Ch. 126..130: OMG My Crippled Husband is a Hot Powerful CEO Chapter 126-130

Chapter 126: Chapter 126 – No Sensible Questions

Alex was surprised that she knew, but he nonchalantly shrugged it off.

"You are the only Mrs. King until this contract is over. The positions of all other Mrs. Kings in the extended family are irrelevant, so you have to wear this."

She didn’t have a choice in the matter, but Joanna couldn’t accept it in a sham marriage. She gazed at the intricate design of the necklace, which featured symbols of butterflies for love and a bat for good luck.

The jewelry, crafted with over 47,000 hours of dedication, was too expensive for her to wear.

As she turned around, Alex mistook her movement as a signal to put the necklace on her. However, the door suddenly creaked open, and he caught her trying to sneak out.

With a darkened expression, he approached her with elegant strides, enveloping her tiny waist in his arms and lifting her off the ground before she could escape.

Closing the door behind them, he pressed her against it. His words sent a shiver down her spine, but so did the sound of his phone ringing. It was Dario calling, and Alex knew it involved Logan.

With Joanna securely in his arms, he didn’t have the time to activate the robotic voice and hence, ended the call. A text message arrived shortly after.

’We have Logan. We tortured him a bit and used a drug to wipe a part of his brain. Attached is a photo of his current condition.’

Joanna tried to peek at the phone screen, but Alex’s height and the way he held her in his arm made it difficult, causing her to feel helpless and uneasy in his warm embrace.

With one hand, Alex replied to the text, relieved that he could now proceed to the handover without any issues. "

’Good. Release him only after the handover.’

After confirming the delivery of the message, Alex refocused on Joanna. He loosened his grip around her waist but firmly held her chin, his intense gaze conveying the seriousness of his words.

"You have no right to refuse to wear this necklace, and that’s why you must ensure you never leave my side," he insisted.

Joanna sensed there was more to it, which frightened her. She recalled the incident when her food was tampered with and the strange episode of falling asleep in her car at the parking lot.

She worried about potential mishaps, such as needing to use the restroom, and didn’t want to be held accountable for the necklace.

"What if it goes missing?" she inquired, attempting to free herself from his embrace, but his grip was firm.

His cologne enveloped her, stirring desire within her, despite her efforts to resist. Conflicting thoughts plagued her mind, and she struggled to maintain clarity.

She longed for the contract to conclude soon, as new complications arose daily.

Her heart was already entangled, and she feared that her growing feelings would make it difficult to part ways.

Why was she falling so deeply for him? The answer eluded her, but his words snapped her out of her reverie.

"It must be safeguarded, but today, you must wear it as a symbol of your authority," he explained.

"Authority?" Joanna interrupted, not fully understanding the significance of the marriage and her new role in the King family.

Alex explained, "This necklace has been passed down through generations in our family. My grandmother and mother have worn it before you. You are now the third woman in our lineage to wear it."

Joanna’s heart raced as Alex stood close to her, their lips almost touching.

"Alex, are we moving too quickly? This divorce could be more complicated than we realize," she expressed her concerns about the situation.

She feared the power that came with the necklace and the potential consequences of losing it, but Alex seemed unconcerned.

"Trust me, I will handle everything," he assured her, gently placing the necklace around her neck and turning her to face the mirror. Joanna had tears in her eyes as she resembled a real-life princess.

"I wish it were real," she whispered. Alex, intrigued, asked, "What did you say?"

Joanna shook her head, feeling like her words were insignificant. "It’s nothing. Shall we go now?"

Alex sensed something was wrong but maintained a serious expression. "You don’t have to answer any questions the media throws at you. I will handle it all."

Joanna did not object. She never enjoyed meeting new people anyway. "I will remember that."

Violet left early in a car, mentioning she was arriving with someone. Joanna did not stop her, eager to meet the man she was referring to.

Upon reaching the underground car park of King’s multinational, the media representatives were already present, their camera flashes blinding Joanna.

