Ch. 76..80: OMG My Crippled Husband is a Hot Powerful CEO Chapter 76-80

Chapter 76: Chapter 76 - Pay Up

Despite Joanna’s typically mature demeanor, no one expected a childish outburst from her in a situation like this. She mockingly rolled her tongue and delivered victorious words.

"It must burn you that Alex is still going ahead with the wedding. Well, there is a lot about the love we share that you all would never understand."

Even if Alex was pretending, at least he proved to her enemies that he didn’t believe the pictures, and that was enough for her.

The fact that he did not turn his back on her was also enough to give her time to dig into the root of what happened that day.

However, her father’s figure blocked her way the moment she reached the entrance.

"Joanna Baker, you have brought shame into this family, and I will never walk you down the aisle."

There was a moment of sorrow on Joanna’s face, making Mia and Rene feel as if they had won, followed by an irritating laughter.

"Hahahaha. Who needs a senseless man like you to walk her down the aisle when you were never a father to me?"

Her mocking expression and words caused an explosion of emotions on Cole’s face, the most dominant being pain. He expected her to beg him to walk her down the aisle and not this.

Walking Joanna down the aisle on such a big occasion would boost his image, dignity, and popularity. But if not him, then who? The answer soon followed before he even asked.

"Mom will do perfectly. Keep that bastard in bed for your daughter. She’s the one without morals," Joanna scoffed, pushing herself through the entrance with a force that nearly sent Cole to the floor.

Looking back, there was no remorse in her eyes. "Why would I allow a stinking man without brains to walk me down the aisle?" She scoffed sarcastically, her head held high as she exited the mansion.

A wave of emotions surged through the atmosphere, all gazes fixed on the exit Joanna had just taken as they watched her fading figure.

"What just happened? Alex isn’t calling off the wedding?" Rene asked sadly, sinking into the couch with pain in her chest. The man on the bed stretched his hand.

"Hey, pay up." He felt no pity for the selfish family. "There is a place I need to be."

The three individuals wore expressions of disappointment on their faces.

Initially, they had anticipated Alex handling the situation upon viewing the photos, so they were not willing to pay him any money. However, Rene suddenly smiled, catching them off guard.

"What’s amusing?" Cole inquired, feeling irritated by the humiliation his daughter had caused him.

He had never been a part of her life, so why did he expect to walk her down the aisle?

"Why should we pay when your performance wasn’t up to par? I’ll cover half of the amount," Mia stated arrogantly, causing the man to rise slowly.

"Don’t underestimate me. For wasting my time, I’m doubling the price. If you refuse, I’ll seek out Alex and reveal the truth," he threatened, but the family remained skeptical.

"You don’t know Alex. How would you find him?" Mia retorted sarcastically, prompting the man to scoff.

"You mean the man in the wheelchair? I can call him right now. Do you dare?" He displayed Alex’s number saved on his phone, sending a chill down their spines. Cole was already regretting letting Mia handle the situation.

"How did you get his contact number?" Cole inquired, puzzled by the man’s connection to Alex.

"It’s irrelevant how I know him. Just pay up now, or I’ll dial the number on my screen," the man insisted.

They hesitated, so the man proceeded to dial the number. "Hello," Alex’s voice came through clearly, causing Cole to break out in a sweat as he gestured for the call to be ended.

The man complied with Cole’s request.

"Honestly, I don’t have the full amount. I’ll pay half now and the rest later," Cole admitted.

The man’s expression darkened, unwilling to leave without receiving his payment. "No. If you don’t have cash, then give me shares."

"What?" Cole couldn’t believe his ears. "Mia, where did you find this gold digger?" he exclaimed, while Mia was already in tears, attempting to elicit her father’s sympathy.

"Yes. You wealthy individuals think you can manipulate people like us. You provided me with a script, and I executed it flawlessly. The outcome is not my concern," the man asserted.

Having fulfilled his part and allowed his image to be captured, it was now up to Alex to determine whether he believed the situation or not.

We don’t have enough shares, and the money will be traced. Things are not as you see them," Cole spoke in a pleading tone.

The man was still not ready to leave without his money or some form of collateral.

"Then give me a car or a house," he bargained. Cole sighed frustratedly.

"This is all Mia’s fault, so you take her car. She can use a taxi to work."

