Joan sensed a massive weight come over her chest; they had just declared war as they walked from the Harris estate.
And there was no going back now.
Inside the mansion Mr. helps. Harris paced his research barely containing his anger.
Albert and Chelsea fixed their gaze, resolute.
"Mr. fell. Seems you are having a great error. Harris spewed. "Do you truly believe that opposing me will turn out well for you?"
Albert defiantly crossed his hands. & "Your control of this family has gone on far too many times. This ends now.
Mr "I established this empire. Harris screamed. "Everything you have is from myself!"
Chelsea lifted her brow in challenge. "Everything we have lost is also upon you."
Mr. Harris' expression grew sullen. "Everyone is an idiot."
Albert approached, his tone cool but strong. "Not at all, Father. We're only finally seeing reality.
Mr. Harris' lips curled in a sneer. Go forward and stand next to them. But don't come crawling back when it all collapses."
Albert's eyes were unchanging. "We won't need to fetch"
Albert started walking away, Mr. Harris saw them leave, his head spinning already with ideas for his following action.
Since he was really good at destroying anyone who dared to oppose him, one thing was working in his favor.
Even if they were his own offspring.
The Warning of the Mother
While Joan and Alex got to Mrs Swan's house.
Opening the door, she had concern written all over her face. "I heard what happened in their case.
Alex said we stood up to him. "He knows we're not conceding."
Mrs. Swan sighed even more before guiding them inside. "You have no idea what you started."
Joan glared at her. "We know exactly what we are doing."
Mrs. Swan shook her head. "You know, Joan. A powerful man, your father is. Let's not get lost.
Alex added strongly and amply that he already had. "We have the truth on our side."
Mrs. Swan glanced at him, sadness faintly present in her eyes. "Sometimes the truth does not win, my boy."
Joan crossed her arms defiantly. "Is this what we are supposed to do, let him run over us for eternity?"
Mrs. Swan's voice got milder. And I absolutely don't want you two to get injured.
'Too late for that,'
A deep sigh escaped Mrs. Swan; she saw there was no point in fighting their thought. "Just be cautious. Your mother doesn't play honest here.
Davis Betrayal.
Meanwhile, several blocks away, Davis was nursing a whiskey glass in a softly darkened pub, his fingers clamped about it.
a familiar tone of voice chimed in: 'You look as if something is worrying you.'"
He turned and saw Mr. Harris slithering on the stool facing him.
Davis snapped, "You want what?"
Harris answered properly. "Your siblings have turned against me; you, Davis, though, you are sharper than they."
Davis snorted. "I am simply more ready to soil my hands."
Mr. Harris smiled. Exactly so. I will guarantee you receive all that rightly belongs to you provided you assist me.
Mulling over the idea, Davis slouch back.
Then should I say nothing?
Mr. Harris's grin stayed constant. "Then you will drown together with the others."
Davis twirled his drink thinking of his alternatives.
He has always remained devoted to his family.
Still, being loyal doesn't cover things.
"What must I do?"
Mr. Harris's gaze sparkled mischievously. "First off, let's rip apart Joan and Alex."
First Blow
Joan's phone buzzed two days later while she was at home.
There was a message from a number I didn't recognize.
Find me at Hotel Saville. I can show you that Alex is deceiving you.
Her pulse raced. Was this staged?
She paused for a split second and then snatched her coat.
She needed to reveal the real facts.
Arriving at the hotel, she spied Davis in the lobby waiting for her.
Startled, she said Davis?
He motioned her to sit down. "Something must be shown by me."
Joan arched an eyebrow. "Any developments?"
Davis passed a folder on the table. "Alex is not who you think he is."
Joan opened it after some delay.
Inside there were photos.
Alex. With some other woman.
Within a hotel room.
Dates that corresponded with the evenings he said he was laboring late.
She shivered. "This cannot be true."
Davis shook his head. "I hope it were so."
Joan shook hands. But why are you showing me this.
Joan felt as though the floor were gone under her feet.
Had Alex honestly turned on her?
If she had put her faith in the incorrect man.
Lost, she wasn't sure anymore what to believe.
That was just what Davis had meant.
The Rift Starting
Alex arrived at Joan's apartment that evening to discover her pacing back and forth with red and puffy eyes.
"Joan, what is this?" he inquired, the worry evident on his face.
Her face blank, she looked at him. "Did you go with some other woman?"
Alex sensed a weight sinking in his stomach.
She tossed the photos at his face. "Talk about this."
Alex bent down to retrieve them, his face turning grim. "This is not real."
Joan responded "Davis passed them to me." " He said he wanted me to know the truth. "
Alex exhaled sharply. "And you think he is telling the truth?
Joan was indecisive. " I have no idea what to think anymore."
Frustration evident, Alex ran a hand through his hair. Joan, I promise I would never betray you.
Desparate to find trust there, she peered into his eyes.
Still, the seed of doubt had already sprouted.
"Time is required," she murmured.
Alex's heart ached.
"Please."
He moved back, nodding at a leisurely pace. Let me go.
Joan turned to head away and wrapped her arms around herself, holding back sobs.
She once knew deep inside that this was not the end.
Their love was now hanging by a delicate thread.