Ch. 141..145: OMG My Crippled Husband is a Hot Powerful CEO Chapter 141-145

Chapter 141: Chapter 141 – Don’t be like this

Agnes thought that by being of good behavior, she would be forgiven and all the money she lost would be reversed, but it turned out that whatever would be paid would only begin from where the change becomes visible.

In this case, pretending would not help matters as much as she wanted it to. She would have to give up trying to make things difficult for Alex and his wife.

However, she still felt a need for Alex to be lenient with her, at least for the first part as a warning since Alex had only recently been sworn into office but was hit harshly by Alex’s reason for making the consideration.

"The maid you bribed drugged a woman, so where do you want me to cough up money to compensate her? You are lucky I refrained from touching your husband’s allowances."

In other words, all the money gathered during her probation period would be used as compensation, hence the reason for the non-refundable policy Alex talked about.

"Alex, please do something. Don’t be like this." Agnes could not believe she was at the mercy of a man young enough to be her son.

How could things turn out like this? Sadly, Logan was also not in his right mind and would not be able to help her in any way.

"You brought it upon yourself. Every action has a consequence, so you should be ashamed to beg me to consider when your intention was to destroy my marriage. If you want, then why don’t I destroy your marriage too? That way, we shall be even, and I won’t take a dime from you," Alex proposed, but Agnes was too smart to accept.

If she left her husband, she would lose everything, including all the huge allowances she received merely by being married to a member of the King’s family.

As such, it was better for her to sacrifice this money and gain more in the future than hold on to what she just lost and rather lose everything in the future.

Agnes ended the call, her gaze dark, but sadly, there was no solution to her problem unless she went by Alex’s rules.

Violet woke up to an alert of one million dollars on her phone. Her eyes widened. "What is this?" she asked, a familiar man answered beside her absentmindedly, not expecting a response but received one.

"What are you talking about?" A familiar husky voice asked. Violet shivered slightly, wondering how they had ended up in bed together and hoping that nothing had happened between them again.

She was even checking everything on her to ensure she hadn’t done anything silly for whatever reason she could not put a finger on.

"Aiden, what are you doing here?" She asked bitterly, but the events of last night began to unfold, her eyes filled with pain.

Every response Aiden had given to Alex and Joanna was hitting her like a tsunami.

"Is that your way of thanking me?" Aiden asked, looking offended, but Violet could not understand why it was so when she was the one with the questions.

From the moment she met Aiden except for their one night, he was the worst human being she never wanted to associate with again.

Her realization of being in just a towel on the bed with him made it a tragic experience for her, as she grabbed tightly to it, which upset Aiden even more when she responded to his question with anger.

"Go to hell."

He was about to hold and calm her, but Violet already got down from the bed and began to search the room for some clothes. This room was different from the one she used to share with Joanna but was also very huge, more like her room at home.

Her phone began ringing at that moment, and sensing it might be Ben, she did not answer it due to guilt. It would be better for her to find her way out of there before communicating with him.

Luckily, she found some clothes in the closet she recognized to be Joanna’s and guessed she had brought them for her since Joanna was in the room last night.

It was thanks to her and Alex’s questions that she came to realize that Aiden was nothing to write home about.

"You are so ungrateful," Aiden said with a bitter expression. Violet was even more upset.

How could he act all so innocent after all he said and did? Violet did not intend to make it easy for him.

"Everything you did was because of Alex and Joan, so what do you want?"

The hardness of her voice stiffened Aiden slightly, and he began to think of the worst. "You weren’t sleeping last night?"

He sure hoped she was, and it wasn’t what he was thinking because the guilt in his heart was great, and he knew Alex would be upset if he offended Violet further.

The fact that he meant the things he said did not mean he wanted her to hear them as that would not be good.

Violet glared at him, being upset with his pretense and asking. "What do you think?"

Her phone began ringing again, and though not intending to answer, she picked it up, and Aiden caught sight of the name.

Being upset by it, he could not care about her anymore. "Fine. It’s the truth, and since you are okay, I’m leaving."

He rose from the bed, expecting Violet to stop him, but she didn’t and rather answered her call, her words upsetting him even more.

"Ben, I’m so sorry."

She didn’t intend to answer it before for mere courtesy, but after hearing Aiden’s unfeeling words, she didn’t care anymore, even as his jaws clenched together.

Upon second thoughts, he decided to wait, even as Violet kept glaring as she spoke on the phone.

"Yes, I spent the night at my best friend’s house, and that reminds me. What is the emergency you talked about? Is everything alright?"