Thus, he had reached his wits’ end. Mia’s eyes were clouded with tears, but she could not utter a single word.

"Keys?" The man asked impatiently. Cole glared at Mia, and she went to retrieve the key and gave it to him before he left the mansion.

No one saw the small camera he pinned on the wall.

"Now we are finished," Cole hissed. "Mia, you better not go near the company on Monday." He was enraged.

The losses Mia caused them in the bid to save the company from Joanna were not resolved, and now, this plan backfired as well.

"But dad," Mia wanted to explain, but Cole would not listen anymore. "Shut up. I will go myself. I have to call Logan since our plans failed."

Rene was helpless, having no knowledge of the company’s affairs, but Mia refused to give up.

"Dad, please let me try. Maybe Alex doesn’t love Joanna. If he did, he wouldn’t take back a cheating wife," she blurted out. Cole froze for a moment.

"You are right."

"Then why don’t we send the pictures viral?" Rene asked. Cole smiled.

"Exactly. Alex might not want to divorce Joanna because of his position as CEO, but I don’t think the extended family would allow it."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Rene grinned.

At the car park, the man redialed Alex’s number, speaking as soon as Alex answered the call. "They want to send the photos viral. Do you agree?"

Chapter 77: Chapter 77 – Do you mind if I do it?

Last night, Aiden found himself back in the club for reasons he couldn’t quite explain when he noticed a gigolo holding a familiar photo.

Intrigued, he approached the gigolo. "Hey, want a drink? It’s on me," he offered, knowing that such workers were easy targets.

As expected, the gigolo agreed at the mention of a free drink. "Sure."

Aiden ordered drinks for both of them, and after a few glasses, he inquired about the gigolo’s business.

"How’s business these days?" Aiden asked.

The gigolo took another sip, grateful for the free drinks.

"With Salvadore’s men lurking around, we have to be cautious. You can’t just accept a deal without thorough investigation, or Salvadore’s men will come after you. I wish I knew who Salvadore really is."

Aiden internally scoffed and downed another glass of liquor. Salvador had done a good job of concealing his identity, but even his own men were starting to question him.

They feared they were taking orders from a faceless entity, and the situation could turn against them.

Returning his focus to the conversation, Aiden asked, "I noticed you were holding a picture. Is it for a new job?"

The gigolo, feeling a false sense of camaraderie due to the drinks, replied, "

Yeah, I’m supposed to pretend to be her lover. The pay was good, so I accepted the offer."

The more Aiden looked at the photo, the more his anger flared towards the perpetrators. "I see. Would you mind if I took over? I can pay double or we can swap."

Despite making an offer, Aiden was determined to secure the woman’s safety by any means necessary, legal or otherwise. She was not only important to his boss but also to a man he considered his best friend.

The gigolo’s excitement doubled at the offer. "I’m in for the cash," he said eagerly.

Aiden smiled, unsure if it was the alcohol or his own cleverness that led the gigolo to make a good choice that might save his life.

"Thanks. Please provide me with all the necessary information. Do they know your name?" Aiden inquired, already considering a disguise in case the gigolo was recognized by the contractor.

"No, it’s an agent I’m dealing with. Use this code. Further instructions will be given at the venue," the gigolo replied, handing Aiden a card.

Aiden accepted it with a smile, grateful that the gigolo was intoxicated, and ordered more drinks for him in the hopes that he wouldn’t remember their encounter.

"Thank you very much," Aiden said.

He promptly contacted the agent for more details and, with the weather indicating an impending storm, he hurried to the mansion before the heavy rain began.

Upon confirming that Mia was the target, he sent a text to Alex as the storm intensified.

’Guess where I am? I’m in Mia’s room,’ he messaged.

Alex, who was enjoying watching Joanna confront Mia, was taken aback by the text. ’Since when did you start liking women?’ he replied, his eyes widening in surprise.

The last time, Aiden had talked about a woman who paid him for sex, and now Mia? Alex was confused.

’I don’t, and even if I wanted a woman, she wouldn’t be my type. She’s trying to set up your wife,’ Aiden revealed. Alex was upset but maintained a calm demeanor throughout the unfolding event.

’Are you sure about what you’re saying? I’m at their house now.’ He sent a text again after thinking things through.

