Chapter 91

"Joann, what's wrong?" Jaydon asked. His voice came from the other end of the line. "Speak!"

Joanna paused. "Um, I've asked Davian and Irvin about the advertisement shoot. Davian's unwilling, but Irvin's willing."

"Oh, that's great!" Jaydon exclaimed.

Joanna worriedly continued, "I want to ask again. The shoot won't interfere with his studies, will it?"

"No," Jaydon assured her. "One day is enough."

"Alright then! When will it be shot?"

"Next Sunday."

"Great!"

Jaydon smiled. "I'll pick him up next Sunday, then."

"Okay. If there's nothing else, I'll hang up."

"Okay," Jaydon said, casually placing the phone on the table. He always waited for Joanna to hang up first.

After the call, Carmel, the little minx, sat on Jaydon's lap, whining. "Mr. Grimm, you're too nice to Ms. Haynes! You're paying for her son's public service announcement, and she doesn't appreciate it. Why bother?"

Jaydon pinched Carmel's face, smiling faintly. "Why? Are you trying to control the boss now, huh?"

"Humph, you're biased," Carmel huffed. "You treat Ms. Haynes so well! No more!" She leaned coquettishly into his arms, her hands unbuttoning his shirt.

Lately, Jaydon had showered Carmel with attention—press conferences, cocktail parties, and almost every night. She'd even begun fantasizing about becoming his wife.

At the other end of the line, Joanna hadn't hung up. Listening to their flirtation, she felt an indescribable emotion. She knew Jaydon was a playboy, and no matter how well he treated her, she kept her distance.

Soon, heavy breathing was audible through the phone.

Chapter 91

Joanna pursed her lips and silently hung up. She took a deep breath and forced a smile. "The children and work are the most important things! Everything else is unimportant!"

Half an hour later, Jaydon and Carmel finished. Carmel was exhausted. Jaydon lit a cigarette and picked up his phone, browsing his contacts. His expression changed—he was visibly upset, oblivious to the ash falling on his chest. He'd only spoken to Joanna for less than two minutes, but the call log showed five! Joanna had listened for three minutes after he hung up!

Jaydon frowned, his heart racing. He wanted to call Joanna, but dismissed the thought.

For two days, neither called the other. On the third, Jaydon called hesitantly.

"Hey, Joann," he said.

"Jay, what's up?" Joanna replied calmly.

Jaydon pretended nonchalance. "What are you doing? Lunch?"

"Busy today," Joanna said. "Another day."

Jaydon hesitated. "That day…"

"Which day?" Joanna feigned ignorance. She knew what he meant—he was gauging her reaction. But she wouldn't demand he distance himself from other women.

"Um, it's alright," Jaydon mumbled, unsure what to say.

Joanna smiled. "No matter what, you'll always be my best friend!"

Jaydon was speechless. He'd rather she'd been angry, jealous even. This felt like platonic friendship.

"Well, next Sunday, I'll pick you and Irvin up for the studio," Jaydon said. Chapter 91

Joanna paused. "Jay, if the advertisement is to help me, it's not necessary."

"No, it's not just that," Jaydon said. "It's about environmental protection. We still have to film it."

"Alright then!"

The weekend arrived. Jaydon picked up Joanna and Irvin. The advertisement was about environmental protection—a young boy collecting bottles to donate to children in mountainous areas. The shoot was successful, heartwarming and soothing.

Afterward, Joanna left with Irvin, refusing Jaydon's payment. Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ Find_Nøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

At the hospital, Margaret had been hospitalized for a week. Bruce had canceled everything to care for her. Roxanne had been helping.

"Bruce, rest," Roxanne said. "I'll look after Margaret."

Bruce looked haggard. "It's okay. You go back."

"Margaret's not discharged yet," Roxanne said. "I can't leave."

"She's past the critical period," Bruce said. "You don't need to stay."

"Alright! I'll go change and come back…"

After Roxanne left, Margaret opened her eyes. Weak from surgery, she asked, "Bruce, how will you handle your marriage with Roxanne?"

"Um…I don't know," Bruce said dejectedly. He didn't dare mention breaking up again.

"Since you're engaged, don't overthink it," Margaret said. "Just live a good life!"

Bruce placed his hands on his temples. He had no feelings for Roxanne. Marriage would only harm her.

Chapter 91

Roxanne rushed home, locking herself in her room. Gavin had bombarded her with calls and messages. She called him back.

"Gavin, I told you not to call again!"

"Roxy, even if you're married, we can still be together!" Gavin said. "Bruce doesn't love you. Why are you with him?"