Ch. 2881..2890
Chapter 2881
Is she seriously here to visit Joan? What has gotten into her mind? Wasn’t she the one behind Joan’s
misery? How dare she drop by to visit her?
Wait! Is this part of her scheme? When that particular thought crossed Larry’s mind, he stopped her at
the entrance. Consequently, Della responded with an awkward smile. It was evident that she wasn’t
welcomed there.
“Who is it?” Joan walked over, but the moment she saw Della at the entrance, she unwittingly took a
few steps back.
Horrified by Della’s presence, Joan couldn’t help but wonder if the woman at the entrance was there to
harm her again.
“Joan, I’m here to visit you,” Della immediately explained the reason she had dropped by.
What does she want from me? Why is she so concerned about me all of a sudden? She must be up to
something again!
Joan urged Larry in a soft voice, “Why don’t you let her in?”
With that, Della forced a smile and made her way into the office.
“Are you feeling better yet?” Della asked in a sincere tone while she approached Joan. This time, it
wasn’t a pleasantry as she was genuinely concerned about Joan’s condition.
“Thanks for asking. I guess I should consider myself lucky because I’m still alive,” Joan replied with a
good-natured remark, curious about what the woman before her was up to.
“Joan, please forgive me for the things I have done. I was young and ignorant back then. Allow me to
express my utmost apologies.”
Uh… What on earth is happening? Gaping at the duo’s conversation, Larry got on his guard instantly.
Della’s apologizing to Joan? He had never seen Della admitting her flaws and mistakes in front of
others, yet she showed up out of nowhere and begged for Joan’s forgiveness.
Subsequently, the eyes of the confused man narrowed to a slit while a suspicious look crept up on his
face.
What exactly is Della up to again? More importantly, what’s wrong with Joan?
Why did she allow Della to join us when she knows that the woman is up to no good?
“I guess it’s time to move on from the past. It’s not a bad idea to let bygones be bygones,” Joan
muttered her reply.
If she truly means it, I don’t mind burying the hatchet. However, if it’s merely part of her trick to lure me
into another trap, I won’t forgive her!
That said, Joan had a hard time telling whether Della was being sincere due to her seemingly flawless
act. She’s a natural-born actor, huh? A few minutes ago, she was so cheery when she showed up at
our doorstep, yet she’s looking sullen and remorseful now.
“Are you sincerely apologizing?” Larry glanced at Della and deadpanned his question.
Della added, “Yes, Mr. Norton! I’m here to apologize for the things I have done to Joan in the past.
Please forgive me. On top of that, allow me to express my utmost gratitude for the aid you have
provided my family and our company.”
Since when has he done her any favor? Clueless, Joan turned around and cast a skeptical gaze at
Larry.
I guess Mr. Duff has told her everything.
Once Larry figured out the reason behind her sudden change in behavior, he nodded in
acknowledgment. At least she has a conscience.
‘”Larry, nothing I say can possibly undo my mistakes, but I hope you can forgive me,” Della dropped her
head and apologized with a look of guilt.
As someone who had always known right from wrong, she would refrain from doing anything extreme
to win Larry over.
Clenching her fists with all her might, the anxious woman thought she must have lost her mind back
then. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have done such unforgivable things to them.
Since Della seemed genuinely remorseful, Larry responded with a relieved grin. Perhaps Fred did the
right thing. As long as she can learn from her mistakes, there’s still hope for her.
“Your father will be proud of you as long as you refrain from causing him any trouble and focus on
improving the company’s condition. Also, your father needs you more than ever before. Please keep
him company if it’s possible,” Larry added while giving Della a meaningful look.
Chapter 2882
Fred might have told her about their company’s condition. However, there was a huge probability that
he had yet to reveal his actual physical condition to his beloved daughter.
After all, no parent would want their child to worry about them.
However, it might be too late should he continue keeping her in the dark.
Larry narrowed his eyes and looked out the window, wondering if he should tell Della everything about
Fred.
Della tapped on his shoulder and asked, “Larry, is something bothering you?”
“Are you aware of your father’s actual condition?” he replied with another question.
When she heard him, she lowered her gaze. She recalled that the maids had once vaguely mentioned
something about her father’s condition. Does Larry know about it?