Aiden sent a confirmation via the same text. ’I’m there too.’

Alex smiled a little to subdue his anger before responding through a text message. ’Great, play along. They just dug their grave, but make sure you don’t touch my wife.’

Aiden smiled when he received the text message and instantly replied, ’I’m not a fool, Alex. I will keep you posted.’

After everything, he called Alex as soon as he reached the car park. "They want to send the pictures viral. Do you agree?"

At the end of the line, Alex’s expression grew stormy. ’They should go ahead. I wonder what they will do if they see you walk the aisle as my best man,’ he replied to the text message. Aiden smiled and asked him,

’You want to wait until then to expose them?’

Alex’s reply was rather vague. ’No need to hasten in a revenge program. Patience moves mountains.’

At Alex’s mansion, Joanna arrived to indeed see the wedding planner waiting for her, but Betty walked up to her.

"You have to eat first."

She recalled Violet and said, "Let me call my maid of honor. She’s late."

As she was dialing the number, Jack walked in. "Ma’am, Violet is here."

The two women hugged each other, and after exchanging pleasantries, Joanna was ready for breakfast, inviting the wedding planner and her team.

"Great. We shall all have breakfast together."

The dining table was large enough, but in the middle of breakfast, Alex arrived, and Joanna tensed up a little, forcing a smile.

She went to meet Alex halfway and wheeled him towards the lounge as she spoke in a hushed tone. "Alex, I know you are aware, but you never said anything. And why isn’t your best man here?"

For the wedding itineraries, she was not expecting Alex to be alone and also wished she could see a friend of Alex.

The man was just too mysterious, so perhaps his friend could reveal a few things about Alex. Her response was cut off by hope.

"You were never asked to bring your maid of honor," Alex stated.

Joanna’s lips pursed, lost for words, except recalling the scandal this morning. "What about the pictures? They aren’t what they seem." She was about to give a detailed explanation when Alex cut in.

"I believe you. I can never believe your father and his bitchy wife and daughter over you. Don’t you know that?" He asked seriously.

Joanna’s heart warmed, but there was a lingering darkness in Alex’s eyes she could not put a finger on.

"But they have to pay," she said seriously, stunned by Alex’s response.

 

Chapter 78: Chapter 78 – Seizing the Moment

"What makes you think I’m going to let them off the hook for what they planned to do to you?" Alex asked coldly, Joanna’s eyes were wet with unshed tears.

The understanding that Alex didn’t care that their plan didn’t come to fruition. He was focused on the potential harm they intended to cause Joanna. This was his motivation for seeking revenge.

"Thank you for trusting me," Joanna replied.

Alex was disappointed that she had doubted his commitment to protecting her.

Wasn’t it clearly stated in the contract that he would safeguard her as long as she was his wife?

Or had she simply pretended to have read it? "You are my wife, so I will always protect you," he stated seriously.

However, Joanna wished he hadn’t mentioned the contractual aspect, as it implied his protection would cease once the contract ended.

"I understand," Joanna responded bitterly, yearning for more but unable to voice her desires.

Alex couldn’t comprehend why her expression had suddenly changed.

What had he said to upset her? She had been content just moments ago, but now something seemed amiss.

"Are you alright?" he asked with care. Joanna nodded but did not utter a word.

Alex ate a little before the meeting with the wedding planners began. There were lots of catalogues to choose from, ranging from the venue to the refreshments, color themes, outfits, and much more.

"What color do you want for the bridal train?" the wedding planner asked.

Joanna shook her head. "I will go with just a maid of honor."

She did not want a lot of people with her when the marriage was fake. This would lessen her shame when the time of divorce comes.

"What flavor of cake do you like?" the wedding planner, asked again. Joanna was lost at this point.

"I would love to taste the varieties to choose from."

Alex smiled, not interested in flavors as he never liked sweet stuff.

"Okay. We brought samples. The cake designer can help you."

The cake designer opened a box filled with different flavors of wedding cakes, including red velvet, classic vanilla, chocolate, lemon, and even cheesecake.

Joanna tasted different flavors of cake with Violet until they were both overwhelmed. "They are all delicious. Can you help combine some of these flavors to suit the theme?"

The cake designer was enthralled to do so. "Sure. You can select your design."

