Chapter 54

"Have you completed the discharge procedure?"

Jaydon frowned, concerned. "I haven't yet. You're badly hurt; I think you should stay a few more days."

Joanna insisted, getting out of bed. "No, I can't! Lilia will be scared if she doesn't see me."

"All right, then. I'll fill out the paperwork."

"Okay!"

Half an hour later, Jaydon completed the discharge procedure. Joanna had changed her clothes. The only inconvenience was the splint on her hand. Jaydon carried her medicine and belongings.

As they opened the ward door, Shaun appeared.

Joanna was surprised. "Dad"

"Joanna, what are you doing?" He hadn't realized how badly she was hurt. His anger prevented him from noticing her broken arm. Perhaps she hadn't received enough fatherly love as a child. Nevertheless, his simple greeting warmed her heart; she thought he'd come to see her.

"Dad, I'm all right. Don't worry!"

"Sure," Shaun replied indifferently.

"Well"

"Dad, just tell me."

"Mr. Everett just appeared and promised to marry Roxy when she recovers."

Joanna's eyes lit up. "Oh, I see!"

Shaun's face straightened. "Joanna, I don't want you involved with Mr. Everett anymore!"

Joanna was dumbfounded. She'd thought he'd come to check on her; she'd been naive. He only cared about his two sons and Roxanne. He wasn't there to care for her, but to warn her.

"This will put you in a difficult situation. However, you saw what happened to Roxy! Stay away from Mr. Everett, and don't hurt Roxy again. She's too fragile and innocent to protect herself! You're her older sister; you must yield to her"

Before Shaun finished, Jaydon interrupted coldly, "Mr. Haynes, you worry too much! Bruce was always bothering Joanna, not the other way around. And your daughter is hardly innocent!"

Shaun ignored him. "It's best if you and Mr. Everett stay apart! Look at Mr. Grimm—a talented young man. You've found a wonderful man, so don't think about your sister's boyfriend."

"Dad, I never thought about Bruce! I wouldn't approach him! You didn't need to come all this way to warn me!"

She rushed forward.

"Joanna, wait. I still have something to tell you!"

Joanna paused.

"Remember to calculate the company's quarterly dividend. Your brothers and Roxy are senior employees; even if they aren't working, you must pay them."

Joanna sneered. Her last hope for her father's love shattered. She smirked at Shaun.

"Dad, you think too much. Employees don't get paid if they don't work. But don't worry, Haynes Group will pay you a ten percent dividend, and I'll transfer it to your bank card."

"Joanna, Rick, Ry, and Roxy are your siblings. Why can't you just overlook it?"

"Dad, they don't need this salary. Grandpa had enough assets for your expenses. His will stipulated I'd inherit some money and property, but I got nothing. Shouldn't you give me that?"

"You That was long ago! It no longer counts!"

"Ha!" The pain felt like a knife to her heart; she didn't want to see him another second. She left him and departed.

Driving, Jaydon complained, "Your dad is so weird and biased!"

Joanna sighed, tears falling. Except for her three children, she had no family.

Jaydon offered tissues, feeling bad for her. Though their situations differed, he understood her feelings.

The Grimm family was complicated. Though he was Sebastian's favorite son, Sebastian had three wives, four younger brothers, and five younger sisters, none from the same mother. Therefore, he had no plans to stay in Venturas and take over the family business after graduation. He moved to Greyport and worked independently.

The final sentence about the website is irrelevant and has been removed. I also corrected several minor inconsistencies in capitalization and phrasing for improved flow.