Ch. 6..10: OMG My Crippled Husband is a Hot Powerful CEO Chapter 6-10

Chapter 6: Chapter 6 – You have no right to refuse

Joana was amazed by Alex's guts but was glad he was standing up for her. This was what the marriage arrangement was all about in the first place, but she just did not expect him to act it out so realistically.

"Never mind, just let it go." A strained smile settled on her face. The slap was nothing compared to her mother's condition.

Besides, Alex was still lower in rank than her scum father, and Cole could make his life miserable.

Mia was upset that it was true and the man was indeed good-looking, but gosh. There was a great error in him. That could be the only reason why Joana got married so fast.

"Joana, what is the difference between this man and Alexander? This man is in a wheelchair and he looks broke, but Alexander, though paralyzed, is rich.

Alex had a look of disgust in his eyes at the sight of Mia. 'She's more repulsive than in her photos,' he thought to himself, glad to have escaped the arranged marriage with her.

At this point, he was glad that Joanna came by when she did, but he also found out the complications of the Baker family.

Cole was happy that Mia was finally getting some brains. "Your sister is right, and she's smarter. No wonder you are still bent on your mother's shares. I won't give them to you."

"You have no right to refuse. The condition is for her to get married, so whether I meet your criteria or not, what belongs to her should be given to her," Alex stated in a cold tone, his voice taking dominion with an air of authority that got Cole frowning.

'This cripple sure thinks so highly of himself. Who is he to act so high and mighty in the first place?'

"You are her husband, so shouldn't you support her? Why should it matter if she has shares?" Disdain laced his voice as he spoke, but Alex warned seriously.

"That's because they belong to her. Remember, what you don't give to the rightful owner, someone might just steal it in the end."

Cole was not too dumb to deduce a threat from calm words, asking, "What are you implying, and who do you think you are?"

It was so strange to him how this cripple had a strange air of authority around him, though not luxuriously dressed.

Those kinds of confidence were only reserved for the high and mighty, but somehow, he seemed to have them all, which was a matter of concern.

"I have said what I have said, so if you are as wise as you look, then choose carefully. Or perhaps, looks might just be deceptive."

Cole was furious, deducing the subtle insult thrown at him. So unnerving of a man who had no use of his legs.

Alex had overstayed his welcome. "Security, get this cripple out of my house," Cole seethed, but Joanna was equally upset.

His father lied to her, which was unexpected. Not after she had been shunned by him for all these years, and what she was asking for was something that rightfully belonged to her mom.

She could endure her father's disrespect, but it was not fair for Alex to be treated that way, especially in his condition when he was playing his part perfectly well.

"Dad, he's my husband, you are going too far."

"You are not important to me, so he isn't either," Cole hissed. Those shares would affect the company greatly if taken away, so how could he part with them?

This would not have happened if Joana had just agreed to marry Alexander. She would not have been here asking for it.

"Look at what you married? You followed looks and forgot about power and even legs. How can he defend you now? And wait a minute. Will he be able to give you children?"

His tone was now menacingly mocking.

Two bodyguards came in, and before their hands touched the wheelchair, Alex wheeled it away, causing one of them to trip.

With Cole being the closest, the bodyguard tried to hold the middle-aged man for support, but they both lost their balance, ending up on the floor.

Joana laughed, and as the second one neared Alex, all he felt was pain slashing through his foot. No one saw when Alex stepped on him so hard, he felt the blend of pain mixed with shock.

"Ahhh," he hopped on one leg and tried to check the extent of the injury. Luck was not on his side when he bent over a little as Alex struck him on the face.

"You!"

Cole glared at him, blown by the level of defense Alex put up even in his condition, so what would have happened if he was not in a wheelchair?

"Your security men are too weak. They can't even get a man on a wheelchair out of your house. How pathetic," Alex taunted.

Cole was so angry that he tried to pounce on Alex, but Joana blocked his path before shock registered on her face.

Her father would not have been able to reach Alex because the latter had even wheeled himself away. He was too fast with the wheelchair that he did not seem to need any help from anyone.

"You two should get out of my house and never come back," Cole yelled. Alex replied firmly.

