Chapter 12

Joanne's imagination took flight the moment she saw Queenie fluster around Joshua. Seeing the tall and imposing Joshua next to her petite and adorable friend, she couldn't help but think they were the perfect couple. They were literally a match made in heaven. This was an incredible twist. Joanne never expected that a late-night trip to the police station would yield such an amazing scoop. "Queen, it's late. I better get home. See you at the shop tomorrow." Joanne didn't want to be the third wheel. Satisfied with the day's drama, she quickly left with an amused smile without even greeting Joshua. After Joanne left, Queenie turned to look at Joshua and explained, "Sorry for bothering you again." Queenie hated inconveniencing others because she feared owing them something. Staring at her guilty face, Joshua sighed and asked, "Queenie, do you realize we're married? How can you call this bothering me? Why didn't you contact me immediately when something happened?" Queenie had expected a scolding but was surprised by Joshua's response. At that moment, she felt a hint of warmth in her heart. Despite his stern appearance, Joshua was genuinely kind-hearted. At that thought, Queenie smiled brightly and explained, "I was too caught up in the mess." Just then, a grating voice rang out. "Well, you must be our new son-in-law." Stacy approached them. She would've grabbed Joshua's hand if Queenie hadn't quickly stepped in front of him. Queenie knew how good Stacy was at ingratiating herself with others. She would curry favor with anyone who could benefit her. "Stacy, have some dignity! What do you mean by 'our new son-in-law'? We're not related. Stop making things up." Queenie was utterly disgusted. Joshua was her husband. If anyone were to call him son-in-law, it would be her real mother, Layla Hooper. Stacy had no claim whatsoever. Joshua didn't know what had happened that night, but he had encountered enough people like Stacy to understand what kind of person she was. No wonder Queenie never talked about her family. Having a stepmother like Stacy was a real burden. That morning, Joshua had Jeremy investigate Queenie's background. The report revealed that Queenie's mother died in a car accident shortly after Queenie's birth. Less than a year later, her father used the compensation money to remarry and even had a son. With a stepmother and living in a family that favored sons over daughters, Queenie and Joey had a tough upbringing. Shameless as ever, Stacy glanced at Joshua, who was obviously wealthy and said, "Young man, you married our daughter without informing us. That's inappropriate. Queen is young and naïve, but you shouldn't indulge her recklessness. How about coming over for dinner in the next couple of days, and we'll sit down and talk?" Hearing that, Queenie realized how naïve she had been. She had thought that getting married would stop Stacy and Hanson from using her to get money from the Gills. But now, Stacy was brazenly trying to negotiate with Joshua at their first meeting—not to mention under such awkward circumstances. Queenie felt an overwhelming disgust toward Stacy and Hanson. Just as she was about to lose her temper, Stacy smiled sweetly at her and said, "Queen, you'd better behave. Otherwise, if your husband finds out about those things you did in college..." Stacy deliberately trailed off and cast Joshua a meaningful glance. "I'm sure you wouldn't want him to find out, right?" Queenie knew what exactly Stacy was referring to. Back then, if it hadn't been for Joanne and a few other roommates, she would have been bullied to death at school. Stacy had somehow found out that Queenie had a well-paying part-time job and came to the school, demanding Queenie pay for her brother's tuition. When Queenie refused, Stacy accused her of being involved in prostitution. At that time, Queenie was with a senior who had been pursuing her for three months. Stacy's outburst instantly changed his perception of Queenie. It was as if her rejections over the past months were just a ploy to get more money from him. Queenie would never forget the judging and probing gazes from the passing students. They were like blades cutting into her, making her feel suffocated.