"The necklace. I thought it was a myth," one of the media reps sighed as they hastened toward the couple but were not bold enough to ask about the necklace.

"Mrs. Joanna King, how does it feel to be married to Mr. Alexander King? As we can see, he’s no longer a cripple," one of the journalists inquired.

Joanna was at a loss for words, but recalling Alex’s advice, she remained silent. However, another question quickly followed.

"Mrs. King, what role do you hold in the King’s multinational company?" another person inquired. Joanna noticed Alex’s silence and glanced up at him, following his gaze to a woman stepping out of a Ferrari in the distance.

Amidst the flurry of photos being taken and unanswered questions, she discreetly pinched Alex on the thigh to get his attention, as that was the only reachable spot due to her height.

Alex didn’t show any sign of pain but acknowledged her action.

Realizing the lack of meaningful questions, Alex spoke up, "It seems you all have no relevant inquiries. How does my wife feel about being married to me? What is her position? We would like to be excused."

Joanna was shocked, not knowing Alex heard every question but only did not deem them fit for an answer.

With that, Alex started to walk away, appearing agitated, which made Joanna wonder if it was because of the approaching woman they had noticed earlier.

As Alex hurriedly wrapped his arms around Joanna, a media representative caught up to him and asked,

"Mr. King, there are rumors circulating that you are the legendary Salvador Black. Can you confirm this?"

The mention of the name Salvador triggered a painful headache for Joanna. "Salvador?"

Chapter 127: Chapter 127 – She’s not important

Alex disliked lying, as he was not afraid of anyone, but Joanna’s presence made him fear for the first time. He was also concerned that revealing his identity would make him an easy target for his enemies.

These were the reasons why he had to keep his identity a secret. He had covered his tracks well, and there was no proof to link him to his past.

As for Logan’s suspicions, he was still unaware of the true motives behind them.

"What..." Alex began to speak, but he was cut off by a commanding female voice.

"How can you claim that Alex is Salvador? That monster could never be my husband."

The representatives were taken aback and intimidated by her sudden assertiveness, but Alex felt a mix of pride and fear.

He feared that Joanna would hate him once she discovered the truth, and he knew exactly why. However, he reminded himself that this was just a contractual arrangement, so why should he care?

The woman whom Alex had been trying to avoid approached them, her attention drawn to Joanna’s necklace.

"Is that the Heritage in Bloom?" Her voice was gentle and elegant, capturing the media’s attention as they turned their focus to her.

As her gaze settled on Alex, he led Joanna into the elevator, escaping the questions from the media and the woman in question.

To his shock, Grandpa was already waiting for him at the office when they arrived, along with all board members, top executives, and extended family members.

"Adelaide, you are indeed the well-deserved queen of this family. Come and sit right here," he stood up and offered Joanna the highest seat. She hesitated, glancing at Alex.

"I told you. Allowing you to wear this necklace symbolizes your authority," he whispered. Joanna was nervous, but Grandpa reached her, taking her hand into his.

"You look gorgeous and are well deserving of this necklace," Grandpa said as he pulled out a chair for her.

All eyes focused on Joanna, many filled with envy. However, Joanna maintained a sweet smile as Alex sat beside her, kissing her on the cheek.

The woman Alex had been avoiding walked in, and Grandpa welcomed her. "Melanie, I wasn’t expecting you here today. How are you holding up?" Grandpa smiled.

The woman stared at the necklace around Joanna’s neck and was about to speak when Aiden and Edmund walked in together.

"Alex, everything is in order," Aiden said. Violet entered with a strange man, and Aiden’s expression darkened as Melanie responded.

"Grandpa, it’s not easy, but I couldn’t miss this moment for anything in the world," she said.

She looked at Alex, who instinctively looked away. Joanna became suspicious and asked him, "Do you know her?"

"She’s not important," Alex replied. Grandpa looked around curiously and asked, "Where is Logan?"