After she took a deep breath to gather her thoughts, she mustered her courage and asked in a
determined tone, “Larry, can you tell me everything you know about my father’s condition?”
Great! That’s the way she’s supposed to behave as the heiress of a renowned family! No matter what
is in store for her, she should brace herself for the upcoming challenges!
“Alright, I’ll tell you everything.” Having said that, he headed over and took a seat next to her.
Staring at the duo in the living room, Joan’s mind was all over the place, but it wasn’t because Larry
was sitting next to another woman. Instead, she was anxious on Della’s behalf.
Although they had merely been together for some time, she knew that he wouldn’t put on such a
serious front unless it was a big deal.
“No way! What kind of joke is this?”
All of a sudden, Della sprang up from her seat and yelled, “My father’s a healthy man! He has only
been coughing!”
“Della, coughing is merely one of the many symptoms of his illness. To be precise, it’s something much
more serious than just coughing.”
Although she knew that Larry wouldn’t lie to her, she had a hard time embracing the truth. In fact, she
even wished that it was merely a lie.
She stuttered her reply, “L-Larry, tell me you have been lying! You’re merely trying to intimidate me,
aren’t you? I promise you that I’ll work hard from now onwards! Please tell me it’s a lie!”
No! Larry must be lying to me! I’m sure Dad is fine! Immediately after she retrieved her bag on the
couch, she catapulted in the direction of the entrance.
When she was merely one step away from the entrance, Larry yelled, “Della, can you stop deceiving
yourself? You know better than anyone else that I have been telling the truth!”
Joan rushed over to his side and grasped his arm, urging with an anxious look, “There’s no need to be
so harsh to her. Can’t you talk about it nicely?”
Della slumped against the couch and lowered her head, her eyes brimming with tears. Weeping, she
made up her mind to pull herself together and support her father on the road to recovery.
After she wiped her tears dry, she announced, “Larry, I’ll get the best doctor in the industry to tend to
him! I will try everything I can to turn the tables around!”
Larry heaved a sigh of relief and responded with a proud grin. That’s the Della I know! Truth be told, he
had always known that she was a good person in nature.
Larry took note of her request and advised, “I’ll try to help, but you need to keep in mind that you’re the
only one your father can rely on. So please stop infuriating him from now onwards.”
By then, Della had made up her mind to turn over a new leaf and stop acting recklessly. After she
gathered her thoughts, she grabbed her bag and left.
Thump!
When someone pushed the door open and barged into the living room, Fred, who happened to be
sitting on the couch, had the shock of his life.
What is wrong with her? Why does she seem so anxious? Confused, Fred had his eyes glued to Della
who was standing at the entrance.
“Dad.” Once Della rushed over to Fred’s side, she took a seat next to him.
He turned around and looked at her, asking anxiously, “What’s wrong?”
Della enunciated her reply determinedly, “Dad, I want to learn the proper way to manage the company!”
Chapter 2883
Huh? Is she out of her mind? What’s with this sudden change in behavior? Has she been scolded by
Larry again? I guess I owe Larry a favor if he’s really the one behind it.
For the first time, Fred felt proud of his daughter.
Della repeated her request in a resolute tone, “Dad, if you’re free, why don’t you tell me the unspoken
rules of the corporate world?”
Although it seemed like she had changed for the better, Fred was afraid that it was only a spur-of-the-
moment decision. Thus, he said, “I don’t think you’re clear-headed now. We’ll carry on with the
conversation when you’ve really thought it through.”
He got up from his seat and went upstairs after he turned down her request. How am I not clear-
headed? I can’t possibly act like everything is fine when your health has deteriorated to such a serious
extent! She knew she had to prove to her father that she was being serious about the matter.
Snuggling in Larry’s arms, Joan asked, “Larry, why did you bring that matter up in front of her? Didn’t
Mr. Duff tell you to keep his condition confidential?”
Heaving a long sigh, Larry asserted, “I know I’m supposed to honor my promise, but I can’t possibly
stay out of the matter. On top of that, he’s going for another surgical operation soon.”
It wasn’t wise to keep Della in the dark as it was her father’s life that was at stake. As the only one Fred
could rely on, Della had to be made aware of her father’s condition.
“Della is a kind-hearted woman. Therefore, she definitely won’t leave her father alone since he needs
her by his side.”
