Chapter 31

Davian and Irvin were only slightly injured. After the doctors sterilized their wounds and applied ointment, they were fine. Jaydon also sustained minor injuries, requiring only a bandage.

"Joann, if you don't want to send them abroad, how about Venturas? There's an exclusive private kindergarten there, and they'll be starting kindergarten soon."

"You could send them there to study. Venturas is only an hour from Greyport by boat; you could visit weekly."

"Let them stay there for a while. After Bruce and Roxanne marry, he'll likely forget about them and leave you alone."

Pausing, Jaydon continued, "Lilia hasn't been exposed. Don't worry about her; just keep her with you." Joanna looked at him hesitantly.

Greyport and Venturas are separated only by the sea. Venturas, though small, is the only city in the country where gambling is legal. The Grimm family is one of Venturas's top three gambling tycoons.

"But it's too close. Bruce might easily find them."

Jaydon smiled, putting his arm around her shoulder. "It's alright. I'll send someone to protect them. Don't worry. You can tell Bruce the children are abroad, and bring them back once things calm down."

"All right"

"Then I'll arrange it."

"Okay, thank you," Joanna said.

"Mommy, where are we going?"

"You're old enough for kindergarten. Soon, you'll be a big boy and start studying."

"We get it," the child replied.

The next day, Jaydon drove Joanna and the boys to the dock to catch a boat to Venturas. Roxanne also returned home, tiredly. As usual, Gavin drove her partway on his motorcycle, after which she took a taxi to her destination. They went to such lengths to maintain secrecy and avoid being photographed together.

Jaydon's car and Gavin's motorcycle passed each other. Joanna, looking out the window, saw a woman on the motorcycle who strongly resembled Roxanne, even though the woman wore a helmet.

"Is that Roxanne?"

Jaydon braked, glancing in the rearview mirror. "She looks like her from the back."

They couldn't see her clearly, but the motorcycle stopped. Gavin dismounted, followed by Roxanne. They removed their helmets, and Gavin repeatedly kissed Roxanne's cheek—a clear display of intimacy.

Joanna recognized Roxanne. "It's Roxanne. Bruce is a cuckold," Jaydon scoffed.

Joanna frowned. "Maybe they're just friends"

Jaydon sneered. "Joann, you don't understand men. They can't be just friends."

He stopped abruptly, unable to reveal his true feelings. "Take a picture and send it to Bruce or the media."

Joanna quickly stopped him. "No. Don't do this."

"Why?"

"I don't want to hurt her." She knew that releasing the photo would ruin Roxanne's life, remembering the pain of cyberbullying.

"Joann, you don't want to hurt her, but she could hurt you."

Joanna sighed. "She's my sister. Six years ago, she didn't marry Bruce because of me. I owe her. I can give her some leeway. I hope she'll behave herself."

"Alright. Your call."

Jaydon accelerated, speeding away.

At Haynes's house, Roxanne arrived home exhausted after a night out with Gavin, her legs still trembling. Ingrid, having breakfast, greeted her. "Roxy, you're finally back."

Roxanne replied languidly, "Mom, I'll go upstairs and shower."

Ingrid grinned. "Tell Mom why you were out all night. Did you sleep with Mr. Everett?"

Roxanne looked away. "Mom, don't be gossipy. I'll shower first."

"Fine, fine. Go ahead. You're finally enlightened, my silly daughter. I told you to make the first move."

Roxanne rushed upstairs before Ingrid finished. Ingrid, seeing her daughter's weakened state and the hickeys on her neck, assumed she'd spent the night with Bruce and was pleased. She'd be furious if she knew Roxanne had spent the night with a poor man.

The children were soon ready for kindergarten, the admission procedures complete. The kindergarten catered to wealthy families, requiring both money and connections. Tuition cost hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, and its secrecy was excellent, even evading paparazzi.

After settling Davian and Irvin, Joanna felt relieved and returned to Greyport that day. Believing Bruce wouldn't find them in Venturas (the Grimm family's territory) quickly, she went home.

It was nine o'clock. The large house felt quiet without the boys. After showering and disinfecting herself, Joanna visited Lilia, who lay quietly on her pink bed. Her pale skin was striking due to her lack of sunlight.

"Lilia, Mommy's back."

Lilia smiled. "Mommy, where are my brothers?"

Joanna stroked her daughter's hair. "Mommy sent them to kindergarten. They're big boys now, it's time for them to study."

"When can I study?"

Joanna felt sorry for her. "My dear Lilia, you can study when you're better."

"I see!"

"It's time for your medicine, dear." Joanna produced pills and vitamins.

"Yes." Lilia obediently took them, never crying, no matter how bitter.

"Good night. Mommy's here."

"That's great!" Lilia smiled, closed her eyes, and slept. Her long eyelashes and eyes resembled Joanna's. She looked like a beautiful doll, though it was a pity she was disabled, unable to walk or even stand.