Ch. 66..70: OMG My Crippled Husband is a Hot Powerful CEO Chapter 66-70

Chapter 66: Chapter 66 – What do you want here?

Two nights before.

After the phone conversation with Logan, Mia went to see her father, feeling devastated. To her surprise, her father had already been informed about what happened during the extended family dinner.

"Mia, you’ve ruined everything. You can’t even do one thing right," Cole raged, regaining control after the outburst as he noticed Mia.

She had been tasked with preventing Joanna from attending the dinner but couldn’t even accomplish that.

Additionally, she felt ineffective at the office, unable to contribute anything substantial to help them defeat Joanna.

Mia was in tears but knew her strengths and was determined to use them to reclaim everything.

"Dad, I will make it up to you," she said with determination, wiping her tears with the back of her hands but Cole couldn’t bring himself to trust her anymore.

"How?" he asked, anger evident in his voice. Mia bit her lower lip thoughtfully, but as she caught sight of her mother, a wave of depression washed over her.

The middle-aged woman was leisurely descending the stairs, only to deliver one message. "Keep the noise down. I need my beauty rest."

Both Mia and Cole wore a dull expression and didn’t respond to his wife.

Cole’s gaze remained fixed on Mia, seeking answers on how they would defeat Joanna and maintain control of the company.

Grandpa had made it easier for them. If Joanna failed the test, she would lose her share, and in that scenario, she could be ousted from the company without any support.

"I’ve seen Joanna’s clientele, and with my position, I can win them over," Mia revealed. Cole was torn.

Mia had never met any of their major clients before, and now she was going to negotiate with them after they had been in contact with Joanna.

Those were almost sealed deals, and yet Mia was certain she could be the one to close them.

"Are you sure about that?" Cole did not trust his daughter to that level, but Mia was confident about the whole thing.

"Yes. I will get those clients. I promise," she said confidently. Cole’s lips pursed.

"Alright. I will trust you one last time."

A smug smile decorated the corner of Mia’s lips as she thought about how to put her plans into use.

First of all, she ensured that Joanna was in the office before taking the day off and going to meet her first client, Doctor Mont.

The middle-aged man refused to see her, stating that he did not have an appointment with her.

Mia did not give up, moving to the second top client, Mr. Hughes. He was a young man in his late twenties, giving her an audience the moment she introduced herself as the CEO.

"Mia Baker, are you somehow related to Miss Joanna Baker, aside from working in the same company?"

"Yes, she’s my sister, and like I said, she’s very busy today, so I’m here to close the deal on her behalf."

Mr. Hughes’ smile was intriguing. The CEO appeared more gullible than the senior sales representative, but it could just be wishful thinking. Sipping his hot coffee, he decided to test her.

"It’s not as simple as that. Your insurance policy premium is quite high, considering the possibility that no employee might use the service."

"I suggested to Miss Joanna that the amount be reduced by fifty percent. So, as the CEO, what do you have to say?"

Mia was not aware of the details of this transaction, but desperate moments called for desperate measures.

If she couldn’t close this deal today, Joanna might step in and do so, resulting in a loss for her.

Fifty percent was a low offer, considering the risks involved, but it was necessary to sustain the company.

Besides, it was just a policy, so she had to hope that their losses wouldn’t outweigh the returns.

"For the first year of doing business with you, we can agree on fifty percent, and then the subsequent years can be revised," she proposed.

Mr. Hughes smiled, wondering if Mia was aware of the company’s liabilities. To him, this was a once-in-a-lifetime offer. He was relieved he hadn’t closed the deal with Joanna.

I think we should finalize it then," he said. Mia grinned. It was getting late, so she had to head home.

Her only worry was how to get Doctor Mont after the first rejection, so after seeing the next top client, Mr. Forest, she might just go back to Dr. Mont.

Mia did not disclose the first sealed deal with her father because of the premium.

After giving a low premium to close the deal, she needed a higher one to make up for the balance.

Mr. Forest agreed to see her, being rather flirty, and with Mia not having any boundaries, this seemed to also be a closed deal.

"Miss Baker, your sister scheduled an appointment for midday, so I’m quite surprised to see you here."

Mia smiled. Great thing she arrived earlier. "About that. She’s quite busy and told me to close this deal for her."

Mr. Forest kept his eyes glued to her neckline. Mia’s cleavage was exposed, and so were her thighs in the short skirt she wore.

"I must say that the Bakers Corporation has the most beautiful women."

