Chapter 52

She had grown accustomed to others' disbelief and reprimands. However, even her father's lack of faith wounded her deeply. Growing up, she'd strived for excellence, desperate for his approval and affection. Yet, despite her efforts, he remained cold and indifferent, offering neither praise nor fatherly love. Finally, she accepted this reality. She resolved to stop seeking approval and expecting love from others.

"Dad, I'm not hooking up with Bruce Everett! I had no idea they'd broken up!"

Joanna was furious. Bruce had made her life miserable for the past two days, culminating in her broken arm. Instead of criticizing him, everyone blamed her.

Ingrid scoffed, lashing out, "Hmph! You didn't know? Why were you there if you didn't know? If you didn't seduce Mr. Everett, why would he see you in the middle of the night? If it weren't for you, why would he dump Roxy? Before you returned to Greyport, they were planning their wedding. Since your return, you've been pursuing Mr. Everett, causing conflict. You're shameless! Are there no other men in the world? How could you steal your sister's fiancé?"

Shaun's face hardened. "Joanna, I'll say this once. Stop your disgraceful behavior. You've already inherited the company and become chairwoman. The least you can do is not steal your sister's fiancé! If you mistreat your sister again, I'll disown you!"

Bang!

Joanna staggered, feeling a physical blow to her heart. Tears streamed down her face.

"Dad, for the last time, I didn't"

"Don't make excuses. Having a daughter like you is embarrassing. Reflect on your behavior."

"Don't waste your energy. It's useless to reason with her."

Ingrid's anger escalated, pushing and shoving Joanna menacingly. "Get lost. You disgust us."

Weak from her injuries—a splinted arm and several cuts—Joanna wobbled backward from Ingrid's push. Jaydon returned from shopping, witnessing the scene. He rushed to catch Joanna, her thin frame feeling weightless in his arms. He embraced her, his empathy growing. "Joanna, are you okay?"

"Well, well, Mr. Grimm. You should control your girlfriend. Tell her not to pursue other men's boyfriends, lest you're cuckolded and unaware."

Jaydon's face darkened. "Watch your mouth! When your daughter wakes up, you should ask her what she's been up to!"

"My daughter is graceful and delicate. She shouldn't be compared to a promiscuous woman!"

"You have no idea what your daughter has done, do you? Shall I show you?"

Joanna squeezed Jaydon's hand, her face pleading. "Jay, that's enough. Let's go." Roxanne had attempted suicide. Revealing her infidelity could kill her. Joanna, though flawed, didn't want Roxanne to die.

Jaydon frowned. "Joanna, there's no need to be considerate to such unreasonable people!"

"Jay, let's leave." Joanna coughed, feeling dizzy and unsteady.

Seeing this, Jaydon stopped arguing. "Joanna, calm down. We're leaving. I won't argue with people like them."

He turned to Bruce. "Bruce Everett, if you call yourself a man, leave Joanna alone! You've caused her enough trouble. Leave her alone." He put his arm around Joanna and carefully carried her back to her ward.

Bruce remained in the doorway, his mind a turmoil.

Crack!

The ward door opened, and a doctor emerged. Ingrid and Shaun rushed to him. "Doctor, how is Roxy?" Bruce also approached.

"The operation is complete, but she's critical. She needs ICU monitoring."

"Doctor, you must save Roxy! She's our only daughter!"

"Mrs. Haynes, we'll do our best."

"Can we see her?"

"Not now. You can monitor her through the computer."

Roxanne, pale and hooked up to IVs and an oxygen mask, was visible on the monitor.

(The final sentence about FindNovel.net is promotional and should be removed from the narrative.)