?<strong>Chapter 139:</strong>


    Joelle’s smile froze instantly. In that moment, she realized that Illerith was surprisingly small. Why else would she continually encounter Reba at every turn?


    Joelle was seated on the couch, busy with paperwork when Reba and Salome entered, deep in conversation. They remained oblivious to her presence until a sales clerk approached and called out, “Ms. Watson.” Reba and Salome spun around, their expressions registering shock.


    Joelle returned their stares with aposed demeanor. “Ms. Watson, congrattions on your new status as a homeowner in Hignds Bay.”


    “Thank you.”


    As Joelle approached, Reba managed a constrained smile. “Hi, Joelle.”


    “We don’t share the kind of rapport that warrants such casual greetings,” Joelle stated, her tone devoid of emotion.


    “Joelle, please, I didn’t influence Adie’s decision…” Reba’s voice wavered, and her eyes welled up with tears within moments.


    With Adrian absent, Joelle pondered the audience for Reba’s disy. She turned her attention to the model homes and dismissed Reba’s theatrical sorrow. “Did youe to buy a property as well?”


    “Yes. I’ve been approved for a purchase, and Adrian is keen for my mother and me to establish roots here in Illerith.” Reba spoke, her eyes keenly observing Joelle for any sign of distress.


    But Joelle merely nodded. “I’ve chosen Hignds Bay for my home. I’d appreciate it if you selected somewhere distinctly separate. Running into you there would be quite bothersome. You wouldn’t want to cause any difort, right?”


    Reba’s grip on the wheelchair tightened, her knuckles whitening as she mustered a smile. “Joelle, what did I do wrong? I always hoped we could be friends.”


    “You’re delusional. Instead of house hunting, perhaps Adrian should invest in a good psychiatrist for you.”


    “Ms. Watson,” Salome cut in. “I understand your grievances against Reba, but she’s naively foolish. Isn’t it beneath you to bully someone so simple-minded? Doesn’t it prick your conscience?”


    Bully? Was this truly bullying? Compelling her husband into secretive nocturnal escapades—that was real bullying. Indulging in opulence funded by her husband—that was the true bullying. And if Reba dared continue her dalliance with Adrian post-marriage, could she genuinely be aggrieved by mere words?


    Joelle snorted. “Yes, I am bullying her. What of it? Will you summon Adrian to defend her?” Salome’s face changed abruptly, and before the onlookers, she sped Joelle’s hand.


    Predictably dramatic. “Oh, Ms. Watson, please! Even if Reba erred, such treatment is unjust. She’s frail and her days are numbered. I know you’re upset, so I’ll kneel if it helps. Please, refrain from tormenting Reba any further!”


    Joelle’s frown deepened, and as she turned, she caught sight of Adrian striding towards them. Like mother, like daughter, they both had a knack for ying the victim, particrly in Adrian’s presence.


    “What seems to be the problem here?” Adrian inquired, his voice subdued. Through her tears, Salome pleaded, “Adrian, we’ve decided against the house. We’ll find a rental instead. Ms. Watson is displeased about you purchasing a home for Reba. Given her feelings, we dare not stay!”


    Adrian’s gaze shifted to Joelle, his expression unnervingly serene. “They need somewhere to live. It’s only a bit of money. No need to overreact.”


    Joelle folded her arms, taken aback that Adrian felt the need to justify himself to her. Despite everything, he sided with Reba and her mother, not bothering to hear her perspective, assuming she was just stirring trouble.


    “And why is this my concern?” Joelle retorted. “Go ahead, buy her a yacht for all I care. Remember, Adrian, we are divorced.”


    With Shawn still waiting outside, Joelle spun on her heel to leave, but Adrian caught her wrist. “Do we really have to speak like this? Are we not even friends now?”


    “Mr. Miller, your concern is quite fascinating. While I was your wife, your focus was elsewhere. Now that we’re apart, I’m suddenly in your thoughts? Is it always about wanting what you can’t have? It appears the role of your mistress is far more rewarding than your wife ever was.”


    Adrian detected the sarcasmcing her voice and tightened his hold on her wrist. “I’m just trying to have a conversation with you.”


    “But I’m not interested in it.”


    At that moment, the ss doors swung open, and Shawn entered. Adrian’s frown deepened. It made sense now—Joelle’s defiant attitude was probably fueled by the news that he had cut off funding to Watson Group.


    “If you apologize to Reba, I’ll restore the annual funding to Watson Group—and I’ll increase it to five hundred million.”


    Five hundred million was a substantial amount for the old Watson Group, but Joelle now saw the full picture. Shawn no longer depended on Adrian’s support. To Adrian, such a sum was as trivial as pocket change to others.


    “Are you treating me like a charity case?” she asked.


    Adrian’s eyes narrowed. “Is that amount insufficient?”


    “Absolutely not.” Joelle pulled her wrist from his grasp. “Even if you surrender everything you own, it still wouldn’t be enough.”


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