Mia was flattered. "Thank you, but what do you say we finalize the deal?"

Mr. Forest smiled knowingly. He was a middle-aged man with a visible potbelly that rather complemented his height.

"I figured that would be boring," he said.

Mia was confused. "I don’t get it."

Mr. Forest stood up and walked around his desk, leaning against the table. "I mean, with both of us being CEOs, I want more."

Mia felt the heat of his closeness but showed no signs of backing out. "I still don’t understand."

A lustful desire filled Mr. Forest’s eyes. "In simple terms, the faster you spread your legs, the easier you get the deal signed."

The color drained from Mia’s face, but she couldn’t let the company be signed off to Joanna, right?

"Can we sign the contract before going to a hotel?" Her lips trembled at the end. Mr. Forest smirked as he went to lock the door and removed his jacket.

"Who needs a hotel? This office is well suitable," he said, removing his jacket. The next moment, Mia was pressed against his desk as he took her from behind.

After a few minutes, the deal was done, and the document was signed. Just as Mr. Forest unlocked the door, Joanna stood there, and tears stung the corner of her eyes at the sight of Mia.

Chapter 67: Chapter 67 – The fight at the car park

"What do you want here?" Joanna asked, tears burning in her eyes, though she refused to let them fall. Her voice remained calm despite the pain she was feeling.

Mr. Forest was one of her top clients, and she came here to close this deal, not expecting to see that Mia had double-crossed her.

She needed to accomplish this before the wedding because if that happened, she would be known as Mrs. King, and surely, everyone would want to do business with her, not for her but rather for her title.

Just two weeks to the wedding and Mia did this. Joanna did not know where to start from.

"Big sis, did you forget? You told me this morning to handle this because you were busy," her annoying voice echoed through the office as she faked concern.

Joanna was not amused, but Mia was rather elated. Having two of Joanna’s biggest clients, there was no way for Joanna to meet that target.

The worst part was that arguing before the client would seem unprofessional, so no matter what, she had to stomach the rage boiling inside of her.

"Of course, but I was hoping Mr. Forest would at least do some verifications."

Joanna’s disappointed gaze was pinned on the client who let her down, being as unprofessional as her half-sister.

"Not hearing from him, I thought my help was needed," she forced a smile, biting back the pain cruising through her.

Mr. Forest had an awkward smile on his face. Joanna never saw the signs of his needing something more from her than just business.

"Well, it’s still the same company, so I’m glad to be your partner," he held his hand towards Joanna, but she immediately looked away, pretending not to see it, as she was not going to return that handshake.

The pain in her chest was just too much. Mr. Forest only thought that Joanna had not seen his lifted hand and lowered it.

"I would like to invite you both to dinner to celebrate our partnership," he finally said.

Joanna shook her head, already thinking of ways to get some big Company on board before the wedding, of which she remembered Mr. Hughes.

With her having secured the deal with Passion Airlines, all she needed was one or two more, depending on the insurance policy to meet her target.

"I would love to, Mr. Forest, but as a married woman, I see dinner as inappropriate," she said directly.

Had it been before, she would have found a nicer way to refuse, but not anymore.

Yet, the evident awe on Mr. Forest’s face was a clear indication that he wasn’t happy to hear that Joanna was married.

The girl never even mentioned it. Mr. Forest received a call, forcing him to leave them at the door, and as the sisters reached the car park, all their calm and calculated façade instantly disappeared.

"Mia, how could you do this? I have a target to meet, unlike you."

The faked smiles Mia had endured all this while instantly disappeared as she retorted,

"Did you forget it’s the same company? Or, you must have forgotten the length I would go to keep it."

Joanna wondered what she was thinking to expect any form of remorse from Mia, spelling it out,

"This is my client. You are so shameless to call yourself a CEO and go behind an officer’s back to steal her deal. You are such a disgrace to your position," Joanna pointed out, and though her voice was calm, her rage was close to erupting, but that made Mia happy.

"So, admit that you lost. You will never have the Baker’s Corporation, nor your shares so just leave already. After all, Alex is rich enough to take care of you."

Joanna would not be broke even without the company as much as Mia would, so, Joanna was the selfish one to Mia.

However, Joanna was determined to take back what belonged to her mother and even more.

"I’m amazed that you think you won, but this is just one client, Mia, you will never win against me, and I promise to make you regret all that you took from me."

Mia had a satisfied smile on her face. "You must be dumb thinking I only had Mr. Forest. What do you think I’ve been doing the whole of yesterday, ha?"