"You will be the one calling her to come back." He was sure of it and was going to make Cole pay for it.

"That will never happen. Who the hell do you think you are? I will destroy you," Cole yelled. It was a promise, and he was certain to do so, but Alex smiled evilly.

"Bring it on. If you must know, I'm an IT officer. I can do a lot of things."

Cole scoffed. "Pttf, a mere IT officer. I will make sure to get you fired."

Alex did not say anymore, wheeling himself out as he already confirmed a few things. Joanna followed, but reaching the entrance, her mother's condition brought fear into her heart.

"Thanks a lot for standing up for me, but I have to go to the hospital. My mom is sick, and it's already getting late."

She already flagged down a cab before Alex could utter a word, but as she was about to enter the cab, she stared at him. "Where are you headed?"

Alex shook his head. "None of your business."

Joanna's teeth gritted together. He was protective of her minutes ago, and a second later, he was just being rude. Indeed, it was in the contract. She was not supposed to question his movements.

There was no time to argue, so she sat in the cab and left. Two minutes later, a Bentley parked in front of Alex, and the driver walked to his side, helping him to the back seat as well as watching out for cameras.

After ensuring that Alex was comfortable, he carried the wheelchair into the boot of the car. When he returned to the driver's seat, Alex was on a call.

"Edmund, clear all of Joanna's mother's medical bills but make it anonymous. As for her father, destroy him."

"Sir, your grandpa would not agree and might help him back to his feet," Edmund hinted. Alex thought of another way and responded.

"Then start slowly, all traces should lead to Salvatore Black and look into how Joana lost her job. Make sure she gets it back with double salary."

"On it, sir." Before the call ended, his driver, Ike, received a call, paling with it.

"Sir, your grandpa is furious after hearing the news about your marriage and has instructed me to bring you and your wife."

 

Chapter 7: Chapter 7 - Sir, are you sure she’s a good woman?

Alex never liked dealing directly with his grandpa due to how forceful the old man could be, but this was the reason he agreed to marry Joanna.

"Are we the only ones?" He asked. Ike was about to answer when he asked again, "And when does he want to meet us?"

It was bound to happen, but he never thought the old man would request it so soon. His grandfather, Aristotle, was very unpredictable, so he needed every detail, especially when Joanna was caring for her sick mother.

"He said over the weekend, and boss, it’s to smoothen things between your wife and arranged bride."

Alex was visibly upset, and it was sensed in the temperature of the car, making Ike afraid of speaking another word. This was the best form to have his boss, but even during times like this, he could be perilous.

Picking up his phone, Alex dialed his grandfather’s number and was met with the old man’s lambasting words.

"You stupid grandson. Your younger brother is much better than you. How dare you get married without my consent when you have a betrothed bride?"

Alex did not care for his grandfather’s choice of words. All that mattered was for him to protect Joanna.

Alex got most of his traits from his grandfather, and that was one of the reasons why the two never saw eye to eye and hardly agreed on anything.

"That was arranged. I also told you that I already had a woman."

"You are mad," the old man snarled over the phone, and Alex’s expression hardened. He did not plan to respond, but the next moment, the old man groaned.

"Ah, my heart." Alex panicked this time, thinking it was one of those heart attacks, but the old man suddenly resumed lambasting him once more.

"You will kill me, you silly boy. Do you know the reason for this arrangement? How can you be so stubborn and selfish?"

The old man was shedding tears and screaming over the phone, Alex felt helpless.

"Grandpa, please relax. I’m not a boy anymore, and you seem to forget that. I can’t marry a woman you choose for me. You don’t even know my taste."

That was a fact. No one knew his taste because Alex did not even have a taste. There was just one woman printed on his mind without an image.

That was the only woman he vowed to marry for real as soon as he meets her. The rest, including Joanna, were all merely for selfish gain.

"I’m your grandfather. I know what’s best for you. Your father disobeyed me and chose your mother. See what happened after? Where is your father now?"

Alex’s teeth were grinding together at the mention of his father. His gray eyes took a darker shade, his voice turning cold. "I am not my father."