Looking through the available designs, they were all too luxurious for her liking, so she sighed. "Anything simple is fine."

But that did not sit well with Alex. "It should be extravagant," he countered, pointing at the most expensive cake in the catalogue priced at seventy-five million dollars.

"The biggest and most expensive wedding cake of all time, like that diamond cake over there."

Joanna gasped, her heart aching at the thought of the waste of money.

"Well noted, sir," the cake designer smiled, her excitement evident. This seemed like her biggest deal of all time.

Joanna was exhausted by the time they were done, but she also realized that their sham wedding was going to cost hundreds of millions, if not billions of dollars, which was not worth it.

However, there was no way for her to propose anything different. Even if Alex accepted it, neither Grandpa nor the extended family members would.

"I hope you’ll stay over," Joanna implored Violet when the wedding planners left.

Seeing she was going to refuse, Joanna added, "I will treat you to my cooking."

Violet was excited, but Alex stiffened, pretending not to care while listening to every bit of their conversation.

"For your cooking, I’ll stay," Violet agreed. Alex left later but returned in the wee hours of the morning.

His sleep was not better, and by the time he wheeled himself out on the weekend, he was met by a strange but delicious aroma.

It was obvious Joanna had kept her promise to Violet and cooked again, but when he reached the dining table, his plate was different.

However, the food on Joanna’s plate was also different. "What is that?" he asked. Joanna smiled and replied as Violet had almost emptied her plate,

"Poached eggs and tomato salsa with toast. I made them." Joanna responded with a smile as Alex’s attention focused on her enjoying her cooking.

The sight of the food brought him so many memories he could not let go of, no matter how hard he tried.

"How did you make them?" he finally asked, unable to hold it in. Joanna had no idea what his level was in cooking, doubting his understanding if she explained.

"You can taste it if you want."

She dished out a portion onto another plate and pushed it towards him but was met with a frown as he contemplated tasting it.

Seconds passed, and Alex was reluctant, reminding Joanna of his warning. She graciously pulled the plate away from him.

"Sorry. I don’t want you to lose your appetite. Anyway, Violet and I will be going out for a little bit after breakfast," she informed him, not the least offended and began to eat what Alex had silently rejected.

Alex felt strange and, for a moment, decided to take Aiden’s advice. His emotional turmoil might just subside if he confirmed that Joanna’s cooking either or not tasted like that of his late mom’s.

"Can I have a bite?" he asked. Joanna was shocked, but the corners of her lips stretched as she stuffed the last piece into her mouth.

"Sorry. You didn’t seize the moment."

Violet laughed and Alex smiled bitterly, shaking his head. It was strange how every food Joanna cooked reminded him of his mother.

The desire to confirm if it tasted the same grew even stronger as he found himself asking,

"How can I seize the moment next time?"

Joanna was amused but also lost in the way to respond to this mysterious man she called her contract husband.

She exchanged glances with Violet, seeking the right answers and seemed to have gotten one. Alex was stunned by her demand.

Chapter 79: Chapter 79 - If I can eat it, so can you

"If you want to taste my cooking, then you have to place an order and promise to empty the plate when I accept it," Joanna answered, glad he was making the consideration.

She was eager to cook for him but didn’t want her efforts to go to waste, recalling his reaction to the first time she cooked for him.

Alex pondered his options while Violet was conveniently absent, giving them a chance to talk as a couple.

"Even if it’s horrible?" Alex inquired, still haunted by the memory of his mother’s cooking after her passing.

He knew little to nothing about cooking, never having the time to do so. Aiden also wasn’t the homely type so in a nutshell, Alex had on motivation to learn how to cook.

Joanna responded promptly, "If I can eat it, so can you."

Alex smiled, finding motivation in the suggestion made by Aiden for him to taste Joanna’s cooking, just in case it really tasted like his mother’s.

"I will keep that in mind," he assured her.

Later, Joanna left with Violet, returning in the evening without her to prepare for work the next day.

Alex received an emergency call and was away from the house for three consecutive days, leaving Joanna worried. Despite not contacting her, he had lunch delivered to her daily.

Joanna realized she couldn’t fully understand him as he wasn’t ready to open up to her.

A week before the wedding, she felt frustrated for not meeting her quota to claim her shares in the company.