"Joanna’s handing over is later in the day, so I’ll leave from here, and we can spend more time together if you can make it."

"Okay, I will be waiting for your confirmation, and don’t forget that work is also very important."

She ended the call, and her anger boiled at the sight of Aiden standing there. "Why are you still there? Go already."

Aiden was shaking his head, disappointment filling his eyes. He didn’t like Bennette, and the fact that Violet was inviting him to Joanna’s handing over made him angry.

"Must he keep tailing you every time?"

Violet chuckled in annoyance. "You sound jealous. Why don’t you get out and allow me to dress up, ha?"

Her question brought back Aiden’s attention to her exposed thighs and cleavage; he swallowed hard.

"You sound as if I haven’t seen you naked."

Violet was about to vent her anger, but Aiden had tactfully left. The fact that he was able to upset her was enough for him as he made a mental note to investigate this Bennett guy.

Violet dressed up and immediately went downstairs to meet Joanna and Alex but was annoyed to see Aiden at the table.

The idiot said he was leaving, unknowing to her that he was still lingering around.

As the two women embraced each other, Alex apologized. "I’m deeply sorry for what our maid did. She drugged you to set me up," he said honestly. Violet quickly connected the dots and asked in disappointment.

"Is that the reason for the money?"

With Joanna being aware, Alex had no reason to be diplomatic about it, unknown to him, how that was going to upset Violet. "Yes."

"Well, I don’t need it," Violet said abruptly as she sat down, unfortunately facing Aiden because Joanna sat facing Alex, and the two men sat side by side.

"Then it might go to waste because the source is from the one behind it," Alex directly revealed.

He understood that Violet was upset because she thought he was paying from his pocket, but if she knew the real source, then that would be enough to calm her, which did.

"I guess you should borrow me, your wife to party with," Violet shrugged. Joanna laughed, understanding that Violet wanted to blow the money because of the source.

She didn’t need it anyway, but her mention of a party caused Aiden’s gaze to darken, feeling like a party meant more men, before recalling that Violet already settled for somebody else.

"What happened to your so-called boyfriend?" Aiden chimed sarcastically. Violet glared at him but did not immediately respond, but when she did, Joanna laughed.

"He’ll be there too, but I Joanna being there would make it more exciting since she would attend with Alex. The only person not invited would be you, so what do you think?" She winked. Aiden’s anger boiled, and though not having proof, he dropped a hint.

"You start dating a guy you haven’t meant for long. What if he has a woman? If not, why would he leave you at the event last night?"

Seeing the confusion on Violet’s face, he added more spice to make her upset. "Sometimes, if your brain function was slightly as your beauty, you wouldn’t be jumping from one man to the other."

He soon regretted his words due to what Violet did next.

 

Chapter 142: Chapter 142 - I never saw a man as petty as you

The sound of a slap resonated through the entire living room, stunning everyone. Joanna suddenly burst into laughter, earning a smirk from Alex.

He had to admit how cute she looked when she laughed like that.

"You deserved that one. I never saw a man as petty as you, and the only reason I never wanted to speak was because of Alex," Joanna said seriously. Aiden could not be upset with her for the sake of Alex.

Nevertheless, he was still finding it hard to recover from the slap as it wasn’t the first time Violet had done it. He was able to prevent other ones, but this one seemed impossible, and he couldn’t prevent it. Violet had moved faster than he ever imagined or expected.

"And you think she’s innocent of everything I said?" Aiden asked Joanna. "Why can’t she be like you?" He asked, not only Violet and Joanna, but Alex was getting upset and stopped him.

"Aiden, enough. If she doesn’t want your help, then don’t force it." He could not allow Aiden to compare two women when they were both unique.

Alex also felt that Violet’s actions and decisions pertaining to men might be a result of her past experiences with them and should not be judged by that, but Joanna caught something from his words.

"Need his help?" she reiterated, curiosity beaming in her eyes, but Alex could not let her know Aiden’s plans when neither of them had proof.

For one, Aiden could be spitting nonsense out of jealousy, but also, he could be insinuating something real that Alex did not want either him or Joanna to get involved with.

"Angel, why don’t we talk about something else? I already arranged for a new set of professionals to help with your looks for the handing over."

Joanna was beautiful, but when appearing in public, especially in front of the media, Alex always had something very special in mind.

Nevertheless, with or without makeup, Joanna was always perfect to him.

Joanna knew she couldn’t refuse, and just as Alex hinted, a new stylist arrived three hours before the time.

