schedule of medical courses, she still squeezed out time for design.
Linda felt her talent in design was no less than in medicine and didn't want her to give it up. So she made many efforts, connecting her with competitions and company collaborations, even building up the reputation of the rising fashion designer Y.
But not long after graduation, she suddenly disappeared.
Linda must have been very sad and angry at that time. Maybe she even thought she never wanted to see her again.
As Joanna thought about the past, the car had already stopped in front of a standalone villa.
Katie knocked on the door with her. Soon, a white-haired woman came over, looking haggard but also excited.
Linda's aging was something Joanna hadn't anticipated. Three years had passed, and Linda's health was worse than before.
Her guilt grew heavier, and her nose immediately stung. "Ms. Stone, I'm sorry!"
Joanna bowed very seriously. The moment her back bent down, an aged hand lifted her up.
"Alright, I've forgotten about the past. Don't dwell too much on what's already happened. Joanna, I believe your achievements won't stop here. See, didn't I get you to come back? What have you decided about continuing to design new works?"
Honestly, before coming, Joanna hadn't made up her mind about this.
But after witnessing Linda's aging and fatigue, Joanna made her decision. "Ms. Stone, I will continue designing new works. The knowledge you taught me should be passed down through my work."
"Good! Good child..." Linda wiped her tears emotionally. "Come in and eat first. Three years have passed, I don't know if you're still used to the food."
Joanna smiled and said sweetly, "I've been looking forward to this. It's been so long since I had Linda's cooking."
After Katie brought her luggage in, the three of them sat together chatting about the changes over the years.
Linda also revealed an important reason why she hoped Joanna would return to the design world. "I have an unfinished work - a very important charity theme. But halfway through the design, I felt my health deteriorating and couldn't continue. I tried having Katie do it, but she's still too inexperienced, far less experienced than you, and her level isn't enough to help me complete this work."
Joanna was worried Katie might be upset hearing these words and quickly looked at her.
But Katie just smiled awkwardly, looking a bit guilty but also sincere. "Joanna, I know my talent isn't as good as yours. Ms. Stone really hopes this work can be completed. If you don't mind me being slow, I can assist you."
Joanna breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. "Being able to use Ms. Stone's assistant is exactly what I'd hope for."
This charity theme was brought to Linda by a leader from Valeria. Many other designers were participating, including Cynthia's teacher - William.
Linda briefly explained her design concept, then emphasized, "In this charity project, William is the biggest threat, but we can't rule out other dark horses appearing. As far as I know, he'll probably have his students participate too. Joanna, my health has deteriorated, and I can only provide limited help going forward. Facing such a formidable competitor this time, are you scared?"
Joanna took a sip of water and joked, "If being scared could get you first place, then I can be nervous for a bit."
Katie and Linda both laughed, and the three continued discussing the charity theme.
Before they knew it, they'd talked until evening.
Linda arranged for Joanna to stay at the villa and would take her to the studio in a couple of days to see the draft of the work.
The timeline for the charity theme competition wasn't tight - they just needed to submit the design by the end of next month. Joanna wouldn't need to worry about the subsequent judging.
Because she'd seen Linda and cleared up the mistakes from years ago, Joanna slept very soundly that night.
In the morning, she was woken by Katie's scream. Joanna quickly got up to check.
"Something happened to Ms. Stone!"