Chapter 31.
Jovana had been chatting with Ingrid for a while when she received a message from Armando, “Something came up. It should take about an
hour.”
Jovana didn’t suspect anything. After all, Normand had just come over personally, which meant the situation must have been urgent.
It was almost noon.
Family and friends had gathered to celebrate Ingrid’s birthday.
Jovana, where’s Armando? someone asked.
These people weren’t just here to celebrate Ingrid’s birthday. They were spending their time, energy, and money mainly to gossip.
“He’s dealing with something right now. He’ll be here soon,” Jovana explained with a smile, then turned to attend to the guests.
I heard Armando and Jovana are having problems. He’s got someone else on the side.”
“Really’ They’ve kept it hidden well. The internet’s full of photos of them looking all lovey-dovey, but it looks like things have been off behind the scenes. No wonder he’s not here today.”
“Apparently, he even took another woman to the hospital recently. Is there a secret child involved? No wonder Jovana’s belly hasn’t shown any signs of life for so long.”
“How embarrassing. If it’s true, Jovana will get nothing in a divorce. All this time flattering him for nothing,” another added, the words dripping
with venom.
The gossiping voices of her relatives grew
louder.
Jovana stopped in her tracks, feeling utterly humiliated, as if her dignity had been trampled underfoot.
She was about to stop them, making sure these words never reached Ingrid’s ears, but the next second, the sound of a glass shattering behind her sent a jolt of panic through her.
Spinning around, she saw Ingrid’s pale face, her body swaying unsteadily, her chest heaving with every shallow breath.
“Grandma!” Jovana rushed to her, panic-stricken, supporting Ingrid as she fumbled for heart medicine and hastily administered it, speaking frantically, “Grandma…”
Ingrid weakly lifted a hand, clutching her arm with trembling eyes, her voice frail.”Child, tell me the truth. Are you and Armando really…?”
The words had reached Ingrid’s ears after all.
The relatives who had been gossiping saw Ingrid’s condition worsen, and they were shocked by what had just happened.
“Ingrid, we were just talking. Don’t take it to heart,” one of them stammered.
“That rumor about the illegitimate child might just be gossip.”
“Yeah, exactly.”
The situation only worsened with each passing moment.
Jovana sharply reprimanded them to be quiet, then helped Ingrid toward the lounge. No, nothing’s wrong between me and Armando. Don’t listen to their nonsense… I’ll get him here right now.”
After she took the heart medication, Ingrid’s condition improved slightly, but worry still clouded her face as she clutched Jovana’s hand. “Go get
him now
Ingrid pushed her with determination.
Jovana had no choice but to leave the lounge after asking someone to look after Ingrid. She anxiously dialed Armando’s number.
She called her again and again, but he never answered.
Jovana’s heart sank.
If Armando didn’t come today, Ingrid’s worry might never fade. Her heart wasn’t strong, and if something happened… Jovana couldn’t even bring herself to imagine the consequences.
“How’s it going? What’s happening with Armando?” Eddie rushed in, clearly concerned.
Despite his busy work schedule, he still cared deeply for Jovana and Ingrid.
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Jovana suddenly felt a wave of frustration, but didn’t want to worry her family.
Feigning calm, she said, I still can’t reach him… He’s probably in a meeting.”
Although Eddie hadn’t spent much time with her, he could easily see through her facade.
He sighed lightly, walked over, and patted her shoulder, speaking with great sincerity. “Don’t worry. Your grandma’s fine with me here.”
Jovana’s eyes stung with tears, but she nodded quietly.
After Eddie left, she clung to the last shred of hope and dialed Armando once more.
This time, it finally connected.
The noise on the other end was loud.
“Armando, where are you? Something’s wrong here. Can you come as soon as you’re done? I’m really worried about grandma…”
Her voice nearly cracked with emotion.
She truly hoped he would hurry.
But the response was a soft laugh.
Jovana stiffened.
Juliette’s mocking voice echoed through the phone.”Room 808, Solestra Club. You can come find him yourself.”
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