Due to what happened with the wedding and all, Alex ensured not to use the same set of designers over and over, and not to book them before time to repeat the same mistakes as before.

By the time they were done, it was not only Joanna but also Violet who were as stunning as the sun. As much as Violet hated it, Aiden had stood there watching her all through.

Her only prayer was for the event to be over, and she was certain she would not see Aiden’s annoying face again, even by accident.

"My Angel, you nailed it once more," Alex said, and Joanna smiled. She was getting used to this nickname and did not question it anymore.

Besides, it explained their relationship. There was nothing sexual or romantic to it. Just pure affirmation.

Someone might read a different meaning into it, but Joanna did not care about that as much as she was only concerned with how to complete this contract and live her life to the fullest.

"Thank you," Joanna said as Alex turned to Aiden, who had also dressed up. "Are you riding with us?" He asked curiously, not liking the idea, but then, Aiden could sit in the front passenger seat with the driver.

"No," Aiden refused. "I won’t be coming back here, so I better leave alone." He did not want to ride with Alex and Joanna as that would make him feel lonely since he wouldn’t have Alex to himself like he used to.

Alex did not argue as he instructed Jack. "You shall drive Vio..."

"No," Violet interrupted, not allowing Alex to complete the sentence. "I brought my car and can drive myself," she said seriously, but Alex did not like the idea.

If it were a normal day, then that arrangement was fine, but in a situation where they were attending Joanna’s handing over ceremony, there was a need for a different outlook.

"That is not right. Let Jack drive your car to the venue. He could come back on his own," Alex suggested. Violet was about to agree when she heard Aiden’s voice again.

"Or I could drive her there and make it home in time," he suggested, and not only Violet and Joanna, but Alex equally refused.

"No. She won’t like you to do that for her," he explained. Aiden was upset but did not counter.

Even he did not understand why he still wanted to drive Violet to the event, even as she slapped him. Maybe it was to teach her how to respect a man.

Violet loved Alex’s response and did not counter it. A few hours later, Alex and Joanna arrived at the Baker’s Corporation. Monica, Aiden, Violet, and Benette were already there.

However, Cole, his wife, and Mia were nowhere to be found. Alex decided to ignore their absence for now.

All the staff had attended, and just a few media reps were allowed to cover the event. Grandpa was there, dressed in an all-white suit.

All executive members and top officials were in attendance, except the people whom it concerned most.

"Where is the CEO and his family?" Alex asked after everything was set and was hit with the news. "Mia called this morning to inform us about her father being rushed to the hospital due to a severe stroke," the finance manager answered.

Not everybody was aware of this news because of how delicate it was, causing eyes to widen, including that of Joanna, but Monica was rather unfazed, still happy for this transition where her daughter was going to become the CEO.

To her, Alex’s presence in their lives was a blessing indescribable by words.

"In that case, we shall proceed with the handing over since you have all the documents in place. Cole’s documents will be sent to him at the hospital for his signature to be appended," Alex revealed. Most people saw him to be heartless, and one of them gathered the boldness to voice it out.

"With all due respect, Mr. King. Our boss is fighting for his life due to this transition, so can’t you wait until he gets better?" It was one of the executive members asking, gaining the support of the others.

Seated around a round table, Joanna smelled something fishy and loved the way Alex was handling everything.

Since he was not going to be around, he felt inclined to give her the necessary support to kickstart her career.

His response did not disappoint her. "If he was rushed to the hospital because of this news, then there is no point waiting for him."

Murmurs broke out, and the majority seemed to not be liking Alex at this instance, but Grandpa took the mantle from him.

"Usually, I would not interfere because my grandson is capable of handling all these affairs. However, it seems to me that most of you do not understand the statement he just made."

Confused gazes focused on the old man as if he was receiving inspiration from space as he continued to speak without giving them the chance to ask the questions they wanted.

"If Cole fainted because of the handing over, then what is the assurance he would get better? The fact remains that whether dead or alive, in good or bad health, this transition would have to be done, so in this case, there is no need to wait for anyone to get better."

A few people agreed with Grandpa, but Joanna caught how a few of the managers were whispering things.

As such, she continued to observe for a while until Grandpa took his seat. Alex continued to speak.

"In the presence of the media and all invited guests, I would like to invite my wife, Mrs. Joanna King, to sign her portion, showing her acceptance of the mantle of the position of CEO of Baker’s Corporation."