"But you are his son, and that makes you my grandson. I know what’s best for you. You know nothing about women. They are not like the companies you run. Bring that woman here, and I will take care of everything."

Aristotle’s voice was commanding, exactly what Alex loathed about the old man. He felt he could control everyone but not Alex.

"Grandpa, if you don’t tell me the details of whatever you want to take care of, then I won’t bring her."

His voice was stern but not enough to threaten the old man with loads of experience dealing with even the deadliest of men.

"I can still find her, and you know what will happen. You know who I am, Alex, don’t dare me."

Alex’s gaze darkened even more, but he knew better than allowing his anger to take control of him, forcing himself to speak softly.

"Grandpa, supposing I agree to bring her, who and who are we going to meet there?"

"Your brother is coming with his fiancée too, and same as the Bakers. I have to correct every wrong. The woman I chose for you is of good character and very beautiful. Her mother is who your father should have married."

Alex laughed mockingly. He didn’t get to see Mia’s mother, but from the character displayed by the father and daughter, that woman could only be as them or even worse.

"Grandpa, I must say that you have a bad taste in women."

"How dare you talk to me like that?" The old man was furious. "Have you gone crazy? Or have you forgotten who I am?"

Alex hadn’t forgotten how ruthless his grandfather was, but his only reason for taking the hardest blow was Joanna.

He got her into his complicated family and business life and had to protect her until the six months were over. "So when and where is the venue for this meeting?"

"At the family house this weekend. You better send me the details of that wife of yours," the old man demanded, but as for that, Alex could not allow it.

"I won’t. You already threatened her life, so you won’t know anything about her until I bring her."

"Ah, Alex, you have ruined everything. Even when the news sufficed that you were paralyzed, the Bakers did not pull out of the agreement when no woman was ready to settle with you. At least you got better, and you are paying them with the back of your hand?"

Alex laughed. Only he knew the details of that accident and the reason the media got a hang of the news, but it was not exactly what the old man thought it was.

However, this was not the time to go into the details of that matter.

"Grandpa, you know nothing about my accident, but that woman you call my bride would never be it. Better not get my wife upset, or you’ll never see me again."

"Ah,"

Cough, cough.

It seemed to Alex that something was happening to the old man for him to suddenly cough so huskily. "Grandpa, are you alright?"

Someone answered the phone, but it was not Aristotle. "Alexander, you know about your grandfather’s condition, so why make him upset?" He heard the voice of his grandfather’s nurse.

"How is he?" Alex asked in a calm tone. No matter what happens between them, his grandfather was still the greatest protector and peacemaker of the family.

"Unconscious. I’m getting him to the hospital now," the nurse replied. Alex closed his eyes and sighed.

"I’ll meet you there." He ended the call before saying to Ike, "Ike, change of plans. Let’s go to the family hospital."

As soon as they arrived at the underground car park of the hospital, Alex stepped out of the car, waiting for Ike to get his wheelchair when his phone beeped. It was a text message from Edmund.

’Sir, are you sure she’s a good woman? This is something the detective I set on her found just a few minutes ago.’

The image was blurry, so Alex clicked it to have a clear view, and something dimmed in his eyes.

His hand holding the phone shook a little, but then, he felt something cold behind his head before a familiar voice spoke.

"If you move, I will blow your fucken brains off."

Chapter 8: Chapter 8 – If it’s really you...

Alex remained calm, knowing he had backup in the form of Ike, but the voice sounded all too familiar.

"Aiden, if it’s really you, you better be prepared to die."

The gun was pulled away from his head as the man behind him chuckled. "Why are you always like this? You should be afraid for once because I really tried to disguise my voice."

Alex turned around to face him. Internally, he was excited, but his facial expression remained stoic.

"No matter how much you disguise it, you can’t fool me."

"Sir, your wheelchair," Ike interrupted their conversation as Aiden embraced Alex.

"Long time no see. Don’t say you didn’t miss me." He patted Alex on the shoulder before whispering, "Your grandfather tricked you."

