Chapter 39

"Michael Gardner!" Joanne's voice was a razor-sharp edge, and she looked ready to pounce. Queenie grabbed her arm, trying to hold her back. "Jojo, don't let him get to you!" "Did you hear what he said?" Joanne's eyes were blazing. She could barely contain her rage at anyone disrespecting Queenie. Just then, a new voice cut through the chaos. "Ms. White?" Joanne's head whipped around, her anger still simmering. "Who are you?" she snapped. She was ready to unleash her fury on anyone who dared step into her path. The newcomer, tall and impeccably dressed in a sharp suit, offered a calm, polite introduction. "I'm Daniel Wright. Mrs. Hoffman sent me." Daniel had just arrived and noticed the tense scene unfolding. Seeing Joanne in the middle of it all, he hurried over, eager to discover what was happening. Michael had always known the White family was wealthy and well-connected, especially Joanne's aunt, Caroline Sandler, who had married into the prestigious Hoffman family. Back