Joanna was slightly shaken, but Mia could not be serious, right? "What are you talking about?"

"Why don’t you call Mr. Hughes? You might not believe me if I say it."

Joanna was not liking this, the fact that the whole thing made her so uncomfortable, but this was the next place she wanted to visit, eventually considering dialing the number.

As she unlocked her phone, she saw an email drop, taping it open. Joanna could not believe her eyes, and her legs wobbled as well.

Mia had taken two of her top clients, meaning she was finished. "Mia?"

She sounded teary and threatening, though not a drop of a tear was seen on her face.

Mr. Hughes’ secretary had sent an email to confirm all that was discussed in addition to the signed copies of the signed documents.

Joanna was distressed. All along, she thought Mia was dumb, but it turned out she was rather cunning, conniving, a con, a bitch.

But how was it possible? Mr. Hughes was quite difficult, making some ridiculous offers Joanna would not consider, especially after having the report of the background check done on them, so what exactly did Mia do?

Joanna took her time to read the details of the contract, and this time, she was unable to hold it in, sending a slap in Mia’s direction.

It was unexpected, so Mia did not even have the chance to dodge it, her cheeks burning with it.

"Joanna, you fucking bitch."

She rushed forward, her body weight clashing with Joanna, making the latter fall.

Jack, who was watching his madam from his rear-view mirror, stepped out of the car to help her, but reaching there, Joanna already clung to Mia’s leg, making her lose balance and fall because of the stilettos she wore.

Mia’s driver rushed to her side, especially when Joanna was now on top of Mia, delivering hard punches.

"You bitch. Could you not investigate liabilities before signing a contract and giving such a huge discount?"

Mia was in pain, trying her best to shield her face with her hands to lessen the impact of the punches as she yelled at her driver,

"Help me here, you fool."

When the driver tried to touch Joanna to pull her off Mia, Jack pushed him aside. "If you touch my madam, I will kill you."

Afraid, the driver dialed Cole’s number, but Jack recorded a few things, sending it to Alex with a text message.

’Sir, should I separate them?’

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Chapter 68: Chapter 68 - Somebody, help me

"Our only challenge is the investors asking for more profit shares," a manager said as a phone vibrated on the conference table.

No one was allowed to answer calls, so Alex was about to ignore it when he saw the name, Jack.

Anything about Jack concerned Joanna, so this must be urgent. "Excuse me. Let’s take a break," he suddenly said, shocking everyone.

Ever since Grandpa introduced Alex as the acting CEO, Alex’s style had been stricter than his grandfather’s, but today, he was telling them to take breaks.

It was clear that the acting CEO did not want them in the conference room.

The twelve people in the conference room, including Edmund, made their way out to give him privacy, but internally, they were wishing for the real CEO, who was bedridden, to come and take over the company.

Alex was only generous to the hardworking staff so those with lackadaisical behaviors were either ready to change or on their way to being fired.

But as long as Grandpa did not inform them that Alexander King had recovered, the Alex they were seeing was just one of the relatives.

Alex stared at the video playing on his phone with creased brows. ’Sir, should I separate them?’

He instantly dialed Jack’s number. "What is going on?"

Jack moved away from the brawling ladies, but their voices could be heard in the background, especially Mia’s, which was stronger and louder.

"Mia stole Madam’s deal and seems to have given some ridiculous discounts too, so Madam is extremely upset."

Alex remembered his deal with Joanna. He was supposed to help her gain back her mother’s shares, but Grandpa complicated things, pushing him out of it and to the corner.

It would have been very easy for Alex to request some of their partners to use Baker’s Corporation for their insurance policy, but Grandpa might discern his involvement.

Besides, if he entrusted Joanna with this, then he believed that she was indeed capable of handling it.

"Bring her to my office," Alex finally said, leaving Jack stunned.

"Sir, she will know that I told you everything."

If Joanna finds out that he has been giving Alex information about her, she would never trust him nor allow him close enough to gather information about her.

"Use your sense, Jack. I can’t be thinking for you when I’m paying you a lot of money unless you want to be replaced."

Alex preferred to be surrounded by solution-oriented people, not those who only bring up problems.

"I’m sorry, sir. I will bring her to the office."

It wasn’t that Jack didn’t know what to do. He was just afraid of upsetting his boss and making sure his actions aligned with his boss’s expectations.

After ending the call, he didn’t intervene in the altercation between the women. Why should he when his boss was winning?

