“Maisie is right. The Stewarts are a prestigious family in Northwatch. It may be a bit hard for Margot, but she will certainly not
suffer.”
Seeing the approving expressions of all four members of the Johansons, Joey continued to argue, still trying to reason with them.
“But Margot is your biological daughter. She was pampered and raised with care. How could she be with a man like Dominic in his
state? And weren’t you clear when you adopted Maisie that—”
Before he could reveal the truth, Charles hurriedly interrupted him.
“When the engagement was made, it was decided that Margot would marry into the Stewart family. How can we go back on our
word?
“With the Stewarts‘ status in society and Maisie being just an adopted daughter–if she goes in her place, she’ll surely face
criticism. How can we let her endure that?”
A chill ran through Joey’s heart.
For the first time, he truly felt the bitterness that Margot had endured all these years being ignored.
Maisie looked at Joey accusingly.
“Exactly! Why should I bear the responsibility for Margot’s marriage? Joey, if you’re going to say things like that, I’m not talking
to you anymore!”
As they watched Maisie run away in tears, the Johansons, heartbroken, immediately chased after her.
Only Joey stood rooted to his spot.
He clenched his fists and quickly dialed his secretary.
The next day, the secretary reported back with Margot’s whereabouts.
“Mr. Griffin, Miss Margot is currently staying with the Stewarts. Their wedding will take place tomorrow.”
The last sentence made Joey’s heart skip a beat. He immediately booked the next flight to Northwatch.
1/2
Chapter 17
He then called Margot countless times, and sent her numerous messages, pleading with her to cancel the wedding.
Yet, she never responded.
Before boarding, Maisie, who somehow had gotten wind of the news, appeared at the airport.
Her face was flushed with anger as she blocked Joey’s path.
“If you go to Northwatch, don’t ever contact me again!”
At that moment, Joey’s mind was consumed by his thoughts of finding Margot.
He had no intention of paying attention to Maisie’s childish tantrum.
“Look May, Margot is your sister, and she’s the childhood friend I grew up with. How can I just watch her walk into a burning
pit?”
“I don’t care! If you leave today, I’ll never speak to you again!”
The boarding announcement sounded, and Joey, running out of patience, brushed her hand away.
Angered, Maisie couldn’t maintain her composure any longer and broke down, sobbing uncontrollably.
Charles, who had rushed to her side, immediately pulled her into his arms.
Maisie steeled herself as she watched Joey resolutely walk away.
“Joey, if you go find Margot today, I’ll agree to marry Charles!”
Joey paused in his tracks and turned around to face her. (1)
Maisie was sobbing and gasping for breath as she was cradled in Charles’s embrace.
Yet her eyes showed resentment toward him.
Joey knew, with her competitive nature, that she would likely make such a decision just to spite him.
But the thought of her marrying Charles was far easier for him to bear than seeing Margot marry someone else.
So, after a brief hesitation, he made his decision.
Comme