Indeed, she seems like a spoilt brat, but in crucial times, she is still well aware of her obligations.
Out of the blue, Joan said, “Actually, she’s quite pitiable.”
“You have forgiven her?” Larry raised her chin and asked, his brows arched in confusion.
Why not? She was just ignorant back then. Besides, she already has enough issues to deal with. When
he caught a glimpse of her melancholic look, he knew that the woman had forgiven Della.
Proud of his forgiving better half, he let out a smile.
Later, he held her firmly in his arms and said, “I’m so sorry for the things you had to go through.”
Grinning, Joan closed her eyes as her lips curled into a smile. It doesn’t matter as long as you are with
me.
Thereafter, the relationship between Della and the duo changed for the better.
Meanwhile, Della started keeping an eye on her father. When she saw her father with a cup of ice
cream in the living room, she sprinted over and snatched it away from him. “Dad, you’re not allowed to
eat that!”
He went after her and yelled, “Hey, it’s not like I’m eating it on a daily basis! Give it back to me!”
In return, Della offered, “Dad, how about I cook something for you? Actually, I have great culinary
skills!”
What? Since when did she learn to cook? What sort of culinary skills is she talking about? His brows
furrowed in puzzlement as he had never seen her daughter in the kitchen.
“I bet you’re surprised, huh? I’ll get going and start preparing immediately!” Della made her way into the
kitchen after that.
Although he was unsure of the reason she had turned into a different person overnight, Fred was
touched by her change in attitude.
He considered himself a lucky man because he was able to witness his daughter’s transformation.
Although Della no longer held a grudge against Joan, she didn’t bother to explain everything to Abelyn.
Hence, Abelyn was still bearing hatred toward Joan.
Just when everyone thought Joan’s life would finally return to normal, someone started plotting against
her.
Joan! Della might have given up, but not me! Abelyn’s hands balled into fists while her face contorted in
rage.
Chapter 2884
Suddenly, Caspian barged into the office and gasped out the news, “Larry, something’s wrong with
Joan!”
Larry jolted up from his seat and rushed out immediately after he retrieved his jacket. “What’s wrong?”
“A woman in the mall insisted that Joan has abducted her daughter.”
How is that possible? Joan would never do such a thing! Although she has always been fond of
children, she would never take someone’s child away! I think it’s just another misunderstanding.
Wait! Is someone scheming against her again?
But Della is now on good terms with Joan. Who still holds a grudge against Joan? Gabriella? No! It’s
impossible because she has completely lost her memories!
Gabriella, who was next to Joan, yelled, “Stop picking on us!”
“Have you no shame? Stop embarrassing yourself already!”
“Yeah! Can’t you start a family with your husband or something?”
“She must be out of her mind.”
The onlookers engaged in a heated discussion with contemptuous expressions while pointing fingers at
Joan who was pushed to the ground.
“Shut up! Have you guys not heard me? It’s not Joan’s fault! Someone’s trying to frame her!” Gabriella
yelled at the woman on their left.
Who gave them the audacity to utter such out blunt lies? I’ll teach them a lesson and let them know
their place! Irked, Gabriella placed her hands on her hips, emanating a menacing aura.
“How can you blame this innocent woman over here when she’s the victim?”
“Ms. Ward, can you stop twisting the facts?”
Shortly, the onlookers surrounded them, reprimanding Gabriella for defending the woman they deemed
at fault.
Infuriated by the insolent bunch’s behavior, colors drained from Gabriella’s face. They didn’t bother to
conduct their due diligence and acted as though they were the righteous ones.
“Argh!” Joan shrieked in pain when someone kicked her.
“Joan, are you okay?” Gabriella returned to her friend’s side and asked concernedly.
“I’m fine. We should get going immediately.” She tried to bring herself up and leave the scene as soon
as possible since no one would listen to her.
“Where do you think you’re going? Are you going to kidnap someone else’s child again? Have you no
shame at all? Shouldn’t you be apologizing?”
“She’s right! You should apologize!”
Why should I apologize when I haven’t done anything wrong? Joan grasped the hem of her shirt while
her eyes were filled with indignation.
When Joan was on the verge of breaking down, Gabriella warned the onlookers, “Stay out of our way!