Alex’s expression remained stoic as a few people murmured.

"He should be here. He mentioned not missing this occasion," one of the extended family members said.

Mia entered, but Cole and her mother were not with her. "Mia, Joanna did not add your name to the list," Grandpa pointed out. She forced a smile and said, "Logan invited me. I’m here as his partner."

Hearing that, Grandpa couldn’t refuse her entry but asked, "So, where is Logan?"

Mia looked around with a confused expression. "We spoke on the phone this morning and he mentioned speaking to Alex before setting off. We arranged to meet here, so I thought he had already arrived."

Mia had a strange excited glow in her eyes, which made Alex suspicious, but that glow faded when Fiona entered.

"Sorry I’m late. Logan invited me," Fiona said.

"He invited you too?" Mia was saddened. She thought Logan was considering a relationship with her once more, but with Fiona’s presence now, she had no idea what was going on.

"When was the last time you spoke to him?" Grandpa asked Fiona. She squinted her eyes a little and responded, "Last night. He said he had a surprise for me and that I wouldn’t regret dumping Alex even if he has his legs."

Alex’s expression was cold as Grandpa continued to speak. "Mia and Fiona, since Logan invited both of you, I suggest you inform him to arrive in the next five minutes. If not, I will allow the media in, and the handover will proceed."

Both women dialed his number one after the other, feeling fury towards each other.

"His phone is switched off," they said almost simultaneously. Agnes then turned to Alex and asked,

"Alex, do you know where your brother is?"

Alex was furious, but he knew this was his moment to shine and secure everything he had worked so hard for to give to Dion.

Calmly, he responded with a question, "Do I live in the same house as Logan? Or is he a five-year-old?"

His sarcastic reply left no room for further questions, but then Uncle Dean chimed in,

"Well, Logan informed us a few days ago that you are Salvador. Are you sure you haven’t done anything to prevent him from providing us with proof?"

Alex sighed, his expression neutral, giving nothing away. "If I were Salvador, his men would have this place surrounded, and people like you wouldn’t even be allowed in," he stated sharply, causing his uncle to bristle in anger.

Opinions were divided among the group.

"Grandpa, this occasion is crucial for Logan. We should wait for him to arrive before starting," another family member interjected. Grandpa responded nonchalantly,

"Logan is aware of the time. If this meeting truly mattered to him, he would be here."

Grandpa was certain that Alex was privy to some information, having heard the rumors and dropped hints to him. His only hope was for Alex not to harm his brother.

As Violet sat with the strange man she brought, both Joanna and Alex were consumed by curiosity.

Alex kept staring at his best friend, searching for a way to question him.

"Grandpa, the five minutes are up," Edmund reminded as Grandpa stood at the door. "I guess it’s time to let the media representatives in."

"Before that, I have a question," one of the extended family members who rarely spoke up said.

Grandpa paused before asking, "What is it about? Time is not on our side."

The extended family member pointed at Joanna. "She just got married into the family and already has possession of an heirloom. Other women in this family have been here for so long and have no idea what the family heirlooms look like."

Joanna nervously sweated, while Melanie had an evil smirk on her face.

 

Chapter 128: Chapter 128 – Don’t worry. I got this

Grandpa was about to respond when Alex stepped in to address the situation. No matter how hard he tried, any negative comments about his wife would upset him unreasonably.

"An elder like you should be aware of the rules by now. The heirlooms are in the custody of whoever becomes the CEO of the King’s multinational. Not every woman is deemed suitable to touch or wear these heirlooms."

Indirectly, their husbands or those directly born into the King’s family should have strived harder to attain the coveted position. However, they seemed unable to comprehend his anger.

His response left the other women feeling inferior and envious, prompting Rita to ask in a soft voice,

"Alex, every position in this family is not a matter of choice. If we all had our way, we would be in her shoes, but she obtained everything through sheer luck."

Alex chuckled when he noticed the pain in Joanna’s eyes. She shouldn’t let the words of others affect her, except for him or Grandpa.

