Chapter 88

Irvin stammered, looking at Joanna intently. "Mommy, we didn't"

Joanna's heart skipped a beat at his reaction. It seemed the boys had indeed touched her computer.

"Mommy doesn't like dishonest children. Tell me the truth!"

The boys confessed in childish voices, "We did use the computer."

A chill ran down Joanna's spine. She stared at her sons in disbelief. "So you really sabotaged Mr. Everett's engagement banquet?" The boys exchanged glances, silent.

"Did you do it?"

".Yes."

"Why?" Joanna's voice rose.

Irvin cried, terrified. "Mommy, don't be mad!"

Davian, resolute, lifted his small face. "Mommy, it's not Irvin's fault. I did it! Punish me!"

Joanna gasped, her eyes darkening. "Why?" She glared at Davian, furious—more furious than she'd ever been.

Six years ago, the blame for ruining Bruce and Roxanne's wedding had fallen on her, tainting her reputation. Now, her sons had caused similar trouble. People would undoubtedly assume her involvement again, a reputation she couldn't possibly clear.

Overwhelmed, Joanna scolded Davian, tears streaming down her face. Davian remained stubborn, silent, unyielding.

"Say something! Why? Who taught you?"

"Mommy, don't be mad at Davian!" Irvin cried. "We we wanted to clear your name, Mommy!"

Joanna was stunned, speechless.

Irvin continued, "Mommy, don't blame Davian. Davian saw people online attacking you, calling you a bad woman, saying you ruined someone's marriage! Davian and I didn't believe it, so Davian copied the six-year-old engagement video. He fixed it, found evidence that you were wronged. We know you were wronged, so we did this to stop people calling you a vixen."

"Mommy, don't be angry! Don't blame Davian!"

Joanna cried at their words. She hadn't seen the video yet. She was shocked by their knowledge and actions.

"Don't do this again! Do you understand?"

"Yes, Mommy! We wanted to protect you."

Bruce looked at Joanna coldly. "Well? Anything else to say?"

Joanna closed her eyes. What could she say? She would take the blame for her sons.

Davian glared at Bruce. "You bad guy! You can't bully our mommy! You can't call her a vixen! I did it! Don't pick on my mommy!"

Bruce raised an eyebrow, studying the angry boy. He couldn't believe a four-year-old had done this, yet found the child strangely adorable, seeing a resemblance to his younger self. He felt a pang of pity; such a smart, cute child belonged to Jaydon. This admiration quickly turned to disgust.

"Joanna, how do we resolve this?"

Joanna took a deep breath. "Bruce, I apologize on my children's behalf. I'll accept all consequences."

Bruce faintly smiled. "Are you prepared to accept all the consequences?"

"What do you want?"

Bruce repeated her question, his eyes darkening. He hadn't decided yet. "I need to think. " His expression was unreadable.

He wasn't angry; he was relieved to know the truth. Six years ago, his hasty judgment had led him to misunderstand Joanna.

"Blame me! This has nothing to do with my mommy! She was wronged, she would never do such a thing!" Joanna sighed, calming herself. "Davian, Irvin, to your rooms!"

The boys looked at her anxiously.

"Now!"

"Yes, Mommy." They went to their rooms, quietly closing the door behind them.

Joanna sighed, a hint of guilt in her voice. "Bruce, how do you want to handle this?"

"You're asking me?" Bruce raised an eyebrow.

"Yes."

"I'll apologize on my sons' behalf. I'll cover all losses from the banquet."

Bruce sneered. "You don't have to bear responsibility."

"Then what do you want?"

Bruce stared at Joanna. After a pause, he blurted out, "Leave Jaydon."

"Bruce, be realistic!"

"If you want me to drop this, break up with Jaydon."

"And?"

"And be my lover."

Joanna was despondent. "No. Anything else, but not that."

"Only that."

Joanna stared, speechless. "Are you serious?"

"Joann, I'm serious. My wedding with Roxanne is canceled."

Joanna was dumbfounded. This would only bring more accusations against her.

"Bruce, act like an adult! Marriage isn't child's play!"

"I know!" A strange expression flickered across his face.

Joanna frowned. "You'll hurt many people! They'll think I sabotaged"

Bruce stepped forward, silencing her. "You are responsible. Joanna, I love you. I've misunderstood you for years."

Joanna's eyes widened, fear evident as she recoiled. They stood in a tense silence, until a commotion erupted outside.

"Joann!" Jaydon arrived with his men. "Bruce, what are you doing to Joann?"

"Jay, why are you here?"

"Jaydon, don't interfere! Otherwise, I'll show you no mercy!"

Jaydon sneered. "Bruce, don't push it. Joann is nothing to you. Leave her alone!"

The unnecessary final paragraph was removed as it was a repeated advertisement.