Mia’s face was a mess, her hair disheveled, and she had lost a few buttons on her shirt.

"Somebody, help me!" She yelled, realizing her driver was no match for Jack.

She should have used a bodyguard, but how could she have known Joanna would be there?

"Help you? You are beyond help, and all you do is cause trouble for everyone."

Joanna didn’t hold back, ensuring Mia received enough punishment to deter her from being so cruel in the future.

With Cole absent, no one was there to save Mia from Joanna’s wrath.

"Joan, please, I can’t breathe. You’ll kill me," Mia’s voice grew faint, and her breathing labored, until Joanna finally released her.

Mia lay on the ground, her clothes torn, her face bruised, before her driver helped her into the car.

Joanna was still seething, contemplating how to clean up Mia’s mess.

The deal with Mr. Hughs could potentially harm the company, especially since the documents were already signed by the so-called CEO who just ruined everything.

Her hands trembled as she realized the extent of the effort, they had put into putting Mia in her place. She sat in the car in silence, strategizing how to mitigate the damage.

The deal had to be canceled, but there were penalties involved. The Baker’s finances were not in good standing at the moment, with more takers such as her stepmother, than givers like her.

It was easy to notice Jack driving in an unfamiliar location. "Jack, where are you going? You didn’t ask me where I wanted to go next," Joanna questioned.

The only place Joanna wanted to be was home. It was too late to return to the office, and even if she did, Mia’s authority at this moment was higher than hers, so what could she possibly do?

"Ma’am, sir told me to bring you to the office," Jack revealed, and Joanna frowned imperceptibly. It was strange as she had never been to Alex’s office before.

Couldn’t they have met at home, especially close to closing time?

"What for?" she asked, noticing Jack’s forehead beaded with sweat. "I honestly have no idea," he replied.

Joanna quickly checked her appearance. Apart from a little sweat, she was fine, and all she had to do was straighten her hair a bit.

As they arrived at the office reception, Jack went ahead to speak to the receptionist. "The boss’s wife is here to see the boss," he informed.

The receptionist had a mocking smile on her lips.

"We heard that the real boss is bedridden. This CEO is just acting, so why would the mention of the boss make me shiver? I’ve never seen him before and heard he’s a cripple."

Alex always used to the private elevator, dealing only with the managers so it was understandable that those of lower rank did not know him by appearance.

But Jack was upset, and before the receptionist could say more, Joanna intervened with a sweet smile.

"Hello, Daphne," she read the name on the receptionist’s tag with a cold glint, though her lips were stretched into a thin smile.

Her demeanor slightly unnerved the receptionist, and her words made the receptionist tremble in fear.

 

Chapter 69: Chapter 69 - Please beg her for me

"I wonder what gives you the right to talk down on others when you are on the lowest level above the janitor in this company?" Joanna asked, the color drained from the face of Daphne, the receptionist, as Jack smiled, loving his madam’s attitude.

He also deemed it right to send his boss a video of this and began working on a live one.

"Ma’am..." Daphne was saying when Joanna cut her off.

"I haven’t finished talking." Her gaze was menacing, as she squinted, making Daphne uncomfortable.

Joanna might be upset with Alex, but this was among the times when she had to protect him, just as he would her.

"You sit here and talk trash about your boss because he’s acting? I think you should find another job."

Such attitudes could not be tolerated by Joanna. If Daphne could speak so ill of her boss, then Joanna wondered what she might be saying about clients as well as fellow employees of the company.

Daphne feared but also remembered one thing. The acting CEO’s wife was not a part of the company, so technically, she had no right to fire anyone.

"You don’t work here, so what gives you the right to fire me?" She asked. Jack was upset, but Joanna smiled.

Yet, it was cold. So cold, Daphne shivered from it as Joanna removed her phone from her handbag, instantly dialing a number.

At the conference room, the meeting continued when Alex’s phone on the table began ringing once more.

He had muted his phone and ignored the live video because of this meeting.

However, upon hearing the buzzing sound, his gaze lowered as everyone went quiet, and catching the name on the phone, his brows creased a little.

"I have to take this call."

It was not every time that Joanna would call him, though he was rather expecting Jack’s call, but what met his ears caused him to stiffen a little.

"Alex, I want your receptionist fired."

It took a little time for Alex to process the information and to also understand that Joanna had arrived and was already at the reception.

Also, something must have happened for her to make that request, but at first, he had to honor it before seeking the details later.

Edmund, who was taking down the minutes of the meeting on his iPad, was assigned yet another responsibility.