However, Joanna sometimes seemed to forget her position among the Kings, or perhaps she struggled to fully embrace her role due to the contractual nature of their marriage.

"I beg to differ. If you are indeed qualified, then tell me your exact contribution to this company," Alex asked, showing no leniency as he wanted Joanna’s position to be respected by everyone.

"I work," Rita hinted, but Alex knew she misunderstood the question and clarified,

"Yes, you do, but few of us make sacrifices. I don’t think you understand what that means. My wife is the most qualified woman here because she secured the Baker’s Corporation for us. That company will expand and also belongs to her."

In essence, the Baker’s Corporation indirectly belonged to Alex because Joanna was his wife. However, it wasn’t clear if everyone present understood his words at that moment.

It appeared that the person who was most affected by the blow understood it well and reacted accordingly.

"Alex, I never thought you were a gold-digger," Mia exclaimed, aware that the next transfer would take place at Baker’s Corporation.

If that were to occur, the Bakers would be left with nothing, and Joanna would no longer be part of the family.

Ever since the issue was raised at the wedding, Cole’s blood pressure had been high, leading him to request a DNA test.

Rene was clever enough to have her trusted associates alter it. Alex shrugged.

"As the saying goes, iron sharpens iron. A woman like you would lead a man to poverty, but a woman like Joanna would only enrich me. She adds value without taking away."

Joanna was uncomfortable with the compliments she received. Over the next five months, everything she owned belonged to Alex and vice versa. However, a woman like Mia, who harbored bitterness, always sought to bring others down with her.

The only mistake Joanna made was flaunting her weekly allowance to upset Mia. If she had known it would be used against her, she would have acted differently.

"Really? You give her a weekly allowance of a hundred thousand dollars," Mia revealed, leaving everyone speechless, especially the extended family.

"Now we see where all the family’s money is going. Alex claims to own everything she has, yet he pays her that much as an allowance," Agnes finally spoke up, gaining support from many.

"True. There’s no love between them. She’s just here for the money," some of the extended family members chimed in, while Joanna struggled to contain her emotions.

"However, she found solace in the way Alex gazed at her and enveloped her in an embrace. "Don’t worry. I’ve got this," he reassured her.

Joanna smiled gratefully. This was all new to her, as she was accustomed to her humble life from before.

The man she married had transformed into someone she never expected, thrusting her into a life she had never imagined.

Soon, she would be the CEO of Baker’s Corporation, and it was a good opportunity to learn about being in the spotlight.

"What would you do with a hundred thousand weekly allowance, Mia?" Alex asked rhetorically. Mia was speechless, never having considered it, but Alex smiled and elaborated.

"My wife invested it in Baker’s Corporation," Alex disclosed, leaving Mia astonished.

She had not realized that when Joanna was at a loss for options to meet her goal, she had invested all she had in her bank account.

As insignificant as it may seem compared to what was required for her to become CEO, it was preferable for her to invest the money rather than leave it in her bank account.

"Have you checked her bank account?" Alex inquired. Mia felt a nervous sweat break out, frustrated that her attempt to undermine Joanna had inadvertently highlighted her capabilities.

"I would love to spoil my wife, but she prefers to work hard and grow her wealth. How about you?" Alex probed further.

Joanna’s face flushed with embarrassment, realizing that Alex was privy to this information. Fear gripped her, grasping she may not be able to conceal anything from him.

"Edmund, allow the media in," Grandpa interjected, exasperated by the ongoing arguments.

People often preferred to profit from the efforts of others and engage in questionable practices rather than engage in honest labor.

The media representatives entered with their cameras, supervised by Edmund. Throughout this, Aiden kept his gaze fixed on Violet, a detail that did not escape Alex’s notice.

"Alex," Grandpa called out, and Alex joined him as he addressed the media.