Monica was already on her feet, her clap louder than that of anyone else, as she cheered on her daughter with tears in her eyes.

Joanna stood up and went to Alex’s side, Violet joined Monica and the others to cheer her on. As soon as the documents were signed with all the witness portions, Alex called Jack.

"Send this document to the hospital and make sure that Cole, his wife, and daughter sign their portions."

Some people among the crowd began sweating, and as Jack turned to leave, one of them spoke up.

"Mr. Baker is suffering from paralysis, so how can he sign this document?"

Alex glared at him and responded coldly. "How does that concern you? On second thoughts, we shall pay him a visit at the hospital. The rest of you can enjoy the refreshments."

Joanna agreed as she was anxious to see what had become of the man who treated her like nothing, but once they reached the door, some executive members had some confessions to make.

Chapter 143: Chapter 143 - You have something to do

"Dad, are you going to give everything to Joanna? We might end up begging on the street because she would never support us," Mia cried, Rene added her voice, her anger and jealousy reaching its peak.

"It’s true, Cole. You have to do something. We can’t give up everything just like that."

Watching everything she planned for so long crumble in front of her was the saddest part of all she was feeling, but as much as she tried, she did not want to shed a tear for her enemies.

Cole had not been well ever since the revelations from Monica at the wedding, knowing that he made a mistake by letting Monica go and watching her suffer with their child.

However, it was too late to make the correction as the fact remained that Monica would never take him back. As such, his only option was not to sign the handing over documents.

"Don’t worry. I have a plan. The company cannot belong to Joanna if I don’t sign it over."

This was the final part, and he was not willing to proceed with it. Rene and Mia were very happy with his words. "That is a relief to know. So, what do you plan to do?" Rene asked. Cole thought carefully but did not want to directly tell her before getting the necessary details.

"Excuse me to make a call."

As the mother and daughter excused him to make the call, Rene made a stunning revelation when she was alone with Mia. "Mia, I think this is a good time for us to go."

Mia’s eyes widened from shock, not particularly expecting to hear anything like this. After all, she loved her dad, but the only person she loathed was Joanna.

"Mom, what are you talking about? How can we leave dad? He’s trying to still get everything for us by trying to find a way to not sign those documents," she pointed out as Rene began to explain this to her from her perspective as a mother.

"I mean after your father completes whatever plan he has on keeping the assets, we should move them to our names and leave."

This advice was not sitting well with Mia, and she was about to ask more questions when the words slipped out of her mother’s mouth. "After all, he isn’t your real father."

The feeling of having a bucket of cold water poured over her was exactly what Mia felt at that moment.

Her mother telling her that the man she had known all her life was not it was too much to believe, and she directly refused to accept it.

"Mom, can you stop messing around? How can you say something so unreasonable?" Mia pointed out, but as Rene was about to explain, Cole’s voice interrupted.

"I think it’s done."

Rene did not want any surprises and insisted on the details. "What do you mean by it’s done?"

Cole smiled profoundly. Since the Company originally belonged to his family, no one could claim it without his signing some very important documents.

"I called one of the executive members to inform them to pass this information to Alex. Mia called to inform him that I fainted this morning due to a severe stroke attack and can’t make it."

Mia was feeling guilty because of what her mother told her, but Rene was grinning like a fool, already guessing the potential outcome of the plan but still asked to be sure.

"What is the news going to affect the shares and all?" For as long as they could take whatever little was remaining, she would be fine.

Cole shook his head, disappointed that she could not connect the dots. "I honestly wish you had some brains. Even a rock would have mercy at such news, and Alex is not an exception. Now, as we delay the process of the handing over, we would still have access to the funds like before."

He paused, as if thinking of something, and added. "We can’t move money in bulk but can still do so in tranches over a period of time."

Rene remembered that Cole was also trying to sell some shares in the company. Joanna would be hit by the news like a tsunami, but Cole and his family would have disappeared by then.

"I don’t know why the buyer has delayed so much, but for now, we have to escape before Alex finds out that the company was half dead. If not for Joanna’s deal, we would have been closing down by now."

His main concern about the shares before was not because he didn’t want to give it back, but the fact that he could not afford to do so.

"So which executive and how much will he be paid?" Mia asked, unable to hide her guilt, but Cole was also not thinking in that direction.

"I promised him some shares if everything goes through, but that would not happen." As usual, he had no intention of keeping his promise.

"That is why you are my husband," Rene said excitedly, asking. "Are you sure Alex would believe this tale?"