Pulling away, he continued the conversation casually. "I heard you got into an accident. Are your legs that bad? I thought you were standing earlier or were you leaning against the car? The news said you were completely paralyzed, so I had to come here at the earliest chance I got."

Alex thought about his grandfather’s tricks. There was no doubt Aiden had found out. Aiden was not only his best friend but also his right-hand man.

Their friendship was not widely known due to Alex’s dangerous lifestyle, but Aiden never hesitated to see him whenever he came around.

It was better for Alex not to go in, or the old man would only take advantage of his sympathy. What a waste that the old man used this trick on him when he had a lot on his shoulders.

"The most important thing is that I’m still alive and so are you. So how did you escape?" Alex asked, referring to some troubles Aiden faced with some gangs.

Aiden was hardcore, loving guns and alcohol, but smart enough to avoid involving women.

"It’s a long story, but I heard you got married. Let’s talk some other time." Aiden checked his wristwatch, indicating he was running away from something or someone.

"Since you are back, can we meet at the base?"

"You aren’t afraid to show your face?" Aiden asked. Alex smiled a little.

"It’s not as if they know who I am."

Aiden’s expression suddenly turned stern. "Alex, everyone demands to see Salvatore. I’m afraid we can’t keep this up."

There was no reaction from Alex as he replied, "Let’s talk about it tomorrow. There is somewhere I need to be."

Alex sat back in the car, and Ike carried the chair away. Returning to the driver’s seat, he asked, "Sir, where to next? It’s getting late. Should I take you home?"

Remembering the image Edmund sent to him, Alex did not want any embarrassment. "Yes. Let’s go and get some clothes." Then he sent a text message on his phone to Joana.

’I’m in front of your apartment. Where are you?’

After that, he sent another message to Edmund. ’I want to know everything about the man within the next twenty-four hours.’

He must have exempted the rule of either of them not seeing other men but did not think it was too late to do something about it.

Joana arrived at the hospital and saw a doctor coming out of her mother’s ward. He looked familiar, but her mind went blank when she tried to remember where she knew him from.

Before she could say anything, his arms wrapped around her. "Joan, where have you been?" Anticipation adorned his eyes, and she felt sorry for not being able to remember him.

"Excuse me, who are you?" She pulled away from him, but his eyes were filled with shock and disappointment.

"It’s me, Colton. Did you forget? We were..."

"I’m sorry, but I don’t remember you," she quickly cut in. Doctor Colton was good-looking, but not as much as Alex.

The only problem was, Alex could not use his legs, and Dr. Colton seemed to have what every woman wanted.

Joana felt like she knew him, but also as if she didn’t. It was too strange. "But your mother did. Joan, my promises were real, and I searched for you. I came to marry you," he said seriously, and Joan froze.

She never remembered being with any man except Logan. "Marriage? I’m sorry, but I’m already married."

Colton glanced at her ring finger, but there was no proof, making him feel as if she was making it up. "To whom?"

Joana pursed her lips, not knowing if it was right to say it. "It’s not necessary. I have to see my mom."

The helplessness in Colton’s eyes made her feel guilty, but she honestly could not remember him.

"Her surgery is very expensive, and I can help you. Joan, I’ve waited. I never forgot the promises I made to you."

Hearing that he could help with the surgery moved her, but for the next six months, she knew it wouldn’t be right to entertain any man. "I’m sorry, but...."

Colton brought out his phone. "You don’t remember any of these? Where is Nancy?"

There were pictures and videos of them together, and Joanna was shocked that Colton seemed to be an old flame. "Were we..."

"Yes. We were dating, but you and your mother suddenly disappeared. What happened?" Colton asked worriedly. He never got over her and miraculously found her here today.

Joanna tried. The photos and videos showed them happy together, but she could not remember anything, including the name he mentioned. "I don’t remember anything."

"You should let me check on you." Worry laced Colton’s voice. Having found her, he was not ready to let her go again.

"My mom is more important," Joanna refused the offer. All that mattered was for her mother to get better, not some memories she did not see as important for now.

Even if anything could happen between them, it had to be after six months, but she couldn’t tell him their marriage was a contract. What if Colton was being used by an enemy? It could be anyone.