Joan is Larry’s girlfriend! You’re all going to get on his bad side!”
However, they paid no heed to her words and thought it was another lie.
“Ms. Ward, are you sure out of your mind? What’s wrong with Larry? Why would he get into a
relationship with a woman like this?”
“That’s right. We’re talking about the almighty Larry! She doesn’t deserve him!”
In the end, the onlookers started picking on the duo for lying again.
Joan felt awful and started doubting herself because of the onlookers’ mean remarks. I’m not a
member of any renowned family, but I have worked hard and given my best in life! I don’t deserve to be
humiliated like this!
Suddenly, a familiar voice interrupted the onlookers. “Shut up!”
Surprised by what she heard, Joan turned around and saw a man closing in from afar.
Why is he here? The confused woman started sizing him up.
Meanwhile, Jake repeated himself. “Have I not made myself clear? Get the hell out of our sights at
once!”
Intimidated by the notorious man’s warning, the crowd did as instructed and dispersed without further
ado.
After that, the man approached Joan and asked, “Are you okay?”
Chapter 2885
Joan smiled timidly and shook her head in silence. Meanwhile, Jake was embarrassed by Gabriella’s
intense stare.
Nudging her friend, Joan asked, “Gabriella, what are you doing?”
“Huh? Oh! He’s quite hot, so I couldn’t look away…” Gabriella didn’t bother to conceal her thoughts at
all.
I had never met such a blunt woman!
Gabriella then initiated a handshake and greeted the man, “Hello, I’m Gabriella!”
Oh? So she’s Gabriella… Jake chuckled and returned the favor, greeting with a bright grin, “Hello, my
name is Jake.”
He had heard of the things Gabriella had done to get the better of Joan. Thus, he was confused when
he saw her defending Joan.
Gabriella leaned toward Joan and whispered, “How are you guys related?”
Has she always been a gossipmonger?
Since Joan merely glanced at her in silence, she pouted her lips. “Hey, hurry up and tell me
everything!”
Joan whispered in return, “Sure. I’ll tell you later.” Isn’t it obvious that he’s a friend of mine?
“Mr. Wilson, care to join us for a meal?” Gabriella brought up her request in a shy manner.
What is she trying to do? Confused, Joan took another peek at the woman next to her. While she had
been trying to stay away from the man, Gabriella actually asked him to join them for a meal.
“Why don’t you guys go ahead without me? I need to tend to something else.”
Suddenly, Jake broke the silence, asking rhetorically, “Come on! Are you telling us you don’t even have
time for a meal with us?”
Joan was taken aback by his response. He’s got a point. Why am I making things so awkward between
us? On top of that, he seemed to have moved on from her for real.
Meanwhile, Gabriella started growing suspicious of the relationship between Jake and Joan. She got
increasingly befuddled the more she looked at the duo in front of her.
Gabriella tapped on the man’s shoulder and asked at the top of her lungs, “Hey Jake, have you picked
on Joan before?”
Judging by Gabriella’s serious tone, Jake knew she wasn’t putting up a show to deceive others. It looks
like she’s genuinely treating Joan as her friend. With that, he smiled and shook his head in denial.
“Aren’t we having a meal together? Shall we get going already?” Joan dragged the woman next to her
and walked out of the mall immediately.
Coincidentally, once Larry got out of the car, he saw the trio, who were on their way out of the mall.
What are they doing? Why is Jake right next to them? The man furrowed his brows in dissatisfaction.
“Watch your head!” Jake urged while helping Joan get into his car.
Instantly, Larry’s expression darkened.
What exactly is she up to? Why has she boarded the man’s car when she’s supposed to stay away
from him? And what about Gabriella? Why did she tag along with them?
“Larry, we—” Caspian, who had caught up to Larry, couldn’t finish his sentence as he was surprised by
what he saw as well.
“Let’s go after them and find out what they’re up to!” Having said that, he returned to the car.
Meanwhile, Caspian was on pins and needles.
In the car, Gabriella started pestering the man. She asked, “Jake, do you have any cravings?”
Holy moly! She’s so annoying! Jake took a peek at Joan and suggested with a smile, “Why don’t we go
get something both of you like?”
He’s quite thoughtful. Gabriella’s lips curled into a satisfied smile.