She was not afraid of Joanna, but Alex posed a big threat to them. A yawn escaped Cole as he thought about a more profound way to make everything believable.

"If he doesn’t, I can as well bribe a doctor to take me in and give me some fake diagnosis. Yes, this option is better."

After deciding on what to do, Cole found himself at the hospital, and Mia was glad not to be at the handing over ceremony where Joanna would be flaunting her newfound wealth in her face.

They watched from the hospital as the media reported on the ongoing events of the handing over ceremony where Cole was deemed unable to attend the event.

Suddenly, Cole’s phone rang, and he answered it, his face paling with the news.

"Mr. Baker, Mr. King insists on seeing you at the hospital," the executive member, Mr. Jude reported. Cole was nervous.

He never thought Alex would be so petty, but then, he began to think it was because of Joanna.

"Did you explain everything to him?" Cole asked with hopeful eyes, getting the most dreaded response.

"He insists on bringing the documents for you to sign at the hospital. He doesn’t care that you aren’t well and only wants the documents signed."

Rene could see her husband sweating on the phone, wondering what was being discussed.

"Alright, he should come," Cole said after an idea dropped in his mind. He could arrange with the doctor to give him anything to make him unconscious, but the revelation from the executive member put him on the edge.

"Well, he left before I made the call." He was afraid of adding the rest and rather said, "you promised me some shares, and I have covered up for you till this stage."

Cole already knew what he was going to ask and disconnected the line. He had to get this done as quickly as possible.

"What’s going on?" Rene asked, and Cole responded bitterly. "Alex and Joanna are on their way here.

Who knew his illegitimate daughter would cause such a scare in him merely with her presence?

"That woman. If she thinks she can take everything from us because she’s married to Alex, then that is not going to happen," Rene vowed with determination.

Signing that document would include losing their home, so where would they sleep?

After all she did, she knew that even if Joanna wanted to be merciful, Monica would poison her mind.

"Call the doctor. He has to make me unconscious for Alex to not force me to sign the document."

Rene hastened to get the doctor, but just as she reached the door, she was met with a familiar face.

It was a bodyguard she saw before during the time Joanna slept over at the Baker’s mansion with Alex, and before she could say Jack, Alex had arrived with Joanna.

Aiden and Violet had not accompanied them, being left behind to supervise everything ongoing at the refreshment, but Monica was also there.

The only person who would approve a reception when the documents were not signed was Alex.

No matter what, he was going to ensure that those documents were signed by hook or by crook.

"Alex, Joan, what are you doing here?" Rene asked, a blend of fear and disappointment settling in her eyes.

Monica stared condescendingly at her. "What a stupid question to ask when you already know what belongs to my daughter?"

Rene’s expression changed. She would have stood up to Monica, but she was not alone. As if the bodyguard was not scary enough, Alex was there too.

"Monica, have some sympathy. Cole is sick, and all you can think about is the company. I don’t think you ever loved him."

Monica could not be bothered. "There are people who deserved love and sympathy, but you all do not belong to that category," she shrugged. Alex walked to Cole, who lay on the bed like he couldn’t move his limbs.

"Sign these documents," Alex said seriously. Cole refused to respond.

"He can’t speak, Alex, he has a stroke," Rene lied. With a smirk lifting the corner of his lips, Alex responded.

"Do you think Mr. Jude can lie to me?" Not only Rene but also Cole grew nervous. Could it be that Mr. Jude betrayed them?

 

Chapter 144: Chapter 144 - A Little time

Rene’s expression grew tight at Alex’s question as Cole was torn between continuing with the pretense or coming clean.

How could he think of outsmarting the young man with such a feeble plan? Cole agreed that Alex was too smart to be messed with.

"Mr. Jude told me about the shares, so do you think it’s still right to lie to me?" Alex glared at the man on the bed as he asked, and Mia was nervous.

"Look, Alex..." she was saying but a voice devoid of warmth responded.

"It’s Mr. King, Mia, and from today, address your half-sister as Mrs. King," Alex said seriously. Mia was greatly pained but forced herself to endure it.

Joanna was nothing and yet, she had everything now. Rene and her daughter who had lived their whole lives in affluence and were going to be forced to take up some domestic jobs.

Alex wanted the documents signed today, so he was patient. "It wasn’t hard for Mr. Jude to confess it all, especially knowing that you were on the brink of losing everything," Alex revealed.

Cole could not pretend anymore. "Look, Alex, can’t you give a little time?"

The only way now was for him to escape from the shame and whatever it was Joanna might use against them but as if Alex read his mind, he refused.

