Chapter 127

Yosef’s eyes blazed as he glared at me. “You little brat! Why would you throw wine at her? Don’t you know she’s carrying your brother’s child?” His anger was palpable, his voice shaking with fury. He thought, No one, not even my own daughter, is allowed to hurt my unborn grandson!

I had anticipated this reaction, watching Sophia feign vulnerability in his arms. Fighting fire with fire wouldn't work this time; Sophia was a master manipulator, and I needed to play her game.

“Dad, you’ve got it wrong,” I said with a calm smile. “I saw Sophia drinking wine and panicked. A pregnant woman shouldn’t drink, right? In the struggle to take the glass from her, it spilled. I didn’t throw it on her.”

As soon as I said that, Sophia froze, her smugness vanishing. Yosef’s fury softened, his face filled with doubt. “Is that true?” he asked, his gaze shifting from Sophia to me.

“Oh, of course!” I replied, feigning innocence. “I was just worried about the baby. I didn’t mean to startle her.” I looked pointedly at Sophia, signaling her to corroborate my story. She never expected this sudden change of course. Some people and situations simply require unconventional approaches.

Sophia’s mind raced. This girl is turning the tables on me! But if she argued, she’d look like the villain. Begrudgingly, she softened her voice and said, “I… I might have overreacted.”

Yosef saw more people gathering and didn’t have time for detailed questions. To save face, he quickly decided, “Honey, how many times have I told you not to drink? But you never listen, do you? Thank goodness for Yvonne! Come on, let’s get you to the restroom to freshen up!”

He guided Sophia away, leaving me standing among the dispersing crowd. I watched their retreating figures, my gaze steady.

Suddenly, Lucy appeared beside me, clapping enthusiastically. “Yvonne, you’re amazing! Three sentences, and you completely shut her down. That was incredibly satisfying!” she exclaimed, grinning. She had come to watch the drama and was thrilled with the outcome.

I snapped back to reality, my face serious. “Lucy, Sophia just confessed. She’s the one responsible for my mother’s fall.”

Lucy’s smile vanished, replaced by shock. “That vile woman! Let’s take her to court immediately!” she growled.

I shook my head and sighed. “It’s useless. My mother jumped when Sophia wasn’t there. Even with text messages, it wouldn’t hold up in court—especially with her pregnancy as a shield.”

“Ugh, that baby really is her get-out-of-jail-free card,” Lucy muttered, clenching her fists. Then, brightening slightly, she added, “No matter. Revenge can wait. We’ll deal with her after she gives birth.”

Her words offered some comfort, but as my mind relaxed, a sudden realization struck me.

“Oh no! I forgot about Hayden!” I exclaimed, my eyes widening as I scanned the room. “Lucy, have you seen him?”

Lucy groaned and muttered, “Don’t tell me you’re still looking for that jerk. Is your romantic side back?”

Over on the fifth floor, Joanna led Hayden into room 50a. As they stepped inside, the automated lights flickered on, illuminating the space from the entrance to the balcony. Unbeknownst to them, a figure was hiding behind the curtains. Ethan, blending seamlessly with the shadows, remained motionless, observing the scene silently through a narrow gap in the fabric.

Outside the curtain, Hayden turned to Joanna, his voice cold and indifferent. “You said you’d explain everything. Go ahead.” Since she wanted to explain, he decided to give her the opportunity.

Joanna stood with her back to him, her fists clenched tightly. I have to buy more time. Forcing herself to remain calm, she said, “What do you want to know?” Meanwhile, her eyes darted around the room, landing on a bottle of wine and two glasses on the cabinet. Mother must have sent those. With these props, the plan was halfway successful.

Hayden wasn’t aware of her intentions, but he noticed her unusual behavior. With a slight frown, he finally spoke, “When we were overseas, it wasn’t you who took care of me…”

Joanna’s heart nearly stopped. It seems like Hayden knows everything, explaining his sudden change in attitude. With things as they were, the only option was to keep up the act.

“This is a long story,” she said, turning to him with a faint smile. “Why don’t we have a drink first? Talking…”

Next was the sound of liquid being poured into a glass. After pouring the wine, Joanna turned and handed a glass to Hayden. At first, he didn’t take it. His deep eyes just stared at her coldly.

Joanna’s heart trembled, but she forced a smile. “Don’t you want to find out? At least have a drink with me, will you?”

Finally, Hayden took the glass, his movements slow and deliberate. Hidden behind the curtain, Ethan smirked, amused by the tension. I was the first person to arrive and saw the server put something in the wine. I wasn’t sure what it was, but it was definitely nothing good. But he didn’t plan on warning Hayden because Mrs. Parker only asked him to check the situation, not to help anyone. Everything else wasn’t his concern.

Hayden twirled the glass, his gaze fixed on Joanna. “I remember you don’t like drinking,” he said flatly.

Joanna’s heart skipped a beat, but she covered it with a light laugh. “But sometimes, alcohol gives me courage,” she said, raising her glass and clinking it lightly against his.

Watching her drink, Hayden finally brought the glass to his lips and took a small sip. Joanna’s heart soared. It’s done. The drug will take effect soon. There’s no going back now! Things that were once deeply buried could now be revealed without worry.

Joanna took another sip and said, “I thought you’d never know. When my mom heard you were injured abroad, she arranged for me to be sent. Just as I arrived, you woke up. I’m curious, how did you find out?”

Hayden’s voice was calm, devoid of surprise. “The truth can’t stay hidden forever.”

Joanna saw his expression and laughed bitterly at herself. “I really can’t hide anything from you. You always said you wanted to hear me play the piano, but you were just testing me. You never truly trusted me.” Everyone thought Hayden treated her exceptionally well, but only Joanna knew the truth: he wouldn’t even touch her.

Hayden’s eyes darkened, his tone sharp. “So you don’t actually know what that tune is…”