Chapter 278
“Joanna,” Nancy said, as she and Todd rose to greet the guests.
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Joanna, keeping her cool, nodded to Alex’s parents while she led Ellie by one hand and Aaron by the other to stand in front of Carlos.
Alex and Ellie were only a few steps apart, and even though strong emotions were building up inside him, he held back from going to Ellie.
Since she entered, Ellie had kept her head down, quietly standing beside Joanna, not looking up or saying a word.
Alex felt a tightness in his throat, and his hands, hanging at his sides, turned into tight fists, making the veins in his hands stand out. He stared hard at Ellie, the swirling emotions in his gaze feeling like they might swallow him whole.
Joanna pulled out a card and placed it on the coffee table. Nancy quickly grabbed it back and pleaded, “Joanna, please don’t do this; it’s the Warren family that owes you.”
Todd turned to his son, saying, “You brat, apologize to Mrs. Thompson.”
Alex, choking with emotion, finally reacted. He cautiously stepped forward and stood before Joanna, ready to kneel, but Joanna gently pulled him back up.
“Mrs. Thompson.” Alex half–kneeled, looking up at Joanna, tears rolling down his cheeks. When he left that day, he had felt the kindness of Ellie’s parents; they had already forgiven him.
Joanna spoke calmly, “If you have something to say, just say it.” As she finished her sentence, Aaron lifted Alex back to his feet.
Carlos, watching the scene with a heavy expression, sighed deeply. “Joanna, Ellie has suffered; Harold’s sudden passing is something we owe you for–please take back that card.”
Seeing Joanna still standing still, Nancy cried as she stepped forward and pressed the card into Joanna’s hands. “Joanna, listen to me; I failed to raise my son properly, causing Ellie so much suffering and leading to Harold’s sudden death.
“It’s the Warren family that owes you. We will make sure Ellie gets the best medical care–we will take full responsibility.” Joanna gently patted Nancy’s hand before letting it go. She looked at the others and finally focused on Carlos.
With a calm voice, Joanna said, “Carlos, thank you for your help back then, which allowed my children to go to school. The death benefit still has about 450 thousand left. This money will be used to repay you.”
“Mrs. Thompson!” Alex’s voice broke, filled with despair. His chest heaved as if his heart had been ripped open, making it hard to breathe.
Desperately trying to suppress the pain inside, he said, “Mrs. Thompson, I was wrong. I beg you for another chance.” Joanna looked at Alex with a calm composure. “Ellie did nothing wrong in trying to save you; the injury she got from the injection is not your fault. Harold’s death was not your intention we cannot blame you, nor do you need to apologize.”
Turning to Alex’s parents, she bowed. “Though I may not be well educated, I understand the importance of gratitude. Your family raised my daughter and paid for my two children’s education; I am thankful for that.”
“Joanna!” Nancy, overcome with tears, could only cry. Todd stood in awkward silence, unable to face the moment.
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Chapter 278
Meanwhile, Carlos sat in his seat, his face dark.
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Joanna insisted, “The money is for the Warren family. Alex, do not ask my son and daughter for money. Aaron and Ellie, listen do not use the excuse of saving Alex or your father’s death to hold anything against the Warren family. “From now on, our two families shall owe nothing to each other. With that, Joanna placed the card back on the coffee table.