"Alright, but this is my card. Call me at any time," Colton forced the card into her palm, as he had to attend to other patients.

Joana nodded and went into the ward, but her mother was already asleep. Being out of a job, she needn’t worry about going home to sleep, so she sat in the chair. After a few minutes, she decided to see the cashier concerning the bills.

Perhaps, she could begin paying in installments and at the same time work on getting those shares. Never will she let Cole win.

Arriving there, she was met with interesting news. "Your bills were cleared just five minutes ago."

"What? By who?" Joana was stunned and began looking curiously around, but the cashier smiled remorsefully.

"I’m sorry I can’t tell. The person wants to remain anonymous."

Joanna could only think about Colton. He said he was going to do something about it, but she never thought he meant it or it would be so fast.

Reaching for her phone, she was about to dial the number on the card when a message dropped. ’I’m in front of your apartment, but the door is locked.’

’I’m on my way,’ she replied and left the hospital, making a mental note to call Colton later or perhaps buy him a thank-you gift tomorrow. But reaching home, her heart dropped.

Chapter 9: Chapter 9 – Anonymous

Joanna was saddened to see her well-kept small apartment in a mess. Alex was drenched in water, and so were her couch and kitchen. "What exactly happened?"

"Well, I let myself in and was very hungry. You took too long, so I wanted to make myself something, but everywhere is so small, and hence the mess," he complained.

Joanna could not even ask about how he got in without a key but was concerned about him. "It’s alright. Please go shower. I will clean up."

"And the food?" Alex asked, trying to make things hard for her, just so she wouldn’t refuse his offer.

"I will make something for you by the time you are out," Joanna calmly assured him.

Cleaning her small apartment was nothing, and she was sure to indeed get him something to eat by the time he was out, but Alex’s demands had just begun.

"Everywhere is too small for someone on a wheelchair." Indeed, the doorways were too small. This was one of the cheapest apartments, and Joanna had to make do with it to be able to save.

Her mother’s house was too far from her company, and hence the need to sacrifice.

"We have to manage for now until I get the shares," she assured him, but Alex seemed upset, making Joanna frustrated.

"Well, you should have told me you were marrying me into a life of eternal torture."

Running her fingers frustratedly through her hair, Joanna thought of a way since he refused the $500 from earlier. "Let me rent a hotel for you."

Having gotten her where he wanted, Alex placed his demand. "I have a better idea. Move in with me."

"Where?" Joanna asked worriedly, not willing to oblige, but Alex explained.

"My boss left me in charge of one of his houses. It’s far bigger than this. He said I could live there until I got mine."

"I..." Joanna was about to refuse when Alex reminded her, his voice hardening with it.

"We have to make our marriage believable, and you have to meet my family this weekend."

Nervousness flung her defenses, breaking them into pieces. Her family was never the best, so she was lost as to what to expect.

"How are they?" She recognized the stern look in his eyes and added. "You said no questions, but if we know nothing about each other, this union will not be believable."

Alex did not want to scare or make her nervous. "I will tell you in the cab. I already arranged for one."

Now Joanna was certain he was hiding something. The water mark was drying up on his shirt, but she had to break his rule by asking.

"Wait, we just talked about it, so when did you make that arrangement? Did you mess up my room on purpose?"

Alex did not want to lie to her, but neither could he admit it, so he rather asked.

"Are you going to start packing or not? Don’t forget you still don’t have your shares yet. Have you come up with any plans?" He slyly changed the topic of discussion.

How else could he have gotten her to his house without messing up hers? In respect of his complicated life, there were things she would never know about him except the ones he wanted her to know.

"Not yet. My mom will be undergoing surgery, and I have to be there for her. Someone paid her bills, and though he wants to remain anonymous, I think I know who," Joanna revealed thoughtfully. Alex pursed his lips and asked her.

"Someone paid your mom’s bills? I’m interested in knowing who it is."

Joanna did not see him as a friend, so she refused. "Never mind. I will thank him properly tomorrow."

As she packed her things, Alex sent a text message to Edmund. ’Report all her movements to me, including who she meets. As for that doctor, I want to know the details of their relationship.’