"Time for what?" Alex asked, getting upset. "You destroyed the Company due to your inability to manage your home well. I have studied the details of the company’s finances and will be pressing charges."

The traces of Rene buying expensive cars or houses from the company’s account left a lot to be desired.

Joanna was stunned at this part, the fact that Cole had been so shameless in his spending on Rene to become so bankrupt.

It was clear that Alex had her back covered, doing all the background checks in secret.

Joanna would not have known if she had stayed back. She knew there was so much to learn from Alex and remained quiet.

By watching him handle her enemies, Joanna had hope for the future.

"No, it’s my company, so I can manage it the way I want," Cole explained, but Alex shook his head as he glanced at Monica.

"She had shares in it, so you had no right to do this. If not for the deals Joan closed before the marriage, you would have closed down by now," Alex pointed out.

As an expert, he could see things from afar and could use a few minutes to resolve issues.

Cole felt like he was trapped in a hole but still pleaded. "Look, let’s forget about the pressing charges part. Perhaps there should be another way," he said gently, hoping that Joanna would reconsider.

Alex was about to say that there was no other way when Joanna countered. "Of course, there is a way."

Cole held her gaze, feeling that Joanna was not as helpless as her mother, but her words pierced him hard, wiping the little bit of positivity he held about her.

"We shall sell every asset in your, your wife’s, or your daughter’s name to recover for the losses." This was their last time outside the door and Fairytale was becoming disturbed.

Cole had seen this coming but never imagined that Mia and Rene would be affected. They were his backup plan in the case where he was unable to revive the company without being upset.

"You are more ruthless than your husband," Cole pointed out, bitterness lacing his voice.

Mia looked like she was going to faint, and Rene’s mind blanked out. It was just as her daughter said that they might end up begging on the streets.

Joanna could not be a little generous to even hire an apartment for us.

"Wasn’t it ruthless of you when you tried to keep my mother’s shares to yourself after watching us suffer?" Joanna asked, her emotions thick in her voice.

All her life, she had a worthy father but had to survive alone with her mother for as long as she could remember.

"Joan, please, I’m growing and can’t start over. The fact that I gave you life should make you consider," Cole pleaded. Rene hated that they were at the mercy of the illegitimate daughter.

"Not pressing charges is enough kindness. Or, we can have things the legal way," Joanna said coldly.

If not for the fact the winning family could not be represented probably, she would not be facing the crowd today, .

She also longed for a complete family. Her father and mother together, but that never happened for her because her father was busy with another woman.

It was time for them to go through the same thing she went through before all this began to happen.

"Joan, please, you already have Alex...Mr. King, and all the King family behind you. Even if you decide not to work, you will never be in need, so please consider."

At this point, Alex was enjoying watching his wife in action. He thought she was fragile, but it turned out the revenge boiling in her heart made her firm in her decision.

"Well, everything I have now is merely a compensation for how your mother stole my family from me. I suffered with my mother without a father in my life, but guess what? You get to undergo the same suffering with your father in your life," Joanna taunted.

Mia should have a great feel of suffering before Jessica would agree if its for free.

"Monica, please talk to your daughter," Cole pleaded, when he saw no way out of the situation but it seems he sought consolation in the wrong place.

Murmmers broke out as a result of Alex’s charming voice as they debated the situation.

"She’s too lenient. Had it been me, I would have kicked you out of the mansion right this minute," Monica added her voice.

Everything was going south, and there was no way for Cole to have it his way as it was too late to make amends because Joanna was now married.

Who knew that things would turn out this way? Monica was now a proud mother.

"Okay, I will sign the document," Cole finally said. Rene was so uneasy, her symptoms feeling like motion sickness.

"No, you can’t do this. Have you thought about me? Your daughter?" She raged but Cole had already appended his signature.

A sigh of relief escaped Monica when the documents reached Alex’s hand. It was over with justice prevailing over everything else.

This was the best day of her life ever since the day she met Cole because Joanna was now married.

"I lost hope before, but now I feel I should have told you sooner," she embraced her daughter as she spoke.

Then again, perhaps things must have been tougher if she had informed Joanna earlier. Despite Joanna being the one to initiate it, Alex was the one to implement everything.

"Cole, we have nothing. What do we do now?" She wailed as if Cole had been buried and before the latter spoke, Joanna reminded them.

"Oh, you have three months to remove yourself from the mansion and make way for the new buyer."

