Chapter 139

"What did you say?" Ingrid's voice shot up.

Shaun frowned, saying earnestly, "I said that after what happened to Roxy, it's best to cancel the engagement with the Everett family."

Ingrid looked shocked. "Excuse me? Are you out of your mind? Roxy's already so unlucky, and you want her to break off the engagement? What are you thinking? Are you insane?"

Shaun sighed heavily, his voice laced with heartache. "I'm doing this for Roxy's own good! Even if she marries into the Everett family, she won't be happy. It's better to cut her losses now than to suffer for the rest of her life."

Ingrid exploded, poking Shaun's head. "What do you mean? You want Roxy to give that opportunity to Joanna, don't you? You claim you're not biased, but you are!"

Shaun stamped his foot anxiously. "Of course not! My heart aches for Roxy. I don't want her to marry into the Everett family! If Mr. Everett truly loved her, he would have married her long ago. Now, even if she marries him, she'll be unhappy. I'd rather she find someone who truly loves her, even if he's from a less affluent background."

Ingrid's face darkened. "Forget it! Roxy will marry into the Everett family! Even if she dies, she'll be an Everett! She's already suffered enough. If she's abandoned by the Everetts, how will she live?"

"Oh, you women are so shortsighted! Do what you want. I don't want to argue with you" Shaun knew Bruce no longer loved Roxanne. After what happened, it was even more impossible. Even a forced marriage wouldn't last.

Ingrid continued to berate him. "Don't contradict me on this! Also, hold a press conference next week to announce you're severing your relationship with Joanna. If she hadn't been involved with Bruce, Roxy wouldn't be heartbroken. This is all Joanna's fault!"

"Got it."

On the other side, Kelly brought Irvin home.

"Irvin, you're back!" Lilia asked worriedly.

"Lilia, I'm back!"

"Where's Davian?"

"Mommy sent Davian to Venturas with Miranda."

"Oh"

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. Don't worry!" Irvin forced a smile. He knew his mother was upset, but he was too young to help. "Where's Mommy? Why didn't she come back with you?"

"Mommy's with Mr. Grimm."

Lilia stopped asking. She understood her mother's dedication to providing for them. The three children were remarkably mature for their ages.

An hour later, Jaydon comforted Joanna until her emotions calmed.

"I'll take you home."

"Okay."

Jaydon drove Joanna home without further comment.

"Irvin, Lilia, Mommy's back!" Joanna tried to sound relaxed.

"Mommy" The children were unusually quiet, noticing her red, swollen eyes.

"Mommy's fine. Be good."

Irvin stammered, "Mommy, I want to stay home. I don't want to go to the hospital."

Joanna saw he was in better spirits and had his medicine. "Alright, rest well."

"Okay."

"Joann, Irvin, I'm so sorry. It's my fault! I feel terrible about what happened to Irvin!"

"It's okay. It's not your fault!"

"Mr. Grimm, when I recover, I'll continue my guest appearances."

"Alright, I'll wait for you."

"Okay!"

"Irvin, lie down and rest. Don't run around."

"Got it, Mommy!"

Kelly took Irvin to his room. Only Jaydon and Joanna remained.

"Joann" Jaydon hesitated.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Call if you need anything. I'm always here."

"Thank you, Jay."

Jaydon put his arm around her shoulders, gazing at her gently. "You're always so polite, making our relationship distant." Joanna lowered her eyes. "I don't know how to tell you."

"Just say it. I'm listening."

"Forget it." She wanted to tell him not to get too close, fearing Bruce would hurt him, but she couldn't bring herself to speak. "Jay, I I'm afraid something bad will happen to you!"

Jaydon smiled quietly. "It's fine. Don't worry."

"Jay, how about…"

Jaydon understood and gently pulled her into his arms. "Alright, you don't have to say anything. I know."

He was disappointed, knowing he might not be able to compete with Bruce.

In the following days, Joanna threw herself into her work, trying to avoid thinking about her problems.

Monday arrived. Under Ingrid's pressure, Shaun held the press conference.

"From today, I officially announce that I've severed my relationship with Joanna Haynes! She is no longer a member of the Haynes family…"

The news shocked the reporters.

"Mr. Haynes, why are you disowning your daughter?"

Shaun said coldly, "Joanna Haynes has nothing to do with me. The reason is not for public disclosure. This press conference is over. I will never mention Ms. Haynes again."

His use of "Ms. Haynes" emphasized his decision, sparking public curiosity. Joanna was once again thrust into the spotlight. Negative headlines exploded across online platforms. The positive press she’d worked to achieve was instantly destroyed. Shaun's actions were a heavy blow.

Joanna, in her office, looked at the online attacks and Shaun's cold demeanor at the press conference. She felt not pain, but numbness and coldness. The wounds inflicted by those closest hurt the most because they knew precisely where to strike.