On the other hand, Joan remained silent and avoided Jake’s gaze, looking out the window in a trance.
Chapter 2886
Della knew Jake would have called, so she switched her phone to silent mode.
"Let us go, Della! You know what Larry would do to you if you don't!” Abelyn shouted.
Della eyed her briefly but did not say a word.
So what? | don't care.
Besides, who'd know it was me who kidnapped you? Joan knew Della wasn't one to play nice, hence
Joan ignored her.
Joan made a mental note to be careful whenever she was around Della from the moment she met
Della at Jake's villa.
“What is it, Joan? Don't you have anything to say?" Della turned around and stared at her.
Joan quickly turned away to face the window without saying anything.
/ have nothing to say.
Besides, I'd never want to be near someone like you! Da*n you! How could you ignore me like that?
Della gritted her teeth and continued to glare at her.
Fine, I'll fet you be for now.
Just wait and see what I'll do to you! Della turned back and looked ahead.
"So? Have you found them?" Larry ran up to Dustin.
"No, I'm sorry.
This was all my fault.
| shouldn't have left them alone’ Dustin said guiltily.
"Now's not the time to apologize.
We should hurry up and find them!” Larry comforted him as he patted him lightly.
Larry was never one whod let emotions get to him.
He knew perfectly what his priority was.
Wait, perhaps Jake took her? Larry stopped in his tracks.
“Larry, Joan came back with you and you promised to protect and take good care of her.
So, why are you coming to me when you lost her?” Jake said harshly.
However, Larry was not in the mood to have a heated discussion with him.
he merely wanted to confirm Joan's whereabouts.
"Well, | don't know.
She hasn't been to my place? Jake said and intended to hang up.
"Jake, is it true that you didn't kidnap Joan?" Larry questioned.
Jake crushed the cigarette in his hand as his eyes lit up angrily.
“No, | didn't” With that, he hung up the call.
ff it wasn't Jake, then who would it be? If they merely wanted some girl's time, they would have made a
call and reported their whereabouts.
Larry gradually became worried as time went by.
Similarly, both Caspian and Jessica seemed helpless as well.
"Caspian!" Larry suddenly called out.
“Go find out what Della's been up to these days.” Perhaps she had something to do with Joan's
disappearance! Larry frowned and squinted his eyes as he looked at a far distance, lost in thought.
/ was planning to take her home to visit Lucius and Delilah today.
Well, | guessed | was too late.
Della was a businesswoman, after all.
Thus, she was more meticulous than others.
She was in her office, busy flipping through some documents when her assistant entered.
“Someone called earlier, Ms.
Duff’ She looked up and stopped writing as the corners of her mouth curved into a playful grin.
She had expected Larry to hire someone to spy on her.
Hence, she quickly arrived at the office to create an alibi for herself.
At the same time, both Joan and Abelyn were trapped in a hotel room.
"I'm sorry, Abelyn.
This is all my fault.
You're in this position all because of me.’ Joan sat on a sofa as she stared at Abelyn.
"Nonsense! We're besties! So stop talking rubbish!" Abelyn responded.
Both Joan and Abelyn could not see a thing as the room was pitch black.
Yet, they were able to remain calm as they talked to each other.
What's taking Dustin so long? He's usually pretty smart.
So what's with the delay this time? Abelyn closed her eyes anxiously.
Chaptet 2887
"Joan, we have to stay awake? Abelyn reminded.
Huh? Joan lifted her head with a weird look on her face.
"But I'm tired.
Let me sleep for awhile” she answered groggily.
"No, don't! Joan, wake up!" Who knows what Della would do to them while they were asleep.
Abelyn thought.
It did not take long before Joan fell asleep.
Bang- Larry burst into Della's office.
Della was mentally prepared and anticipated that this would happen as soon as she saw Larry's
displeased expression.
{ can't believe you'd do anything for Joan! "Della, be honest with me, did you kidnap Joan?’ Larry
asked coldly.
What does he want to do? Hit me? Della turned to face the window and cleared her throat before facing
Larry.
"I don't know what you're talking about.
If you're here because of Joan, please leave immediately.’ She gestured at the door.
She refused to discuss with him any matters that involved Joan.
Anger rose within Larry's heart as he glanced at the woman's cold expression.
