Chapter 244

Shaun placed the fruit basket on the bedside table, trying to disguise a grimace as a smile. Joanna critically scanned his expression. He clearly had a request. Otherwise, why would he visit?

Unwilling to beat around the bush, she asked directly, "Dad, what's wrong?" Small talk felt repulsive.

Shaun smiled awkwardly. "No, it's nothing. I heard you were hospitalized, so I came to see you."

"No matter what, you're my daughter. Let bygones be bygones!"

Joanna remained silent, eyeing her father suspiciously.

Shaun shifted uncomfortably, picking up the fruit basket. "Oh, have some fruit! I'll peel an apple for you!"

"No need," Joanna interjected. "You don't have to go to so much trouble."

"No, no, no. Apples are good for your health. I'll peel one for you!"

Shaun opened the basket and took out an apple. "Where's the fruit knife?"

Ms. Chain immediately intervened. "Mr. Haynes, Madam is very weak and on a strict diet. Her fruit must be specially imported." She produced a plate of expensive fruit from a safe. These were far more costly than Shaun's.

Shaun flushed, embarrassed, and put down the apple. "Alright then. Forget it."

"Joanna, how long have you been in the hospital? Are you hurt?"

Joanna's suspicions were confirmed. Shaun had a request. "Dad, what do you want? Just say it."

"Well, it's nothing really."

His stammering angered Joanna. Sensing her displeasure, Shaun blurted out, in an obsequious voice, "I want to bring Roxy home!" He continued, "Can you tell Bruce to let Roxy come back?"

Joanna was confused.

Shaun explained, "There was a misunderstanding between Bruce and Roxy. In anger, he imprisoned her at Sherane Bay Villa. You know Bruce's temper. Roxy is pregnant. Aunt Ingrid and I feel it's best to bring Roxy home."

Joanna frowned. "Then go to the villa yourselves. Why tell me?"

Shaun sighed. "Bruce won't let Roxy go! I called Bruce, but he refused to listen."

"So you want my help now?" Joanna retorted.

She knew her father wouldn't visit without reason. He had something to ask.

Seeing Joanna's impatience, Shaun became angry. "Joanna, you and Roxy are both my daughters. I love you both equally! I won't blame you for what happened between you and Bruce…"

Joanna laughed angrily. "Ridiculous! What right do you have to blame me?"

Shaun paused. He thought: This wench stole her sister's boyfriend! Shouldn't she be chastised?

"Alright, alright. Let's not talk about this. Just tell me, will you help?"

"If I could, I would. But, as you said, Bruce has a violent temper. Who can stop him?"

Shaun's tone softened. "But you're different. You have a special relationship. Who else would he listen to?"

"Hmph, did you ever consider you might have overestimated my influence on him?" Joanna said coldly. She didn't want to continue. She hadn't seen this anxiety from him during her imprisonment!

"Joanna, I know you're angry, but Roxy is trapped in Sherane Bay Villa. She's pregnant! If anything happens…"

Joanna rolled her eyes. "Dad, I can't help. Bruce won't listen to me. Go to the police!"

Shaun punched his legs in exasperation. "Just tell Bruce to let me take Roxy home! It's simple! Do you have to make excuses?" His voice rose, his smile vanishing.

"It's not that I don't want to help, but you know Bruce's temper! Why would he listen to me?"

"How can you know if you don't try?" Shaun retorted. "If he refuses, kick up a fuss! Make enough of a fuss, and he'll listen!"

Joanna was speechless.

"I'm begging you, Joanna. This is a small matter. Should I prostrate myself?"

Joanna felt indescribable emotions. "Pass me my phone, Ms. Chain. I'll call Bruce."

Ms. Chain hesitated, then handed over the phone.

Bruce, in a meeting, answered. "Hello!"

"It's me," Joanna said coldly.

Bruce's tone softened. "What's wrong?"

Joanna glanced at Shaun, who urged her on.

"Um, I heard from my father that you detained Roxy at Sherane Bay Villa. Is that true?"

Bruce frowned. "What's wrong?"

"Can you ask Roxy to come home? Daddy is very worried. He wants to bring her back!"

Bruce was displeased. He couldn't believe Shaun asked Joanna for help. How shameless!

"Joanna, don't interfere! I'll explain later. I'm in a meeting." He hung up.

Joanna said coldly, "Well, I called him. He won't listen."

Shaun didn't give up. "Do you think he'll listen to that tone? Tell him if he doesn't let Roxy go, you'll throw a tantrum that will shake the heavens!"

"Are you kidding me?" Joanna was furious.

"Call him again! I must get Roxy today! If you don't call, I won't leave!"

"Suit yourself!" Joanna snapped.

Shaun cursed, "How did I give birth to a daughter like you? If I had known, I would have thrown you in the toilet! Roxy is your sister! You not only stole her man, but you also colluded with him to harm her! Do you have any humanity?"

"Calm down, Mr. Haynes! This is a hospital!" Ms. Chain reminded him.

Shaun's eyes widened. "She's my daughter! Can't I teach her a lesson?"

Ms. Chain explained, "Madam just had surgery. If you continue agitating her…"

"She's perfectly fine! It's just a phone call!"

"Alright, alright. I'll call him again!" Joanna sighed.

She called Bruce again.

"What's wrong? Why are you calling again?" Bruce asked.

Joanna went straight to the point. "Please let Roxanne go home today!"

"Joanna, she's involved in an important murder case! Before I investigate, she can't go anywhere."

Joanna understood. Bruce suspected Roxanne hired a hitman to kill her sister.

(Note: The final "SEND GIFT" and website promotion are removed as they are extraneous to the text cleanup.)