Chapter 29

Joanna felt a strange resurgence of sensitivity. After her divorce from Bruce, she'd vowed never to fall in love again; relationships, she believed, only brought pain. Yet, four years later, Bruce was again causing her turmoil. Tears welled in her eyes. She retrieved some sertraline and paroxetine from her bag and swallowed the pills without hesitation. She would bury herself in work.

She'd been away from the office for several days, accumulating a significant backlog. Overtime was in order. Her team was already arriving; it was time to address some underperforming employees.

Half an hour later, a black Mercedes-Benz S600 pulled up downstairs. Jaydon emerged, hurrying towards the building. He owned numerous luxury cars, but preferred driving this one when alone, avoiding ostentation.

"Where's Joanna?" he asked the receptionist with concern.

"Miss Haynes is in a meeting, Mr. Grimm. Please have a seat."

"Thank you."

Jaydon sat, and Cora, the receptionist, offered him lemonade. He drank it quickly.

"Another cup, Mr. Grimm?" Cora asked with a smile.

"Yes, please."

Jaydon winked at Cora, a knowing smile playing on his lips. He was adept at charming women; his amorous gaze often captivated them. Cora refilled his glass and returned to her desk.

Jaydon commented, "You're in great shape. It's a shame you chose business over show business."

Cora blushed. "Mr. Grimm, please don't joke."

She was tall and well-proportioned, though her face wasn't as striking as her figure. Jaydon, who had a penchant for women with ample chests and long legs (Joanna being a notable exception), found her physique captivating. He couldn't help stealing more glances. Joanna, though slender and delicate, possessed stunning beauty, particularly her remarkable eyes—the most beautiful he'd ever seen.

An hour later, Joanna's meeting ended, as did Jaydon and Cora's flirtation. They exchanged contact information.

"Miss Haynes, Mr. Grimm is here."

"Send him in."

Jaydon, after one last lingering look at Cora, entered Joanna's office. She was engrossed in documents, her makeup immaculate, her appearance projecting competence and sharpness. His earlier levity vanished.

"You've arrived. Have a seat. Ten minutes. I'm working."

"Take your time."

Jaydon watched her silently, finding a different kind of satisfaction in observing her than he did with other women. The burning desire was absent; he felt only a protective instinct. He'd rushed to apologize, assuming she was angry about a phone call, but now the need felt unnecessary. She knew about his other relationships.

Ten minutes passed. Joanna finished her work, brushed her hair back, and smiled. "Finished?"

Jaydon rose, placing a hand on her chair. "Why did you hang up on me earlier?"

Joanna smiled. "Nothing. I wanted to call you. I was wondering about good restaurants nearby."

Jaydon was taken aback, unconvinced by her explanation.

"Really," she continued, "I just moved. It feels like ages since we've had dinner. I'd like to tonight."

Jaydon, seizing the opportunity, suggested a restaurant.

"It's a bit far," Joanna countered. "I have work tonight."

"Let me decide. You're inviting me to dinner."

"Fine. Do we need a reservation?"

"No, I'm a member."

"Let me pay this time. You always pick up the tab."

"Agreed. Consider it a reward for a director of a major company."

Joanna laughed. "Eat all you want."

"Let's bring Davian and Irvin."

"Good idea."

Joanna called Miranda. "Miranda, take Davian and Irvin downstairs. I'll pick you up later. We're going to dinner. Tell Nancy not to cook."

"Understood, Miss Haynes."

Joanna shut down her computer.

At Joanna's house, Davian and Irvin, upon hearing Miranda answer the phone, excitedly prepared to go out.

Ten minutes later, Miranda and the boys waited at the gate. They'd barely waited a minute when several menacing men in black suits approached and forcibly abducted the children.

Miranda screamed, "What are you doing? Put them down! Help! Kidnapping!" She struggled, but was too frail to fight them off.

"Help! Let go of me!" Davian cried as he was bundled into a waiting car.