Jake and Della were most likely to kidnap Joan and both of them had ill intentions towards Joan.
Hence, he had no choice but to watch their every move and confront them.
"Della, if you let Joan go, then I'll forget what you did in the past,’ Larry reminded.
Della was stunned for a while before she composed herself.
She understood what he meant, but would not do according to his wishes Larry, you've never
considered my feelings! Della gripped the corners of her shirt tightly as her expression hardened.
Forget it, I still have a backup plan.
If all things fail, I'll hand her over to Jake! "You may leave now.
I'm very busy;' Della said.
She picked up a file from her table and began to flip through it.
Della felt sad as she watched the figure leave.
If only you could look at me for once, I wouldn't have taken things so far! Bang! She threw the file onto
the ground as streams of tears flowed from her eyes.
Oh, Larry, why are you so mean to me? Larry was very troubled; hence, he decided to confront Della.
Yet, he was aware that she would not tell him the truth.
“Larry, calm down.
We should plan things out,’ Dustin muttered.
He's right.
Searching like a headless chicken wouldn't be of any help.
We must come up with a plan and search with a purpose in mind.
Or else we'd be wasting time.
Larry began to brainstorm and discuss with Dustin and the lot.
Larry and the others came up with a plan to spy on Della and Jake.
Hold on, Joan! I'm coming for you! Larry stared at a lighthouse, he was all worried.
On the other hand, Dustin was more worried about Abelyn.
Abelyn was a very carefree person who spoke and did whatever came to mind.
Hence, he was worried that her impulsiveness may cause trouble and would get Joan involved.
Both Joan and Abelyn sat on the sofa in the dark room with haggard expressions.
Abelyn would have panicked if she couldn't hear Joan's breathing.
"Joan, wake up!" Abelyn whispered.
However, Joan did not respond.
Why are you sleeping so soundly? Abelyn scooted over and nudged Joan.
Click! The lights in the room were switched on.
Della sneered as she watched them in such a terrible state.
She then walked towards them and sat beside Joan.
Chapter 2888
Joan's face was red and her eyes were closed.
"Wake up, Joan!” Della shouted.
However, Joan did not move as her eyes remained closed.
Della was impatient as she grabbed a cup of water by the table and splashed it directly on Joan's face.
"Hey! Stop that, Della!" Abelyn shouted angrily.
“Urgh...’ Joan shook her head and thought to herself.
What's going on? Why is my head spinning? She tried to open her eyes to look at her surroundings.
What is this place? Where am I? She looked around in confusion.
"You're finally awake.
What's wrong? Don't you remember what happened earlier? Perhaps you'd recognize her?" Della
pointed at Abelyn.
Huh? Why's Abelyn here? Wait! I remember now.
Abelyn and I snuck out to get some fresh air and Della kidnapped us.
She finally recalled everything that had happened.
"Della, you only wanted me all this while, so let Abelyn go.
She has nothing to do with our business so you shouldn't have taken her with you!" Joan said firmly.
ls she ordering me? Della observed her and snorted disdainfully.
How dare she give orders to me? "Stop it, Joan.
I'm not leaving you alone.
We're sticking together no matter what!" Abelyn hurriedly responded.
Wow, it seems like they share a close bond! Della turned away in irritation.
What's so great about her? Why would Larry risk everything on the line for someone like her?
Moreover, Abelyn was also willing to risk her life for Joan.
Della closed her eyes and took a deep breath to calm herself.
/ don't get it.
!m so much better than her.
Yet, countless people chose her over me! "Della, come at me and leave her out of this!" Abelyn roared.
I wish you could see what a hypocrite you' are! Della then took her bag and left the room.
Pfft! There's no true love in the world.
it was merely an act! Her heels made a clicking sound as she walked further and further away from the
room.
"Ms.
Duff, should we clean the room?" "There's no need for that.
By the way, no one should enter the room without my permission!" On the other hand, Jake was
already seated in Della's office.
"Why, hello there, Mr.
Wilson.
What brings you here today?" Della asked as she walked to her desk.
"Tell me.
Where have you hidden Joan?" Jake asked.
Hmph! ! knew you must have come for Joan's sake! I must say, she really is something.
It hasn't even been a day and so many people have started looking for her.