"I am delighted to announce my first grandson, Alexander King, as the new CEO of King’s Multinational. Once the documents are signed, I will assume the role of board chairman for the next ten years to oversee his work. If his performance is satisfactory, the position of Chairman will be added to his responsibilities," Grandpa announced, prompting cheers and applause from the audience.

Despite their true feelings, everyone put on a smile for the cameras. However, the highlight of the moment was Joanna squeezing herself between Alex and Grandpa, congratulating Alex on his achievement.

"Congratulations, Alex, you did it," she said.

Alex smiled and replied, "No, my Angel, we did it." The media representatives captured the moment with more photos as the documents were signed, followed by a barrage of questions.

Amidst the chaos, Alex’s Salvador line beeped, indicating an urgent message. He checked it and felt his spirits dampen upon reading the message.

 

Chapter 129: Chapter 129 - Today is your lucky day

’Salvador, one of our men betrayed us by helping Logan escape with his memories intact. I have already sent him to the punishment room. Please inform Alex to be cautious of his younger brother.’

Alex clenched his phone after reading the news, and Joanna sensed something amiss. The documents had been signed with only questions from the media.

The next event would be the celebration banquet at the hotel office.

"Mrs. King, how do you feel about your husband’s appointment?" a media representative asked Joanna.

Alex did not intervene, as this was the final part of the events before the media departed. The banquet would not be covered on social media like the handover ceremony.

It was simply a way to host those in attendance and allow those who couldn’t make it on time to congratulate Alex.

There would be many business discussions during the meeting, so it was expected to end around midnight.

"Well, every woman would be excited, and I am no exception," Joanna shrugged. Alex appreciated her carefree attitude and the fact that she remained true to herself without changing for the camera.

"Mrs. King, how does it feel to wear the most expensive necklace in the world?" another reporter inquired.

Joanna paused for a moment before responding, "Well, how would you feel wearing it?" she replied casually. The room erupted in laughter, but Melanie’s expression from where she sat was stern.

"That’s an interesting one, Mrs. King. We wish you a pleasant life," one of the reporters said. Joanna smiled.

They seemed to be avoiding her because whenever she didn’t want to answer a question, she would just throw it back at the person who dared to ask.

"You did well," Alex said as he kissed her on the forehead. Joanna was glad to win his compliment.

"Thank you. So, what’s next?" She asked eagerly. Alex smiled and informed her, "To the hotel."

Edmund escorted the media representatives out as Grandpa announced for everyone to wait for them at the banquet hall.

Upon reaching there, Joanna was excited and eager to share a few words with Violet. As soon as she saw the man Violet came with talking to one of the businessmen, she asked Alex, "Is it okay if I talk to Violet?"

Alex looked in the direction of Violet, but then he saw Aiden sipping wine and remembered he had to inform him about something important.

"Alright. I will be with Aiden. Let me know your every move." Since he planned to be with her throughout the occasion, he didn’t plant any tracker on her and hence his worry.

"Okay," Joanna agreed as she approached Violet, who embraced her again and complimented, "Wow, you are the queen of the night, Joanna."

Joanna smiled and returned the compliment. "You could easily pass for the queen of the night with such a radiant glow. So, tell me, what’s your secret?" she asked subtly, glancing in the direction of the man Violet arrived with.

"That’s my new boyfriend, Bennet. I met him at the club on the day of your wedding, and he’s such an amazing guy," Violet said excitedly, almost like a little girl. However, Joanna felt concerned for her best friend.

"How can he be your boyfriend when you don’t know him that well? And what about the mysterious guy? Have you suddenly moved on from him?"

Joanna’s questions were perplexing, but Violet smiled and responded, "Don’t worry. You might think I’m blinded by lust, but it’s different this time. I have something to tell you," she said, thinking of Aiden.

Joanna wouldn’t want to hear it from Alex. "The mysterious guy I mentioned happens to be your husband’s best man. He turned out to be an asshole."

The news made Joanna blush, and she instinctively looked towards Aiden, who was now talking to Alex. Suddenly, he moved over to where Violet’s new boyfriend was.

