Chapter 18
A flicker of something unreadable passed through George’s eyes. ” How’s the deal progressing on your end?”
Austin responded quickly, “I was just about to bring that up. They reached out again. They said someone else had already started negotiating. They want to know how much we’re willing to offer. I haven’t given them a figure yet. I thought I should wait for your
decision.
“But it’s strange, who else could hate Rowan enough to want to completely ruin him? To take everything he’s worked for and burn it to
the ground?
“And the scariest part is… whoever it is, they made an offer that’s
nearly identical to yours. Same strategy, with almost the same terms. The only thing they lack is funding. If we go head–to–head with them, they don’t stand a chance. They just don’t have the resources to
compete.”
George didn’t respond immediately.
He already had a good guess who that person was.
“Hold your position. Don’t try to outbid her.”
Austin paused, then seemed to catch on. “Mr. Schuman… do you
mean, Mrs. Schuman?”
George didn’t answer. He gave two more quiet instructions and then
ended the call.
Lighting a cigarette, he exhaled slowly as he glanced toward Joanna’s bedroom across the hall.
After a long pause, he let out a faint chuckle.
He had no idea what he had been thinking, ever believing that Joannal
-after everything she had endured–was some fragile vine in need of
shelter.
She had always been the sharpest mind in the room, the most unyielding rose in a garden full of thorns.
Meanwhile, back in Eldorra, Rowan had barely been discharged from
the hospital when he was forced to return.
Bruised and battered, Xavier stayed close by his side, never drifting
more than a few feet away, like a silent shadow.
This time, their base had been exposed. The enemy found them.
Fortunately, not many people were there at the time, and most only suffered minor injuries.
But Rowan…
He had dragged himself upstairs to retrieve the wedding photo of him. and Joanna, and his barely healed leg gave out once more.
Now he lay half–conscious, pale, and lifeless in the hospital bed.
Chapter 18
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Xavier slammed a fist into the wall, fury breaking through his usually
calm face.
They took turns watching over Rowan until he finally stirred. “Rowan… we didn’t find Hattie’s body. She might’ve gotten away.”
Rowan’s eyes darted frantically, his cracked lips struggling to form
words. “The… photo.”
Xavier’s face tightened, his chest heaving like it might explode.
He slammed his fist on the nearby table. “Rowan! Have you seriously
not figured it out?
“This wasn’t just bad luck. Someone sold us out. And don’t tell me
you still don’t see who it was! It was Joanna! She sold us out–sold
you out. She didn’t care if you or anyone else lived or died.”
Rowan’s pale face darkened in an instant. His trembling hand lashed
out, gripping Xavier’s wrist with all the strength he could muster.
His eyes were bloodshot with fury as he glared at Xavier, voice hoarse
and ragged. “I said… the photo!”
Calvin stepped into the room just in time. When he saw Rowan’s
condition, he silently walked over and handed him the photo.
Rowan immediately let go of Xavier and clutched the picture tightly to
his chest.
Calvin’s eyes darkened. As his gaze swept across Rowan’s battered form, a flash of contempt flickered in his eyes.
Rowan was covered in injuries, yet he guarded that photo like it was the last thing keeping him alive.
To any outsider, it would look like Rowan loved Joanna so deeply that he was willing to risk his life for her. But Calvin only found it
laughable.
If he had ever loved her that much, he wouldn’t have snuck around behind her back, slept with another woman, and fathered a child in secret. He wouldn’t have gone so far as to forge a marriage
certificate just to keep Joanna in the dark.
The more Calvin thought about it, the more disgusted he became. He felt like Joanna had given everything to a man who deserved none of
- it.
His eyes turned cold as they landed on Rowan’s face.
Xavier had been watching Calvin closely. Suddenly, he stormed forward and grabbed Calvin by the collar, fury burning in his eyes.
“Was it you? Was it you who did this? I’ve had my suspicions about you for a while. You were always on Joanna’s side. So why didn’t she take you with her when she left?”
He didn’t give Calvin a chance to respond.
“Back when Rowan hurt her leg, you almost lost your damn mind. You even shouted at him in front of everyone. Were you two working together this whole time? Are you helping her get back at Rowan? Say something!”
When Calvin stayed silent, Xavier’s anger boiled over. He punched him hard, sending him crashing to the floor.
Calvin wiped the blood from his lip, and the scorn in his eyes only deepened. It made Xavier want to hit him again.
But then Calvin finally spoke. “I’ve got more of a conscience than
some people, but I wouldn’t betray Rowan. Don’t forget, Xavier. You beat your alcoholic father to death, then got caught shoplifting
Joanna’s purse at the mall.
“She was the one who saved your ass. She didn’t press charges and even hired a lawyer to clean up the mess for you. You’ve got everything you have now because of Rowan and Joanna.
“And now, she’s missing. No one even knows if she’s alive or dead. And you? You’re here throwing dirt on her name?”