What's so special about a hideous girl like her who pretends to be a weakling.
Della's heart was instantly filled with jealously.
“What're you talking about? I wouldn't dare do such a thing.
I thought she was taken away by Larry?" she replied deliberately to change the subject.
What a liar! You should know better than anyone else what you've done! Jake eyed her as he took a
sip of tea.
“What's wrong? Are you afraid to own up to your actions?" Jake questioned.
Della glanced at him anxiously.
She clearly knew that Jake was someone who'd do things without considering its consequences.
In fact, he was more ruthless than Larry.
"L can hand her over to you, but not now; she quickly answered as she tried to calm herself.
Unfortunately, Jake was not someone who‘ follow orders.
He stood up and approached her slowly and looked at her in the eye coldly.
“Hand her over now, or you'll regret it; he threatened.
Della knew what he was capable of, but she refused to be controlled by him.
No! I will not yield under his control.
I want to do things my way! I must break free from his control when I have the chance!
Chapter 2889
"Please mind your tone, Jake.
Let me remind you that you're asking me for a favor now- Della lifted her chin arrogantly.
I've had enough of being your puppet! Oh my, how dare you threaten me? I guess you've grown some
courage to go against me now.
Jake tried to suppress his anger as he walked back to the sofa and sat down.
Yes, / have to stay calm to avoid complicating matters! "lL want to see her now,’ Jake's tone softened.
He merely wanted to make sure she was safe.
My feelings for her had never changed although she betrayed me in the past.
Besides, I know I've said many harsh words to Joan.
But, I did so hoping that I could convince her to say with me! Unfortunately, I've overestimated my place
in her heart.
"Why don't you just let it be since she doesn't have any feelings for you?" Della asked.
If he had no feelings for her, { could do all the terrible things to her without holding back.
However, I could tell that he still has feelings for her.
So I can't do as I please.
He's known as someone who pays an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.
if he knew I harmed Joan, he'd never let me off easily.
“When are you handing her over to me?" he asked.
“One week later” Della turned and walked to the window.
Jake then left the office without a word.
Larry's men instantly reported back to him as soon as they spotted Jake entering Della's company.
“They're always up to no good whenever they're together, Caspian muttered.
“Or maybe, Jake demanded Della to hand Joan over to him?" Larry lowered his head to think.
Perhaps Della was the culprit behind Joan's disappearance? "Continue to keep an eye on Della.
And remember, report back to me immediately as soon as something comes up,’ With that, Larry hung
up.
it seemed like Della was the number one suspect behind Joan's kidnap! Jessica knew what he was
thinking of judging from his facial expression.
Jessica and the others gathered around Larry's phone as they waited for any news to come.
Yet, Larry's phone did not ring for a long time.
On the flip side, Joan and Abelyn leaned against each other as their bodies trembled.
Abelyn knew that Joan must be afraid.
"It's okay, Joan.
I believe Larry would arrive in no time and get us out of here," Abelyn comforted.
Yeah, you're right! My entire mind's filled with images of his face and I've been waiting for him to come
all this while.
But he hasn't shown up yet.
“Abelyn, could you tell me about my past? As in everything before I lost my memory,’ Joan tried to
change the subject, hoping it would lessen the fear in her heart.
Your past? Abelyn was taken back by her words and hesitated.
We weren't friends for a long time.
Hence, I have very little information about what happened between you and Larry.
The only thing I knew about both of you were the moments you've shared with me.
“Alright, ‘ll tell you whatever I know.
Abelyn began to share the stories of Joan's past vividly.
Abelyn purposely shared the happy moments to ease Joan's fear and she could not help but laugh.
"Really? Was I really that dumb?" Joan asked in disbelief.
She could not recall the silly side of her in the past.
Joan's silly side lies in the fact that she was always very considerate of others.
Consequently, evil people like Gabriella and Della took advantage of that as they bullied and framed
her.
The root of all these incidents was merely ill fate.
Chapter 2890
Sometimes Abelyn couldn't help but wonder.
Why are there so many women who want to be with Larry?It's true that he is handsome and
outstanding in every aspect, but there are plenty more fish in the sea.
Larry isn’t the only brilliant man on earth, so why are they so adamant about being together with Larry?
Caspian is an exceptional man.