"Violet, I have a bad feeling about this. Aiden is talking to him. Are you sure there won’t be a confrontation?" she asked, as Violet also glanced in their direction, feeling uneasy.

"You may be right. There’s nothing wrong with me checking on them," Violet said as she walked towards the two men after the one Bennet was talking to before walked away, while Joanna decided to use the restroom.

Earlier, Alex had cornered Aiden and didn’t like what Aiden said about Violet. "She’s a woman of easy access. The moment she left me, she was already with another man."

This wasn’t the reason Alex came in the first place, but since it involved Joanna, it diverted his attention from the information he got from Dario.

"Maybe you upset her," Alex said, knowing his best friend, but after some thought, he asked again, "You don’t even like women, so why are you so interested in her life?"

Aiden chuckled and sipped his wine, but his gaze lingered on Joanna and Violet. "I never said I liked her. I’m only concerned about her friendship with your wife."

Alex was not worried about that. "Joanna told me how they met. Violet broke up with Logan because of what he did to Joan. She might not be good to you, but to my wife, she’s a good friend."

Aiden was pleased that Violet had broken up with Logan on her own terms. "Do you mind if I have a word with the guy she brought?" he asked Alex before the latter could respond. "I saw them together at the club."

"I won’t stop you," Alex replied as some businessmen approached him.

Introducing himself to the two men, Aiden said, "Hi, I’m Aiden." The men introduced themselves as Bennet, Violet’s boyfriend, and Lanre.

Lanre expressed interest in a partnership but noted that Mr. King was busy. Aiden assured him,

"Today is your lucky day. Alex is available for business. Just wait for your turn."

Impressed, Lanre thanked Aiden and vowed to stay close to Alex. Aiden then turned his attention to Bennet. "So, Bennet, is Violet your girlfriend?" he inquired.

Uncomfortable with the question, Bennet asked, "Do you know her?"

Aiden explained, "She’s the best friend of my best friend’s wife, if you catch my drift."

Just then, Violet approached and wrapped her arm around Bennet’s waist. "Ben, can we talk in private?" she asked.

Aiden felt a pang of annoyance at being ignored and interrupted by Violet. Before he could respond, a scream came from the female restroom. "Joanna?" Violet panicked and rushed inside.

 

Chapter 130: Chapter 130 - Alex is my first love

Joanna had just finished in the restroom and was about to leave when a familiar face entered. It was Melanie.

"You must be Mrs. King," Melanie said with a smile, though her eyes betrayed a hint of disdain. Joanna never cared for women like her and couldn’t recall ever having a confrontation with one.

Her issues were always with men or her half-sister, as far back as she could remember.

"Well, you’ve stated the obvious, so I’ll excuse you to join the banquet," Joanna replied, trying to bypass Melanie. But Melanie couldn’t resist making a sarcastic comment.

"I thought there would be a more deserving woman to carry on the legacy of the Kings, not a lowlife climbing on their coattails."

Joanna stopped in her tracks, stung by Melanie’s callous words. They were not the words of a dignified woman, and even though Joanna had resolved not to let anyone’s words affect her, these ones did.

"It seems to me that you’re one of those desperate women. I won’t waste my breath on you," Joanna retorted, turning to leave. But Melanie wasn’t finished, as she hadn’t succeeded in getting Joanna upset.

"Alex is my first love and will always be mine," Melanie declared, expecting Joanna to react with anger. Instead, Joanna burst out laughing.

It’s nice to meet another one of Alex’s exes. You may have been his first, but I’m his last. The road to his heart is closed," she said confidently.

At least until the five months were over, Alex had no right to cheat. However, Joanna wondered if this was the woman Alex had talked about.

When Joanna asked him about her, Alex had mentioned that this woman was not important. If this was indeed the woman he had mentioned, Alex would not have addressed her in that way.