Joanna would not keep the mansion or give it to her mother because Cole had originally built it for Rene.

Therefore, it was better to sell it to use the money for something very profitable.

She would have bought or built a new one for her mother but knew the middle aged woman was so in love with her petite house.

However, Joanna’s sudden gesture was convincing enough, but why did Mia feel that Joanna was up to something bigger? It had always been so.

"Ike, drop Monica at home," Alex instructed before turning to Joanna. "How about we skip the reception and have a romantic dinner?"

The loving way Alex stared at Joanna, caused something to burn inside of Mia. Joanna was about to agree, but then remembered something and made a suggestion.

"Fine, but no private rooms if it’s a restaurant you are booking."

Alex’s gaze dimmed a little as he wanted something private. "Why?" His question only confirmed Joanna’s suspicions.

"If it will be a private room, then it’s better we eat at the mansion, so if you agree to the restaurant, then let’s eat like everybody else," Joanna proposed since they had a chef at home.

Alex was not liking this, but how could he refuse? "Okay, I agree with you."

Arriving at the restaurant, Joanna wondered what would have happened if she had agreed to the private room.

Everything was so luxurious, just like the life she was now getting accustomed to.

"I didn’t make a reservation, so we could talk as the meal is being prepared," he said as a waiter dropped an expensive wine gently on the table.

Alex merely poured a glass for Joanna when three ladies walked in, heading straight to Alex’s table.

Without permission, one of them embraced Alex in his sitting position. What Alex did, stunned everyone at the restaurant.

Chapter 145: Chapter 145 - The questioning bill

"Alex, I miss you so much," a sultry female voice sounded. Joanna’s face twisted with a frown as she stared at Alex. Even though it was just a contract marriage, they had rules, but Alex was breaking them, or so she thought.

"If you want to live the rest of your life without your arm, then you can keep it there," he said in a low, cold voice. The lady whose hand was wrapped around him pulled away, smiling awkwardly at Joanna, who was pleased with Alex’s attitude.

The woman was well-dressed but also flirty. Joanna wondered why she came over to their table if she was there with her friends.

Worse, she couldn’t seem to keep her thoughts and words to herself. "You must be my replacement."

Joanna felt offended, but before she could respond, Alex spoke up. "How could she be your replacement when you were never even in the picture?"

Meeting another of his exes, he was just happy for Joanna’s appearance that fateful day, as he wondered what drew him close to Nora.

Expecting the woman to leave, she instead pulled a chair and sat with them, and so did her two friends.

Joanna regretted immediately not taking the offer to dine in the private room like Alex had suggested before.

"Joan, I never knew I’d see you here," a loud female voice spoke from the entrance. Joanna turned in the direction of the voice but try as she did, she could not recognize it.

"Excuse me, who are you?"

Disappointment sat on the face of the female walking towards her. Joanna felt lost as she could not put a name to the face.

"You don’t know me?" The woman’s voice took a side of offense. "Let me guess. Because you are now Mrs. King, you don’t want to associate with the likes of us?"

Offense and guilt nudged Joanna in the heart, but Alex felt the woman must be someone from her past.

"So what is it if she doesn’t remember you? If you were a good friend, you would not have been missing from her life until now."

Guilt shone on the face of the girl accusing Joanna. She was the reason for Joanna’s memory loss, but from the look of things, no one knew about it except her alone.

"No, Mr. King, it’s nothing like that. Can I join the table?"

Joanna was confused, not knowing the answer to give to the queens as she was not comfortable with the woman’s presence, but Alex answered when the woman was going to pick a chair from another table.

"No. I came here to dine with my wife."

A saddened look sat on the woman’s face, but Nora and her friends were excited to have joined the table.

They expected the woman to go sit at another table, but rather, she left the restaurant, making Alex suspicious. Did she only come to see Joanna? How did she know Joanna was here if that was the case?

Or was she upset because Alex had refused for her to join his table? Well, Alex could not allow himself to feel guilty about that. All he wanted was to have a romantic dinner with his wife.

"Can you bring us your most expensive wine?" Nora asked the waiter. Joanna grimaced as one of Nora’s friends added.

"And also your most expensive food. It’s not every day that we get to dine with a rich man like Alexander King."

Joanna’s face was as white as snow, as the three women were ordering recklessly. She had even forgotten her intention for being there until Alex gently nudged her.

"What are you ordering for us?"

Confusion twisted her thinking for a moment before she finally understood that they had to act intimate. Picking up the menu, her eyes widened at the prices attached to each of the dishes, meaning Alex might roughly spend at least five hundred thousand dollars on those three women.

