Joanne didn’t want to believe the possibility that Jeffrey might want to bring her downfall.

But she couldn’t ignore it either.

Because deep down, there was a part of her that feared it.

That thought had kept her awake last night, staring at the ceiling, lost in the shadows of her own mind.

But...

Despite that fear...

Something else overrode it.

Something she didn’t want to name just yet.

Or it wasn’t love. Maybe she was just desperate.

She wasn’t ashamed to admit that she wasdesperate.Desperate to have someone by her side, to feel like she wasn’t fighting every battle alone. Maybe she was willing to trusttooeasily because of that. Maybe shewantedto trust him, even if she shouldn’t.

But still...

"I was thinking about that last night," Joanne murmured.

Fiona tilted her head slightly, watching her carefully, analyzing every flicker of emotion that crossed her face.

She wasn’t asking these questions to be cruel—Joanne knew that.

She was asking because shecared.Because she wanted to protect her. Because what good are friends if they don’t challenge your decisions, especially the life-altering ones—like the partner you choose?

Joanne let out a slow breath, then admitted, "I left my bedroom door unlocked, Fiona."

She covered her face with her hands, as if the confession itself was too much to bear.

Fiona’s brows furrowed. "...And?"

Joanne slowly lowered her hands. "I wasshockedto discover it this morning."

Her voice was quiet, but the weight behind her words was immense.

After getting robbed by her own cousins—after beingforcedto kill one of them—she had strengthened her security. She had developed rituals, routines, ways to ensure she wassafe.Locking her bedroom door was one of them. She had done itreligiously.

And yet, last night, she hadforgotten.

Or maybe...

Maybe it hadn’t beenforgetfulnessat all.

Maybe it had been an unconscious decision. She’d been doing that a lot when it came to Jeffrey.

Because deep down...

"I don’t consider him a threat," Joanne whispered.

She looked up, meeting Fiona’s eyes, her own filled with something raw, something vulnerable. "I thought about it all andstill... I believe he won’t hurt me."

Fiona opened her mouth, then stopped herself.

She had an argument, Joanne couldseeit in her eyes. A warning. A rebuttal. A plea to be careful.

But she swallowed it down. Because at the end of the day, who could interfere in the matters of the heart?

Instead, she sighed dramatically and muttered, "Are you ovulating?"

Joanne blinked. "...What?"

"Donotmake decisions about boys when you’re ovulating," Fiona said seriously.

There was a beat of silence. Then...

Joanne laughed.

A real, genuine laugh that bubbled up despite everything.

She wasn’t sure if shewasovulating. But every time she was near Jeffrey, itfeltlike she was—no matter where in the cycle she was supposed to be.

Fiona chuckled too, shaking her head. "I mean, Ididfall in love with Liam while I was ovulating, so..." She shrugged playfully. "It worked out for me."

Joanne smirked. "So what you’re saying is, I should go for it?"

"I’m saying... IhopeJeffrey is at least half the man Liam is."

There was a pause. Fiona’s words were lighthearted, but the meaning behind them wasn’t lost on Joanne.

I hope he’s good enough for you.

I hope he doesn’t hurt you.

Joanne let out a slow breath. "What’s the worst that could happen?" she asked, wiping at the corner of her eyes. "He ruins my company? I can build it back, just like I did."

Fiona pressed her lips together, watching her closely.

She didn’t doubt Joanne could rebuild her empire. She had no doubt Joanne would rise again, no matter what.

But that wasn’t what she was afraid of.

"That’s not the worst he could do," Fiona said softly.

Joanne looked at her, the laughter fading from her face.

"The worst he could do is break your heart."

The words settled in the air, heavy and unshakable.

Joanne went still.

For just a moment, her smile faded.

Then, ever so slowly, she exhaled.

"If that happened..." She hesitated, then forced herself to continue. "Maybe I could finally get over him for good."

For years, she had carried Jeffrey Winchester in her heart—sometimes consciously, sometimes not.

She had never truly let him go.

Maybe this was her chance.

Toknowif he was worth it.

Or to finally close the door on him forever.

Fiona sat beside Joanne and squeezed her hand gently. Her touch was warm, and grounding. She didn’t say anything at first and just smiled in quiet understanding.

Joanne needed to deal with this for her own good, no matter how painful the truth might be.

"Philip Winchester gave Liam permission to kill Jeffrey if he ever broke your heart," Fiona finally said, her tone casual even though she was exaggerating. Her eyes searched Joanne’s face for a reaction.

Joanne let out a short, breathy laugh. "That’s extreme."

Fiona shrugged. "Philip Winchester is an extreme man. And he loves you, Jo."

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Fiona had come here thinking Joanne was drowning in some kind of lavender haze, too lost in emotion to see the risks. But now... she realized Joannehadthought about it. She had picked apart every possibility, every outcome.

And still, she chose Jeffrey.

In the end, it was her life to live.

Fiona could only be there for her. To support her. To help pick up the pieces if they ever shattered.

She justhopedJeffrey wouldn’t break Joanne’s heart.

After talking for a while, Fiona finally stood to leave. But not before Joanne packed her some dinner for herself and Liam.

Just as she was about to step out, Joanne suddenly pulled her into a tight hug.

"Don’t worry about the doctor’s appointment," Joanne murmured against her shoulder. "Everything is going to be fine."

Fiona let out a slow breath and leaned into the embrace.

She needed this.

Liam would be there with her, holding her hand, but she knew how much it affectedhimtoo. Sometimes, she had to put on a brave face for him.

She justhopedthat this time... she could give him a child without another heartbreak.

Joanne didn’t let go until she felt Fiona’s body finally relax against hers.

When Fiona stepped back, Joanne gave her a knowing look. "And about Tom’s wife... if you really don’t want to be around her, talk to Liam."

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com