"We’re not exes. We’re still together," Melanie said, and Joanna chuckled. The rule was that none of them would see anyone else while they were married, so if this woman claimed otherwise, could she be trusted? Joanna decided to test the waters.

"Is that so? Then where were you when he married me? Our honeymoon was splendid, and I should be carrying his child by now, if you catch my drift."

Her words were like arrows, piercing Melanie’s heart mercilessly, leaving her visibly ashen. She never expected Joanna to be this bold, especially after appearing sheepish in front of the media.

"Alex is just using you for his career. You’re more like his business wife," Melanie stated.

Joanna felt the same way but didn’t want to let this woman get the best of her, at least not until Alex had the courage to introduce them and clarify their relationship.

"Well, it must bother you that he either dumped you or you dumped him and now regret it. Bitterness is easy to spot. If Alex truly wanted you, he wouldn’t have married me. So, get a life," Joanna shrugged off Melanie’s remarks.

However, as she turned to leave, Melanie lunged at her and grabbed the heirloom bloom necklace from the back of her neck.

Caught off guard, Joanna instinctively tried to protect the necklace by pulling it towards her, causing her to lose her balance and let out a yelp. She managed to hold onto the necklace in her hand.

"Is everything okay?" Violet intervened, sensing the tension. Joanna composed herself and explained the situation.

"Yes, Violet. A thief tried to steal my necklace, but I’m fine now."

"Who are you calling a thief?" Melanie retorted, her anger escalating as she failed to snatch the necklace as planned.

Attempting to lunge at Joanna again, Melanie was blocked by Violet, who swiftly restrained her and delivered a firm slap. Melanie’s cry drew the attention of onlookers as they gathered at the entrance of the restroom.

"Joan, are you okay?" Alex inquired, embracing Joanna while Melanie’s screams filled the room, her jealousy rising with it.

"Alex, please help me. She’s going to kill me," Melanie pleaded.

"Enough, Violet," Alex snapped, as Violet pulled away after delivering a final slap. Alex felt helpless as he observed Melanie’s disheveled state but kept his distance.

Despite this, Melanie stumbled towards him, but he quickly moved away, taking Joanna with him.

"Aiden, please assist her," Alex requested. Aiden rushed to Alex’s side, questioning, "What happened?"

"That woman. She did this to me," Melanie accused Joanna, pointing a shaky finger at her. With onlookers gathering, Alex didn’t want any further embarrassment and instructed Aiden,

"Just remove her from here or have security handle it." He then noticed the necklace in Joanna’s hand and inquired, "Why did you take it off?"

Grandpa, now intrigued by the commotion, interjected, "What’s happening?" Melanie’s eyes sparkled at the sight of Grandpa. Their close family bond meant that the old man wouldn’t overlook her like Alex just did.

"Grandpa, I was just trying to be nice to Joanna, but she called me all kinds of names, and her friend slapped me multiple times."

Grandpa looked furious, but Violet shrugged. "I did slap her like five times, but she deserved it."

Joanna chuckled and Alex was rendered speechless. With Melanie’s family, Violet had no fear in confronting them, and Melanie was glad she told the truth. "See? She admitted it," she sobbed. Alex’s expression hardened as he asked Joanna, "What happened?"

"She said you are her first love and that you are just using me as a business wife. Then she said I didn’t deserve the necklace and tried to take it. She pulled from the back, and I pulled from the front, but I almost lost my balance, which is why I screamed."

"Violet came to my aid and slapped her a couple of times, so I take responsibility for everything."

Grandpa was furious at the mention of the necklace. It wasn’t just the cost but the fact that it had been passed down from generation to generation.

"Melanie, I didn’t expect this from you."

"Grandpa," Melanie began, but Alex cut in. "Grandpa, please let me handle her. Aiden, please keep an eye on Joan for me," he said as he dragged Melanie by the arm into one of the guest hotel rooms.

Joanna felt uncomfortable with the situation and sneaked away when Aiden wasn’t watching. With her head pressed against the door, what she heard made her shiver.