Mr. Troy had been sentenced to a few months in prison, and she successfully terminated the deal with Mr. Hughs.

The compensation was a blow, but to her surprise, Cole and Mia were absent. The company’s responsibilities fell on her shoulders, adding to her stress.

Just when things seemed overwhelming, Joanna received a call. "Miss Baker, this is Gerardo Moss. I..."

Joanna’s excitement was palpable as she interrupted, "Gerardo Moss? As in the CEO of Moss Petroleum?"

The man at the end of the line smiled. "You got that right. I ended a contract with my current insurance company, and you came highly recommended by one Jeffery. I hope you won’t disappoint me."

Joanna was touched. Jeffery was now in a top position, so surely, his recommendation would work perfectly.

For this level of trust and kindness, Joanna had in mind to thank him with lunch.

Dinner was off-limits for a married woman, even if the marriage was not real.

"Not at all. I will give you the best deal suitable for your company. Are you free? I could come and discuss," she responded with infectious eagerness. Moss’s reply took her aback.

"Well, I am free, and I am also on my way to your office. I need this policy in place for some new developments, so I hope we can have the deal signed today."

It was as if Joanna had her bread buttered when she woke up this morning.

She couldn’t believe he was really on his way. "Today? Yes, we can. I will make the documents ready."

"Great because I don’t intend to spend more than an hour."

"Awesome. I will see you soon."

After Joanna ended the call, she could not believe her luck. This was strange and yet splendid.

She almost screamed out her excitement but held back because of her co-workers watching, wondering what brightened her mood. But then again, she decided not to count her chicks before they hatched.

She was not done with the preparation of the documents when the receptionist informed her that Mr. Moss was there to see her.

This was the first time a high-profile client came to see her and not the other way around.

Joanna went to meet him at the conference room, calling it the best meeting of her life.

Not only did Mr. Moss come in to close the deal himself, but he was also very easy-going. Joanna felt strange, but then again, the man had said he was referred by Jeffery.

Perhaps that was his reason for making it easy for her.

"Miss Baker, it’s nice doing business with you," Mr. Moss stretched his hand towards her after the document was signed. "I will recommend some of my friends if you keep your promises," he smiled and said. Joanna was overwhelmed with gratitude.

Just a week for her to lose everything and this happened. Mind you, the day after tomorrow, she will have to take the rest of the days off because of the wedding preparations.

This was a miracle as this deal was more than she needed to meet her given target. "I look forward to it," Joanna said excitedly, returning to the office to celebrate with her colleagues but remembering one important person in her life.

They hadn’t spoken for days, but he always ensured that the chef sent her lunch every day.

There haven’t been any emergencies, and she knew if there were any, Alex would have shown it.

This was something needing her attention, as it showed that she got what she signed up for in the marriage. It was now left with Alex to secure his position.

She decided to call him before the news about her breakthrough goes out and even before calling Jeffrey to thank him.

To her utmost surprise, the call did not only go through but was also answered on the first ring. "I was just about to call you."

Alex’s voice sounded so tired that it disturbed Joanna. If only she knew what he was up to and could even help with it, especially now that she was going to be the CEO of the Baker’s Corporation.

Still, the fact that he mentioned being about to call her warmed her heart. "Really? I have good news, but you first," she said casually, throwing the ball in his court.

Alex smiled at the end of the line, knowing what she wanted to say. "You won’t believe what I want to tell you," Alex said. Joanna had mixed feelings. "Let me hear it."

 

Chapter 80: Chapter 80 – She’s My Wife

"Remember the offer you made me about a week ago?" Alex asked, not having the guts to say it directly due to his previous reaction, but Joanna was kind and mature.

She might get back at him in different ways but not in his most vulnerable moment.

She relaxed, having a clue about where the conversation was heading. "You want to place an order?" She asked directly. Alex was elated at how easily she made it for him.

"For breakfast tomorrow," he confirmed shamelessly, and a sigh of relief escaped Joanna.

This meant he didn’t mean those words he said back then and was only trying to upset her to not cook for him again. So, since he was requesting it, it was all for the better.

"Does it mean you will be home tonight?" They never interacted much at home, but his presence was always missed.

There was a way the domestic workers behaved whenever he was around that usually amused Joanna.

