Chapter 20 Rhys‘ Invitation
Kristy shot Joanna a sharp glare, her indignation barely contained. The urge to snap back, “Why should I apologize?” burned on her tongue, but with the workers watching, she forced herself to hold it in.
Forcing down her pride, she finally muttered, “I’m sorry. I was wrong.”
Joanna smiled, her tone light yet pointed. “Since we’re roommates, I’ll let it slide. But next time, before you jump at the chance to expose me, maybe try using your brain first? It’ll save us both from unnecessary misunderstandings.”
Kristy’s face burned with fury. Was she calling her brain
Grinding her teeth, she spat, “If you hadn’t ignored Mr. Garrett’s orders and left your workstation, I wouldn’t even care what you’re up to! But in the end, the one at risk of failing the assessment and getting kicked out isn’t me–it’s you!”
Joanna widened her eyes in mock realization. “Oh, so you were looking out for me? That’s so thoughtful! Don’t worry- when Mr. Garrett returns, I’ll personally report everything. I’ll make sure he knows how dedicated you’ve been to following
his orders.”
Kristy’s expression shifted instantly.
If Joanna actually spoke to Wilbur, he’d realize Kristy had been using his authority to make things difficult for Joanna. That
would not end well.
Kristy hurriedly backtracked. “Maybe I misinterpreted Mr. Garrett’s instructions. Since you’re not fond of staying at your station, you can just study on your own for the next week. We’ll wait for him to return.”
Joanna gave a satisfied smirk. “Sounds good to me.”
Kristy stormed off, frustration boiling inside her.
The moment she dropped into her chair, Reba burst into the office, fuming. “Kristy, I saw everything! That Joanna is unbelievable. She actually teamed up with the workers to go against you!”
Kristy hesitated for a moment, unease showing on her face, but she quickly brushed it off. “She’s always been like that. Forget her. Let’s focus on something important–what’s for lunch?”
Reba’s sympathy for Kristy only deepened. One day, she swore, she’d expose Joanna’s true colors and leave her speechless.
Over the next few days, Joanna spent long hours in the workshop, meticulously learning every detail of the production process. When Wilbur returned, she intended to impress him with a flawless report.
That night, as usual, Joanna wrapped up her work at eleven and made her way back to the Harvey Group’s employee
dormitory.
After a quick shower, she checked her phone and saw a message from Rhys.
He asked if she had any free time the following day to go out.
Joanna barely hesitated before typing out her usual response. “Been swamped with work lately. Probably can’t make it
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Chapter 20 Rhys‘ Invitation
tomorrow.”
She sent the message and waited. No reply. Letting out a quiet sigh of relief, she set her phone aside.
Lately, Rhys had been reaching out less often. It seemed her repeated rejections were finally wearing him down.
She wondered–when his patience completely ran out, would irritation replace interest?
If Rhys ever went to Owen and asked him to get rid of her, Owen would probably agree without a second thought.
Honestly, she almost looked forward to that day.
But she was too naive to think things would go so smoothly.
The next evening, just after dinner, her phone rang. It was Rhys calling.
She answered reluctantly. “Hello?” However, his voice was playful, with an edge of persistence. “There’s a party tonight. I’ll
send you the address. Get ready and come.”
Joanna frowned. “I’m still working.”
Rhys let out a dramatic sigh. “Joanna, this is the tenth time you’ve turned me down. If you don’t show up tonight, I swear I’ll post our pictures on the company website. Let’s see who dares to make you work then.”
Her fingers tightened around the phone. This spoiled playboy really had no limits.
With a quiet sigh, she gave in. “What kind of party?”
“Just a small gathering with friends. I want you to meet them. Won’t take too long.”
Joanna knew she didn’t have much of a choice. “Fine. I’ll get ready.”
“Great! See you soon.” Rhys sounded way too pleased with himself.
After the call ended, a message popped up with the location.
It was for a club.
Curious, Joanna looked it up. It turned out to be the biggest and most well–known club in Qakvale. A high–end place. Safe and reputable. Going alone didn’t seem like a big deal.
But if she had known the chaos that awaited her that night–she would have never agreed to go.
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