?<strong>Chapter 12:</strong>


    Joelle smiled modestly. The Walters family had already briefed her on Josiah’s situation when they escorted her out. Josiah was at an age where most teens attended high school. However, his reclusive nature meant he spent his days at home, preferring thepany of animals to human interaction.


    In a rare act of rebellion, he had once sneaked out to attend an orchestral concert. Since then, he had developed a keen interest in ying the violin, but no teacher was willing to take him on. Despite offering generous payment, Josiah’s unpredictable temperament had caused many instructors to leave after just one session. Joelle was the first to gain his approval, which brought her a sense of aplishment.


    Seeing the shy yet proud look on her face, Rafael felt a fleeting urge to pat her head. But then, he suddenly remembered Joelle was married to Adrian. Certain gestures were no longer appropriate, especially now that they were no longer children.


    “So, where are you headed? I can give you a ride,” Rafael offered. Joelle waved him off. “No need.” Rafael nodded and didn’t press further.


    “Oh, by the way, Rafael, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.” “Go ahead.” “Do you know Reba Lloyd?” A flicker of emotion passed over Rafael’s face, but he quicklyposed himself and answered, “Yes, I know her.”


    Joelle couldn’t quite describe how she felt. It turned out that Adrian’s care for Reba was no secret, even to his friends. “Joelle, don’t read too much into it. Adrian takes care of Reba, but there’s a reason behind it,” Rafael quickly added. “Yeah, I know,” Joelle responded dismissively. She didn’t know Reba in person, but she was aware that the Lloyd family had a long history with the Miller family, having served as chauffeurs for generations.


    Joelle forced a smile. “Well, I’ll be going now.” “Joelle!” Rafael suddenly called out. Joelle turned around. “What is it?”


    Panting, Rafael caught up with her and asked worriedly, “Are you okay? It’s been three years since you got married, and you’ve cut ties with everyone.” Joelle’s smile grew strained, betraying her exhaustion. After she married Adrian, she had decided to iste herself from other men and devote herself entirely to him. She had even distanced herself from her old friends. She had safeguarded her heart and body, but Adrian’s affections were never truly hers.


    “That won’t happen anymore,” she replied with a serene smile. Her demeanor was poised and elegant, as if the weariness in her eyes had faded. She seemed to revert to the straightforward girl she had been three years ago.


    After her lesson, Joelle was on her way to visit Shawn at the hospital when Katherine called. “Hey, Joelle? Are you alright?” “Seriously, Katherine? I thought you were my best friend, but you betrayed me!”


    “I’m so sorry! You have no idea how terrifying Adrian was yesterday. He nearly tore me apart! My poor heart couldn’t handle it. Hey, by the way, I think that jerk really does care about you.”


    Joelle exited the elevator into a bustling crowd and sighed. “Sounds like you’re still drunk.” “I’mpletely sober! You should take advantage of his interest in you while itsts. Get what you can out of it! Sure, men can’t be trusted, but a pile of cash is always dependable!” Joelle chuckled resignedly. “Got it.”


    As she turned the corner, Joelle arrived at Shawn’s room and unexpectedly met Reba. Reba, looking delicate and fragile, stumbled back a few steps and hurriedly scooped up a charm that had fallen to the floor. “Thank goodness it didn’t get dirty. Adie went all the way to Redemption Church to get this for me.” She looked up, and her eyes widened in surprise when she met Joelle’s gaze. “Oh, Joelle, it’s you.”


    Joelle nced at the charm Reba was clutching to her chest. The red string symbolized a bond between her and Adrian. It irritated Joelle, and without a word, she walked past Reba. “Joelle, are you mad at me?” Joelle shook off her hand. “You don’t need to pretend we’re close. We’re both women here. Do you think I have no idea what you’re nning?”


    After saying these words, she reached out and gently adjusted Reba’s cor. Her fingers brushed against Reba’s corbone. “Just remember, as long as I’m still married to Adrian, you’ll always be a mistress. No matter how hard you try, you can only keep this hidden. Do you understand?”


    For the first time, Joelle felt a surge of empowerment. Atst, she had struck back. Her divorce from Adrian was inevitable, and she was determined to settle scores with Reba. Joelle had always been known for her gentleness, but that did not mean she would let herself be walked over.


    And since Erick was the reason Shawn was in the hospital, Joelle was determined to ensure that debt was repaid. Reba bit her lower lip. Hatred shed in her eyes, but it was quickly reced by tears. “Joelle, do you really think it’s worth it? Are you happy with the marriage you stole through such underhanded tactics? Adrian has been with me almost every day for the past three years, from morning until night.”


    Thest four words struck Joelle like a nail, leaving her speechless. As a skilled maniptor, Reba delivered her harsh truth with eerie calmness. “Adrian and I don’t need a marriage certificate to be together. So tell me, Joelle, who is the third party here?”


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