Chapter 21

Stories about Joanna Haynes had been fabricated and posted online. Overnight, the internet buzzed with accusations against her. Every day, reporters and protestors gathered outside her office. Despite the onslaught, she continued to go to work.

Back at the Hilbert Hotel, Jaydon arrived early with flowers.

"Oh, hey, Jay!" Joanna greeted him, opening the door. She was preparing breakfast for her children. Even with three nannies, she often cooked for them.

"Have you eaten anything? Sit down and let's eat together," Joanna offered.

She poured Jaydon a glass of milk and made him a sandwich. He accepted without comment, readily eating it, surprising himself. He had always hated sandwiches, but Joanna's cooking changed everything.

"Joanna, I've found a good house," Jaydon said. "The neighborhood is friendly, and it offers excellent privacy. You should move in with the kids soon."

"I will. Thank you, Jay," Joanna replied, looking exhausted as she continued making the sandwich. Jaydon watched her thin back, feeling sorry for her.

He hugged her gently from behind. "You shouldn't go to the office these days," he said.

"It's alright. I'm fine!"

"I know you say that, but look at you. How much sleep did you get last night?"

Joanna smiled, flipping her hair. "I'm really fine," she insisted. "Just a little tired."

She didn't convince him. His concern was evident in his gaze. "Don't forget you have three children to take care of. Who will look after them if you collapse?"

Joanna raised her eyebrows, paused, then shrugged. "I'll find a way."

Jaydon sighed. "Joanna, you can't put up with this anymore. You have to fight back!"

"Of course. I'm not the girl I was six years ago. I won't let Ingrid and the others get away with this!"

"That's good to hear. I'm so happy to see you pulling yourself together," Jaydon said, smiling. "My PR team is working on it. We should see a turnaround tomorrow."

"Um, Jay, I…" Joanna hesitated.

Jaydon smiled brightly and interrupted, "No, you need to stay out of sight for now."

"Why?"

"It will pique people's curiosity, making them assume you're having a breakdown. The rebound will be stronger."

"Alright," Joanna agreed. "Perfect timing. I can move the kids." Staying in the hotel wasn't a long-term solution; she was settling in the city with her children.

"By the way, you need to take some photos," Jaydon added.

Joanna looked at him, bewildered. "Photos?"

"Yes. Public opinion is against you. You need to present positive images before your reputation is ruined. Also, the Haynes Group's share price has plummeted. We need to act, or your company will collapse."

"Okay, whatever you say!" Joanna trusted Jaydon implicitly. He was one of the few people she trusted.

The next day, Joanna didn't go to the office.

"Did that bitch kill herself?" someone sneered.

"Maybe she's hiding. People are furious. Who knows if someone will attack her?"

At the Haynes villa, Roxanne excitedly showed Ingrid her phone. "Mom, look at the comments! Ha! Your hired trolls are awesome!"

Ingrid sneered. "This is just the beginning. It's far from enough. I'll make her pay. But it's satisfying to see people call her a whore!"

Shaun came downstairs. "What's all the excitement?" he asked.

"Nothing!" Ingrid answered quickly.

"Dad, have you seen the news?" Roxanne asked.

Shaun frowned impatiently. "No, and I won't. Nothing interesting." He knew the news would be filled with negativity about Joanna.

"Dad, are you just going to let her run wild like this?"

"The company is a mess. If Joanna wants to make a splash, let her," Shaun said flatly. "When things get out of control, she'll beg me to come back with tears!"

"That's right! Since that bitch gave us a hard time, we'll make her suffer, too!" Roxanne said fiercely.

Shaun sighed. "Don't call her that. She's your sister…"

Roxanne pouted. "I don't have a sister like that!"

"Dad, do you want me and my brothers, or Joanna?"

"Of course, you three. We're a family. As for Joanna… that wretched girl… Enough of her. I need to control my blood pressure."

The next day, an anonymous article appeared: "Three Crimes of Joanna Haynes!"

The title immediately grabbed attention. The lengthy article detailed Joanna's life, particularly her difficult teenage years after returning to the Haynes family and facing rejection from everyone, including her father, Shaun. While seemingly critical, it provided context and a more nuanced perspective. Changing public opinion wouldn't be easy, but this was a crucial first step.

(The final promotional sentence has been removed as it is irrelevant to the cleaned-up text.)