With that, Sebastian left.


    The distant lights illuminated his tall, straight back, making Joanna''s heart pound with increasing panic.


    Jared was stunned, because Sebastian was telling the truth.


    Mr. Griffith Sr. had only given Sebastian management rights on the condition that he married Natalie.


    "Joanna, just wait a little longer. When Sebastian has full control of the Griffith family, he''ll marry you. As long as I''m here, I will never let Natalie steal him from you."


    Joanna saw the pain in his eyes but felt no sympathy. If it weren''t for them, she wouldn''t be an illegitimate daughter. She hated all the children Wendy had given birth to, but at the same time, if not for Wendy, her own mother, amoner, would never have lived a life of wealth and luxury.


    It was hard to jump social sses. She wanted to be the master of Yaro. Every sh with Natalie only deepened her resentment.


    Herpany was doing better and better. With some confidential information from Mr. Wilson''spany, its growth would elerate.


    Over the years, she had learned a lot from Sebastian, and she hade to deeply appreciate the taste of power and influence. Once you''ve entered a world of wealth, how could you ever be willing to leave?


    Many of her business tactics were learned from him.


    But she maintained a perfect facade, saying pitifully, "Thank you! Let''s go back. Natalie pped me today, and my face really hurts."


    Jared looked at her swollen cheek, his heart aching for her. "That woman Natalie is too vicious. Don''t worry, next time I see her, I''ll teach her a lesson for you."


    Hearing that, Natalie felt reassured.


    "Let''s go home. Your wedding is in a few days. We''ll go back and convince Mom to attend."


    Joanna looked at Jared, her face a mask of concern.


    Jared was distressed. It was indeed painful not to have his mother''s blessing.


    "I''ll take you home first." Jared lowered his eyes, saying nothing more.


    Joanna sensed his mood was off, but she was in a bad mood herself and didn''t pay it much mind.


    Jared dropped Joanna off at the Scott family''s gate but didn''t go in. His mother wasn''t back yet.


    Jared looked at the home he had lived in for over twenty years and, knowing his social-climbing grandparents were inside, suddenly lost the desire to go in.


    He found his grandparents quite distasteful.


    As for his mother, he thought about it. No mother doesn''t love her child.


    But the thought that his mother chose thepany over him still hurt.


    It was obvious his mother didn''t love him.


    Furious, Jared called her.


    “Hello!” Wendy''s voice on the other end sounded weary.


    "Mom, it''s me." Jared was nervous.


    "I know it''s you. If you have something to say, say it quickly. m busy picking out a dress for Joanna. What are you, that you think


    you can interrupt my time? Wendy''s voice was filled with anger.


    Jared let out a bitterugh. "Mom, is my wedding not as important as Joanna''s dress?"


    The words sounded familiar. He remembered once when he was out shopping with Joanna, they had run into Natalie.


    Natalie had greeted him, and he had


    snapped at her just like this, telling


    her to say what she needed to quickly and not to interrupt hím while he was choosing a gift for Joanna.


    The more he thought about it, the more Jared realized how horribly he had treated his own sister.


    "Mom, why are you picking out a dress for Joanna?" Jared asked, curious.


    "She''s a big star now. She has a lot of social events. Of course, I need to pick out a few gowns she can wear out."


    Jared found it almost funny. “Mom, I''m getting married. Are you really noting?"


    "Is your wedding more important than Joanna? I told you not to marry that kind of woman, but you insisted on defying me. From now on, I don''t Have you as a son. I only have Joanna. If I''m not good to her, should I be good to you? Neave thepany to Joanna as well. That''s all."