’On it,’ Edmund responded through a text message. Working for Alex, he didn’t have a private life because of things like this.

How could he sleep when his boss was awake? No matter the distance between them, there were always jobs assigned.

In the car, Alex did not speak as Joanna expected and was rather on his phone throughout. When the cab pulled over, Joanna looked around suspiciously until the driver of the cab helped with his wheelchair.

"Wait a minute. Are we going to live here?" She was filled with unease at the sight of the enormous mansion before her.

Everything sang luxury, and she began to wonder what kind of boss would give his employee such a house to live in.

"Do you have anywhere else in mind?" Alex asked indifferently. The gate slid, and he wheeled himself in, followed by Joanna.

There were servants up and above. Without a word, they worked to perfection, carrying Joanna’s luggage to her room.

"Wait, where are you taking it?" She asked, confused and taken aback by all the movements and everything going on in the luxury apartment.

It was as if they had all been pre-informed or rehearsed everything. Their style of doing things was so professional that Joanna was lost for words.

"To your room," a middle-aged woman said, Alex spoke casually.

"Get us something to eat first."

"The table is set," the middle-aged woman replied. Joanna was uneasy and asked Alex.

"Where is your boss?"

"In another house of his. Let’s eat," Alex answered instantly, wheeling himself to the dining table. He hadn’t eaten anything since morning but so had Joanna.

She helped him to a chair before making herself comfortable beside him and asking.

"Your family?"

Alex was about to take a first bite when his hand froze midway upon remembering his grandfather.

"I have to warn you. You won’t like them, but just as I played my part, you have to play yours."

Joanna was beginning to wonder if the things Alex told her about himself were true. His behavior did not seem ordinary, even when dressed in ordinary clothes.

"Are you going to tell me anything about yourself aside from being an IT officer?" She asked when Alex took a bite of his steak. Taking his time to chew, it was only after he swallowed that he responded.

"Before we arrive at my family house, you shall know what you need to know about me."

They ate in silence, and she complimented. "The food is good."

Alex did not respond, but she was getting used to it. Her face reddened when the middle-aged woman from before returned.

"Ma’am, sir, we shall take our leave now. Your room is prepared."

She said room, not rooms, meaning..."Wait, what does she mean? Are we sharing the same room?"

Chapter 10: Chapter 10 – Photo frame

"Betty, she will use the bedroom next to mine," Alex instructed, and a sigh of relief escaped Joanna. She had never shared a room with Logan, so sharing a room with Alex would have been weird.

"Yes, sir," the middle-aged woman smiled and beckoned Joanna to follow her, but she was disturbed.

"Let me help you to your room first," Joanna said to Alex, but he shook his head.

"Just have a good rest. If you need anything, write it on the notepad in your room, and Betty will take care of it when she resumes work tomorrow."

Joanna’s heart thumped a little. The house was huge, so why weren’t the maids living in it? Also, it was late.

"Where do they live? It’s already late."

Alex’s expression hardened, and Betty forced a smile. "Ma’am, please let me get you to your room."

Alex casually sipped water, but the darkness in his eyes scared Joanna a little. This crippled man was not as simple as he looked.

Accepting that she wouldn’t get an answer from him, she planned to ask Betty a few questions when left alone with her.

Climbing the stairs, Joanna couldn’t help but appreciate the elegance of everything she was seeing in the house.

It was a mansion, but there was also something strange about it. Betty opened the door. "This is where my job ends."

With her breath in her throat, Joanna admired the exceptional beauty of the room, having the aesthetics of a five-star hotel. Everywhere was neat, just as she liked, with a luxury she could never afford and never tasted in her life.

The first thing that came to her mind was a reminder not to get used to the things she could not afford.

Perhaps she should sleep on the sofa instead of the bed to prevent herself from getting addicted, but something caught her eye just as Betty closed the door, and she forgot the question she wanted to ask before.

Without a second thought, she hastened to the bedside table to take a closer look at the picture frame, but the door flung open, and Betty reached it before she could, her movements so fast and calculated.