Even Dustin is amazing too! At that thought, Dustin's smile flickered across the back of her mind.
Abelyn felt her blood rising to her cheeks.
She was starting to believe she had truly fallen for Dustin.
Joan, on the other hand, had long known Abelyn’'s and Dustin’s feelings for each other.
"Joan, let's say there are two really, really close friends.
Best friends, if you may.
Do you think there's a chance for them to be...
| don't know...
a couple?" Abelyn lowered her voice as she asked sheepishly.
The rhetorical question was enough to capture Joan's attention.
Oooh, someone's finally getting struck by Cupid! “Of course, there's a chance! Why wouldn't there be?
Human relations have always worked in an enigmatic way.
That being said, it is rather common for friends to turn lovers," explained Joan in a gentle manner.
Hearing Joan's answer, Abelyn's face blushed even redder.
Bang! "Come out! The one called Watts, out! Now!" Suddenly, a man slammed the door open and
hollered towards the two women, startling them both.
Joan and Abelyn sneaked a glance at each other.
What's going on? Abelyn inched towards Joan, keeping the latter close to herself, terrified of what
awaited Joan behind the door.
"Are you f*cking deaf? Watts, come out immediately!" Seeing the women not moving, the man
thundered again.
Only when Joan regained her senses did she realize he was asking for her.
"What do you want from her? If there's anything you want, take it out on me!" retorted Abelyn, still
guarding Joan with her.
The man was starting to get impatient.
With huge strides, he marched towards the two women, grabbed Joan by her arm, and yanked her
towards the door.
Out of nowhere, the man let out a scream of anguish, "Argh! You b*tch!" The man tried to tear his leg
away from Abelyn.
Abelyn, on the other end, kept her teeth clamped firmly onto his leg, refusing to back down.
Thud! With brute force, the man swung his legs, sending Abelyn flying across the room and hitting the
wall.
Abelyn clutched her arm, her face twisted in agony as she groaned.
That cruel b*stard! How dare he! Joan was fuming.
“Abelyn!” Joan turned her gaze towards the woman crouching at the corner.
As their eyes met, Joan shook her head slightly, signaling the other to not act rashly.
That was the last Abelyn saw of Joan before the latter was taken out of the room.
Meanwhile, in the private room, Della was lounging on a couch, sipping her wine lazily in a relaxed
manner.
Joan was pushed into the room and a chill ran down her spine.
At first glance, Della had the impression of a ruthless person, and Joan was intimidated.
Joan took a deep breath in an attempt to calm her nerves.
“What do you want from me?" swallowing her fears, Joan whispered.
Della raised her gaze from the wine glass in her hands and stared intently at the woman before her.
Slowly and elegantly, Della raised herself up from the couch and glided across the room, approaching
Joan before lifting Joan's chin.
An aura of murderous intent emanated from Della's eyes.
Seeing Della's fierce gaze, Joan instinctively took a few steps backward.
What does she want?Her gaze, her aura...
she couldn't possibly have me killed, could she? Joan gulped as she kept her eyes locked at the
woman towering above her, shrinking away in fright.
Err...1s she scared? Della traced and caressed Joan's face with her finger as she leaned closer.
"Leave Larry" Della narrowed her eyes.
Her voice glazed with venom as she spat out the words.
Joan was taken by surprise.
/s she in love with Larry? Joan eyed Della warily, but at the same time, her curiosity was piqued.
Well, Larry is such a great man.
Who wouldn't fall in love with him? “You've got the wrong person.
| have no relations with him,” stated Joan plainly.
If she were being honest to herself, Joan did fantasize about being in a loving relationship with Larry,
but when she cleared her head and think logically, she would always suppress the longing she felt
within her heart.
After all, she hadn't regained her memories.
There was no way Joan would allow her heart to plummet when she barely even knew the man, even if
they had shared a kiss.
At the memory of the kiss, regret overwhelmed Joan's thoughts.
Larry is going to think I'm easy now, isn't he? Joan hammered her fists against her head, snapping
herself out of her thoughts and back to reality.
Della was perplexed by Joan's reaction.
What's this reaction?Could she really have zero feelings for Larry?Even if she had lost her memories
and had forgotten about Larry, shouldn't she remember his familiar warmth or smell when she's around
him?