True Love Deserves a Second Chance
Chapter 71 Deadly Rumors

Cordelia's eyes flashed with panic, but she quickly pulled herself together.

"How could you say that? Connie died in a car accident protecting this child. Isabella looks just like Darren, and their blood types match. Don't say this in front of him, or he'll cut ties with the family to defend Isabella."

"I have no relationship with him. After replaceing out that Sebastian was blind and crippled, the Vale Family asked me to break off the engagement. I should've cut ties with them then, so Isabella wouldn't be bothering my grandson all the time." Cordelia's voice softened, "Mom, Sebastian chose this engagement himself when he was a kid. He told the family elders he'd marry Connie's daughter when he grew up. We can't go back on our word."

Aurora sneered, "He was only four years old then, just wanting a sibling to play with. If it weren't for the accident with your unborn child, he wouldn't have gone to the Vale Family looking for a playmate." Talking about this darkened Cordelia's face, "Mom, I didn't mean it. Because of that child, Derek still hasn't forgiven me. He'd rather flirt around than be with me."

Feeling her sadness, Aurora didn't want to reopen her wounds, "Alright, don't use background as an excuse to refuse Joey as our family member. Don't forget your background isn't any better than hers." That silenced Cordelia completely.

Her background had always been her Achilles' heel.

Her father, a gambler who frequently abused her mother, later went to prison for assault.

Her mother, in poor health, passed away a few years later.

But Derek never looked down on her.

To be specific, he never looked down on Carrie Winters.

The thought of that name made Cordelia brim with malice.

---

Monday morning.

Joey had just arrived at the office when she saw Elizabeth packing her things.

With a cold expression, she walked over.

"Elizabeth, have you never regretted betraying me?"

Elizabeth slowly lifted her pale face, her eyes filled with undisguised malice.

"Joey, what are you so proud of? The only reason you win is that you have a pretty face and became Mr. Winters' mistress.

"Do you think you're nobler than me? You got everything by selling your body. Without Mr. Winters' protection, you wouldn't even be capable of talking to me.

"You're just like your mother, willing to sell your body for money!"

She spoke through gritted teeth, her eyes red with rage.

She was no worse than Joey, so why did Joey have everything while she had nothing?

Why did Sebastian choose Joey and never even pay attention to her?

Elizabeth's last words deeply stung Joey.

Joey slapped Elizabeth in the face.

Joey's voice was icy, "Do you believe I can make sure no company will hire you once you leave this place?"

"Joey, don't bully others just because you're in a position of power!"

"I don't need power to make your life a living hell, believe me or not?"

Joey had never been this arrogant before.

Her eyes were filled with rare arrogance as she stepped closer to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth was so scared that she kept retreating, "Joey, you win this time, but I'll seek revenge!"

With that, she fled with her belongings.

Joey stood there, her body cold.

Her hands were clenched into tight fists.

She knew Isabella would never let her off the hook.

As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.com is your destination for the complete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! That recording was the perfect weapon to provoke her.

She knew the whole company was already aware of her and Sebastian's ridiculous relationship.

The second secretary walked up and gently tugged her arm.

"Ms. Blackwood, we all believe in you. There must be some misunderstanding."

Joey smiled bitterly, "There's no misunderstanding. What she said is true."

Sebastian had said it himself, so how could it be untrue?

It couldn't be hidden even if she wanted to.

Before coming to work, Joey had already prepared herself mentally.

But she hadn't expected that facing the issue would still hurt.

Her seven years of deep affection for Sebastian and three years of mutual support had been exposed in such a way.

She had once fantasized about Sebastian acknowledging her as his girlfriend in front of everyone, saying he would marry her.

It turned out that the bolder the dream, the more tragic the reality.

Joey smiled indifferently and said softly, "Let's get to work. The company's anniversary celebration is on Saturday, so we'll probably have to work overtime these days."

Dominic stood at the door, recording the entire scene.

He took the video to Sebastian with a worried expression.

"Mr. Winters, the whole company is talking about this. What they're saying is even worse than what Elizabeth said. Are you really not going to do anything?"

Sebastian stared at the video of Joey, his fingers turning pale from gripping the phone so tightly.

For him, Joey was like a gentle, obedient Persian cat with a core of pride and stubbornness.

As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.com is your destination for the complete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! She had never belittled herself like this.

Even when he accused her of approaching him with ulterior motives, she had always shown confidence and fought back, never accepting it as she did now.

Sebastian's eyes were filled with overwhelming emotions.

He spoke coldly, "Pass the word. Anyone who dares to say another word about this will be fired!"

Dominic gave him a thumbs up, "Mr. Winters, you're the best! I'll go instruct them right away. They won't dare to talk anymore."

"Bring Joey in."

"Okay."

A few minutes later, Joey knocked and entered. Her face showed no sign of grievance, only a businesslike demeanor. "Mr. Winters, what can I do for you?"

Sebastian stared at her for a few seconds, then asked, "How are the preparations for the anniversary celebration?" "Everything is going smoothly. It should all be ready by Friday afternoon."

She reported methodically, her gaze steady as she looked at Sebastian, as if nothing had ever happened between them.

After finishing her report, she respectfully asked, "Is there anything else, Mr. Winters?"

Sebastian stared at her, and after a few seconds, he shook off his reverie and returned to his senses.

He asked softly, "Who will be my date?"

Joey calmly replied, "Aren't you attending with Ms. Vale? Just now, Mrs. Winters called to say that your outfits are ready. You can take her to try them on when you have time." Sebastian finally couldn't stay calm. He walked over to Joey and pulled her into his arms.

He kissed her neck gently, his lips warm against her skin.

His voice was low and pleasant, "Why isn't it you?"