Joanna was certain that the person in the picture was not the woman she saw Alex with this morning, though she hadn’t seen it well.

"Who is she?" She asked. "Can I see it?"

Betty hugged the photo frame to her chest and shook her head. "Only if the master allows it."

"Master?" Joanna felt it had something to do with the owner of the house since Betty had earlier addressed Alex as sir.

"I should leave now. Your things are in the closet. Good night, ma’am." Betty was ready to leave when Joanna remembered her earlier curiosity and asked.

"Where do you live? Are there any maids around?" The house was so huge that she felt suffocated.

Even Cole’s house would fit into the living room of this mansion.

"The master doesn’t like people here, but we live close by. I will see you in the morning." Betty was slightly nervous, but Joanna was not quick to catch it.

Her response was polite, and Joanna had the understanding that the arrangement was made by the real owner of the house, but was once again driven by curiosity.

"Does your master visit this mansion often?"

She just did not know how to face a stranger she was freeloading on because Alex worked for him, but Betty stared at her as if she just developed two heads.

As soon as she opened her mouth, a domineering voice was heard. "Betty."

As if waking from a trance, the middle-aged woman forced a smile and hastened out. The room was soundproof, but she had left the door open.

When she stepped out, Alex was not there, so she knocked on his door, a cold voice responding. "The door is open."

"Sir, I retrieved the photo frame. Sorry for my negligence," she apologized with a slight bow, but Alex’s voice was stern.

"If it happens again, you are fired."

Having worked with Alex for years, Betty knew the trick was not to argue. It was the reason Alex never related to any of the maids. They would end up being fired.

"Yes, sir."

About to leave, he asked her in a slightly soft tone. "Was she suspicious?"

"Yes," Betty said honestly but could not see Alex’s expression. His back was turned to her. "She asked who it was, but I told her she’ll know only if you allow it."

It was time to set things straight.

"For as long as she’s concerned, I don’t own this house, and you mustn’t tell her anything about me. The same goes for the other maids, and if anyone makes a mistake, you will pay for it."

Betty was the housekeeper, the one who supervised the maids, so it was her duty to ensure that gossips don’t fly around in the mansion.

Then again, she partly understood why Joanna was asking about the master of the house. She had no idea that Alex was the master of the house.

Betty would have been in trouble if Alex had not interrupted their conversation. It was unlike her master to eavesdrop, but that seemed to be the case.

"I understand. I will come early to take care of madam."

"You can leave," Alex’s cold voice resonated through the room.

Betty forgot that she was still holding the photo frame and began to walk out with it, so he called her back. "Don’t you have something that belongs to me?"

She quickly turned around, dropped the photo frame on the bedside table, and hurried out of the room. At the same time, Alex’s phone rang.

***

Joanna was pacing back and forth, finding it hard to adjust to her new room, but her phone rang, startling her a little.

"Hello."

"Did you get your shares yet?" A familiar voice asked, and Joanna forced a smile.

"No, Violet. Things are complicated right now." She was glad to hear Violet’s voice, as it calmed her. It was as if they had known each other for a long time, but it was just a few days.

"Do you need a loan?" Violet asked over the phone, and Joanna was touched. Cole must have lied to her, but Violet would have helped her. What a miracle friend from a heart-breaking situation.

"No. Someone anonymously paid the bill," she replied honestly, hearing a relief sigh from the end of the line.

"That’s a relief. I was worried. I guess we should celebrate tomorrow. You owe me brunch, remember?"

Joanna remembered not eating the food Violet ordered this afternoon and felt she had to make it up to her. "Sure, brunch it is."

After exchanging a few more words, the call ended, and Joanna had her shower in a space that was equal to her whole apartment, understanding why Alex complained about his movements being restricted there.

Everything was so huge and stylish. She slept on the sofa, but even that was more comfortable than her bed in her apartment. Waking up the next day, Betty was already at her door.

"Breakfast is ready, ma’am."

Joanna was not used to this and quickly refused. "I’m not hungry. Where is Alex?"

Confusion sat on the face of Betty. "Do you not know?"

Joanna got infected by her confusion. "Not know what?"