"Eddy, inform HR to process the receptionist’s paycheck and go bring my wife to my office," he said in a hushed tone since Edmund sat right next to him.

Edmund nodded, rising to his feet as he activated the recorder to record the minutes for transcription later.

"It’s done," Alex responded on the phone to Joanna’s amazement.

She expected him to ask questions, but there were none, so she wondered if it was because of her not questioning his decisions rule.

Was he using the same rule on her? If that was the case, then it was indeed a great one because Joanna loved what Alex just did for her, meaning she would be respected by all and sundry.

"Ma’am, it’s been five minutes since you made that call. Are you even the CEO’s wife? Or let me just say that you are one of those women who marry for money so your words don’t matter to him."

Her voice was heavily loaded with mockery, making Jack want to break the rules and lay his fingers on her to teach her how to filter her words before speaking next time.

Joanna let out the same cold smile and responded, "I would be packing if I were you. What if you don’t get the chance to do so?"

The height of confidence accompanying every word she spoke caused the receptionist to fear a little, but then again, she had not received any call to go to the HR’s office, so this woman was just blabbing.

"From the looks of it, you should be the one leaving here. What proof do you have to even say that the crippled acting CEO is your husband?"

Her hostility caused Jack to take a step closer to her, but Joanna held him back, remembering what happened to Mr. Troy.

"Don’t, Jack."

"Then let me take you to the boss’s office to relax there," he suggested, but before Joanna could respond, Daphne cut in.

"No way. Security, kick this woman out of here. She’s an imposter. If she were indeed the boss’s wife, then I should have been fired by now, right?"

The security man at the reception moved to do her bid but was punched in the face by Jack before his hand touched Joanna’s wrist.

"How dare you touch the boss’s wife? Do you want to die?"

Joanna’s brows raised, shocked and impressed by Jack’s timely intervention. After all, it would have been shameful to be humiliated by the security, though she knew they would have still paid for it.

Daphne was stunned by Jack’s fierceness, that she lost her mind. "Alright, I’m calling the cops."

The elevator doors opened before her hand reached the desktop phone, and Edmund stepped out with the HR Manager behind him.

Daphne was elated. "Edmund, thank God you are here. This woman here threatened to fire me, and her bodyguard abused our security when I told him to throw her out."

Edmund was sweating bullets upon hearing Daphne’s words as he turned to Joanna with an apologetic look.

"I’m so sorry, ma’am. This would not happen again."

Daphne was confused, but Edmund, the acting CEO’s personal assistant, was so courteous to Joanna.

"It’s alright. I hope you can clean up this mess," Joanna said seriously. Edmund gave her a confident look.

"You can watch if you have the time." He glared at the HR who walked to Daphne’s desk.

"Here, your termination letter with immediate effect for gross misconduct. The company would pay you no compensation."

Daphne was seeing stars. "No, what are you saying? I was just doing my job."

The HR manager smiled. She checked the surveillance cameras before coming down, for which reason she was late in arriving.

"I hope you did not forget about the cameras, Daphne. You did not only insult the acting CEO’s wife but also, he himself. Do you want us to press charges?"

Daphne was restless. Which company would pay her as much as she was earning here? Not only that, she would not have any accreditation from this company if she used it as a reference.

Tears stung the corner of her eyes, dropping down her cheeks. "Please, you have to do something. Edmund, please beg her for me," she pleaded. Edmund was helpless and upset.

However, before he spoke up, the elevator door opened, and the person they saw made them nervous.

 

Chapter 70: Chapter 70 - He doesn’t have to know

Though in a wheelchair, Alex’s expression was so intimidating that all heads were lowered except Joanna’s.

Something about his actions right now caused her heart to flutter, and his words only intensified the feeling.

"Must it take an hour to get rid of an insignificant person?" His cold gaze settled on Daphne, whose tears were now mixed with sweat.

The man in the wheelchair was so sophisticated and daunting, unlike anything she had ever seen before.

Had she known, she would have been more polite towards Jack when he arrived, as she was to others.

None of this would have happened if she hadn’t been influenced by the rumors she heard about the acting CEO, especially the ones about Grandpa Aristotle being embarrassed by it.

It was rumored among the staff, through illegal channels, that Logan should have been the acting CEO since Alexander was bedridden, but Grandpa had to appoint this ’cripple.’

The lazy employees didn’t like his policies, and a bunch had already been fired, fueling the rumors further as Alex never made a physical appearance.