With a depressed countenance, she opted for the cheapest options, but Alex leaned in and whispered to her.

"What exactly are you ordering?"

It took her a while to readjust to the fact that her contract husband was a billionaire and those few thousands of dollars meant nothing to him, so she changed the order, her heart warming when Alex smiled at her.

"You are beautiful," he said to the amazement of the three women at the table. Joanna’s heart thumped, as Alex’s expression showed that he meant every single word.

"Thank you," she replied as their orders were brought. Nora found her heartbeat becoming strange at the interaction between the couple.

She had met Alex after a harsh heartbreak, but Alex had not portrayed himself as a billionaire back then. So after dating a few weeks, she broke up with him to return to her toxic boyfriend because he was rich.

Turned out things didn’t work out between them as he broke up with her gold-digging ass and married somebody else.

Nora had tried to get in touch with Alex after but could not find him until the marriage broadcast.

It was already too late, and Alex had married another woman. Well, a rich guy like Alex could have a million side chicks, and that was exactly what Nora wanted to be.

"Tell me how it tastes," Alex said when he brought the food to Joanna’s mouth. It made her shy, but she opened her mouth and accepted it, catching Nora grimacing at the gesture.

"It tastes good, so why don’t you also tell me how this tastes," Joanna said, bringing a piece of meat to Alex’s lips. As he opened his mouth to accept the food, he saw a grain of rice at the corner of Joanna’s lips.

"It tastes good, but not as good as your cooking." The response shied Joanna even more, but the next moment, Alex added. "There is something on your face. Let me get it off for you."

Joanna tried to check whatever was on her face but made no progress. She leaned in, shocked when Alex pressed his lips to hers, forcefully parting her lips with his tongue.

The deep, passionate kiss caused her cheeks to blush, and the three women at the table realized the couple were in their own world.

Nora cleared her throat. "Alex, do you remember the necklace you bought me on my birthday?" She unzipped her front zip a little to reveal her cleavage where a dazzling pendant dangled.

Joanna’s mind was filled with questions, and her expression was one of confusion. Nora’s friends responded. "Yes, and we remember how he mentioned that no other woman could compare to you."

Joanna bit her lower lip as she glared at Alex, silently demanding an explanation, though she could guess Nora was an ex.

"Alex, I also remember when you carried me through the snow that night when..."

"Excuse me. What is your name?" Alex cut in, his expression dark. "You must be feeble-minded to think I hold a memory of anything that happened between us. If you must know, I focus on my future and not my past."

Nora’s expression twisted. This wasn’t the response she expected, and she was losing her hold over the game since she was not succeeding in making Joanna upset.

An idea came to mind, and she nudged Joanna with her leg under the table, earning Joanna’s attention as the latter bent over a little to check what was going on under the table.

However, just as Nora expected her to hit her head against the edge of the table, Joanna’s head came into contact with something rather soft.

Alex had covered the edge of the table with his palm, indirectly cushioning Joanna’s head with the back of his palm.

Nora was upset but maintained a smile, and as soon as Joanna raised her head, Alex stared gently at her. "What are you checking under the table?"

Joanna forced a smile. "I felt a movement on my leg."

As much as Nora tried to get Alex’s attention, she wasn’t getting it.

"Next time you feel anything strange, tell me first," he said softly, but Joanna discerned there was more to it.

"It’s nothing. I might just be imagining things."

Alex knew it wasn’t the case but was just not in the mood for drama by pointing out the offender.

"Do you want anything else?" He asked softly. She shook her head. "Naaa, I don’t have any more space in my stomach."

Alex smiled profoundly at her. "I love you, and I feel honored to have you as my wife. I never thought I’d win the heart of a female CEO."

Joanna knew he didn’t mean it, but it warmed her heart. Also, she deduced from his words that Nora was a gold digger, giving her the understanding that she was just like Fiona and the others.

"I never thought I’d marry a CEO myself, and I love you so much."

She meant every word, though knowing that Alex would only think she was playing along. It was better that way because this man would never be hers for real.

"In that case, I should take my wife home and give her a massage," he winked seductively. Joanna felt hot all over, her cheeks reddened as Alex requested the bill.

When he saw the total amount, he frowned imperceptibly. "What my wife ordered isn’t up to this amount."

The waiter was confused, smiled nervously, and explained. "It’s a total of everything."

Alex glared at him, and his next words caused Nora and her friends to pale instantly.