Then again, a sudden layer of sorrow overshadowed her, wondering if his missing days from the house were spent with the woman he claimed to have.

Yet, she did not dare to ask him about it, but the thought of where the woman was and what she would be thinking to see Alex marrying another her disturbed Joanna.

"Yes, I will sleep over tonight, but I have some business to attend to tomorrow," meaning he might be leaving again after that.

A bitter smile stretched Joanna’s lips, about to respond when he added, "There are things I have to take care of before the wedding. The honeymoon has been scheduled for two weeks."

Joanna was shocked, but having met Alex’s extended family, she already guessed what they were up to and the people behind it.

The discussion about their fake intimacy crossed her mind, and she felt her stomach heat up, but maybe it wasn’t what she was thinking.

"Alright. Do you have anything in mind? I don’t know your likes," she said directly.

Alex was a little ashamed as things like that could pop up during the wedding, but then he figured it better to adjust to Joanna’s likes since his mother was not there to cook his favorites like before.

The memories of those times were a blur, pushed to a corner of his mind, only resurrected when Joanna cooked for him that morning, which was the reason he was greatly upset.

"Just cook something nice for breakfast? It could even be a repeat of something you’ve done before," he said.

He didn’t want her to stress herself or cook anything extraordinary. All he wanted was to confirm if her cooking tasted as good as it looked.

"Sure, I’ll see you tonight, but I hope you come early to join my celebration," Joanna revealed.

After celebrating with her office colleagues, she would celebrate again at home, and during the wedding preparation, she would celebrate with Violet too.

Her mood was great, and as much as she wanted to share the news with her mother, she decided to surprise her on the wedding day.

"Celebration?" He pretended not to know and asked, hoping he’d be there on time to celebrate with her.

"Yes. I just signed the biggest deal of my life, but the processing will take a few days. After the wedding, I will present it to the board and claim back everything that belongs to me," Joanna said, her voice more energetic than before.

Alex was glad she figured the rest out on her own. "Then let me be the first to congratulate you."

Joanna was smiling like a fool, feeling victorious over her father, stepmother, and half-sister. Everything that belonged to her mother was now hers, plus more.

"Thank you," she said.

After ending the call, she dialed Jeffrey’s number. "Hey, thanks for the recommendation, but you should have told me first."

She was not upset but sounded accusing. Jeffrey was at a loss, and at the end of the line, he frowned imperceptibly.

Recommendation?" he asked, not hiding the layer of confusion in his voice. "What are you talking about?" he asked seriously. Joanna was confused.

"I just signed a deal with Mr. Moss, and he said you recommended me," she explained. Jefferey heard a beeping sound and pulled the phone from his ears.

There was a text message. ’Play along.’

At the other end of the line, Alex was listening to Joanna’s phone conversation due to the secret camera he had Jack plant in her office.

Initially, he wanted to inform Jefferey but doubted Joanna would reach out to him after his warning. However, it seemed he was wrong about her.

Joanna had a big heart and would not have a peaceful sleep until she rightly thanked Jefferey if he was indeed the one who recommended her.

So, he sent a text message to Jefferey, knowing that his employment was directly arranged by Alex.

Everything made sense to Jefferey when he saw the name of the sender of the text message.

His voice changed instantly. "I’m so sorry, Joan. I was so overwhelmed with work and forgot. That was a few days ago, and I forgot to tell you about it."

Joanna was relieved from her confusion. "Well, why don’t we meet for lunch?" she asked.

Jeffery stiffened, recalling the words of the man who gave him the position. "You must stay away from Joan. She’s my wife."

At that moment, Jefferey had no idea that Joanna was married to such a powerful man and decided to create a significant gap between them as much as possible.

"You don’t have to worry, sir. I’m a happily married man, and Joanna is just a friend," he recalled his assurance to Alex that day.

Swallowing hard, he replied to Joanna on the phone, "I’m sorry. I promised my wife I would take her out, and this month is very busy for me. I reserved the little time I had for your wedding."

Joanna forced a smile, feeling disappointed. "Alright. I’ll see you at the wedding."

She ordered a few non-alcoholic drinks for herself, her friends, and Jack to celebrate before closing time.

However, upon reaching home, tears of joy slid down her cheeks when she saw what was waiting for her.