Edmund was the one they all knew, as he was always the one conveying information on behalf of the acting CEO.

"I’m sorry, sir, Daphne was just on her way out," the HR manager said nervously, glaring at the security guard who had almost mistreated Joanna.

Even though she had only met Alex once in person, he already had concerns about the slow pace of her office’s operations.

The security guard who had almost mistreated Joanna rushed to Daphne’s side with remorse for his previous actions, grateful for the punch he received from Jack.

Otherwise, he would have been dismissed along with Daphne. With that thought, he didn’t care for the former receptionist, dragging her away from the desk she stood before.

Everything felt like a nightmare for Daphne, with her world crumbling before her eyes.

"Please, it was a mistake. It won’t happen again," she pleaded, but no one paid attention to her. Only Alex’s voice was heard again, directed at Joanna.

"Darling, you should use the private elevator next time. I apologize for the inconvenience."

Edmund had already noted to provide Jack access to the private elevator, as he was Joanna’s bodyguard.

She was never supposed to touch anything resembling a door. Alex’s voice as he spoke to Joanna was soft, in contrast to the man who was upset with her for cooking the day before.

Even those around were amazed as Edmund coughed awkwardly before excusing himself.

"I will go and prepare the minutes."

Joanna smiled and held the wheelchair’s push handles. She wished Alex would always treat her the way he did in public.

In moments like this, it felt as if they were friends. "I will get you back to your office."

Alex didn’t stop her as she pushed the wheelchair back into the elevator, and the HR manager sighed with relief.

"That was close," she whispered.

If not for the boss’s wife, she would have been penalized for being slow in firing the receptionist.

At the office, Alex made an excuse. "I was having a meeting in the conference room before the incident. Give me a moment to finish up."

Joanna was lost, wondering if the working hours at King’s Multinational were different from those of other companies.

Closing time had passed ten minutes ago, and yet Alex was going to finish a meeting, indicating that people were waiting for him.

Remembering not to ask questions, she gently nodded. "Sure."

Alex wheeled himself to the door before pausing and saying, "Make yourself comfortable with whatever you like."

He glanced in the direction of the refrigerator, so Joanna opened it to get some snacks.

There was a variety of food available, making Joanna feel that perhaps Alex was always well-fed before getting home.

Tasting the mint chocolate chip ice cream, her mood brightened slightly as she recalled the losses caused by Mia.

However, she found herself eating more of the ice cream. By the time Alex arrived with Edmund, Joanna was relaxing on the visitor’s sofa, the large bowl of ice cream in front of her, as she had grown tired of scooping into a smaller bowl.

Edmund looked away as soon as he saw this, but Alex found it rather amusing, saying to Edmund,

"Get more chocolate chip ice cream. Have some sent to our house, here, and also to my wife’s office."

Embarrassment washed over Joanna, especially in front of Edmund, as she stood up awkwardly, wondering if both men saw her as a glutton.

"No need to buy more ice cream. I was just in a bad mood."

Upon hearing that she was in a bad mood, Alex’s amusement faded, revealing his serious side.

"Excuse us, Edmund," he said before settling into his executive swivel chair. As soon as the door closed, he asked Joanna,

"Do you care to share your problem with me?"

He hoped she would open up to him, but Joanna hesitated, unsure how to confide in a man who had cut her out of his life.

"I want to, but no, let’s stick to the contract," she replied abruptly.

She expected him to make adjustments to his rules or something, but only disappointment lingered.

"Okay, but our deal was for me to help you regain what is yours, so how can I help?" Alex asked indifferently, reminding Joanna of their agreement.

"Grandpa forbade you or anyone from helping me, remember?"

The corner of Alex’s lips lifted slightly. "He doesn’t have to know, and if you need more..."

"I don’t need anything. I’m just wondering why you called me here," Joanna interjected, not allowing him to finish his sentence.

Alex couldn’t mention the video and said, "Well, I won’t be returning home tonight but will make it in time to meet the wedding planner."

Disappointment flashed in Joanna’s eyes. "You could have said that over the phone, and of course, you won’t give me the reason for not returning, so it’s pointless to tell me."

Alex smiled bitterly. It would have been nice to share more about himself if he hadn’t made that promise.

"Well, I thought about a few things and wanted us to discuss them before I forget or it’s too late," he hinted, and Joanna frowned slightly.

"What could that be?" She asked, noticing nervousness in Alex’s eyes for the first time, and suddenly, her phone rang. Checking the caller ID, her mood worsened.