My Secret Billionaire Husband Chapter 2874 - 2893

"You desire to compel me to acknowledge myself as your stepsister, merely to absolve yourself and convince the public that my video statements were fabricated accusations?"

"Joanna, your cunning knows no bounds. Yet, employing such disingenuous tactics before me is futile. Your intentions are transparent, and I shall not permit your schemes to materialize!"

Annie felt a pang of apprehension with her own declaration.

She harbored uncertainty about whether Joanna was merely attempting to intimidate her.

However, she believed she had successfully concealed any tell-tale signs of her true identity.

Furthermore, her current appearance was markedly different from her past visage.

At best, Joanna might harbor a suspicion towards her.

It was unlikely she could uncover the concrete truth.

Indeed, she must not falter, she told herself repeatedly.

That wretched Joanna was undoubtedly employing a stratagem to deceive and ensnare her.

Should she lower her guard now, that insignificant wretch might indeed discover her real identity.

Once her true self was exposed, that contemptible creature would undoubtedly exact her retribution!

"Whether my words hold truth or are mere fabrication, is something you are acutely aware of." In stark contrast to Annie's internal turmoil and mounting guilt, Joanna exuded an aura of composure. Her gaze, which seemed to penetrate all deception, met Annie's as she calmly stated, "Even if you refuse to confess, it holds little consequence. I possess all the requisite evidence. I have meticulously investigated the beauty institution where you underwent cosmetic procedures, the location of your name change, and every communication you've had with David Benington."

"Should you still deem my claims as baseless conjecture, then perhaps you recall Dr. Kenyon from the Jade Beauty Institution? She was the very practitioner who performed over a dozen facial surgeries upon you. Ah, and your vocal cord alteration – she was responsible for that as well, was she not?"

The mere mention of the Jade Beauty Institution caused a dramatic shift in Annie's countenance.

When Joanna referenced the specific surgeon who had primarily operated on her, Annie's composure crumbled into evident disarray and palpable fear.

If, at the outset, she had entertained the possibility that Joanna was merely bluffing.

Now, the certainty solidified: Joanna had indeed conducted a thorough investigation into her past.

Annie's decision to return, following her extensive plastic surgery, stemmed partly from the impossibility of re-entering the entertainment industry with her former identity, and partly from a profound dread of Joanna's potential retribution.

A contributing factor to her plan to seduce Frank Parker was indeed linked to her cosmetic transformations.

However, the primary impetus behind her actions was her pervasive fear of Joanna.

Witnessing Joanna's apparent knowledge of her true identity rendered further concealment impossible.

Gritting her teeth, she lifted her head defiantly, fixing her gaze upon Joanna. "Yes, I am Annie Lawrence. Joanna, since you have already unearthed all the facts, why prolong this charade by inquiring further? What is your objective now? To exact vengeance upon me?"

"Do you intend to force my mother and myself to abandon Closia once more?"

"Settle a score?" Joanna responded with a short, sharp laugh. "Annie, there are indeed certain accounts between us that require settling."

Annie flinched, a flicker of alarm momentarily crossing her eyes. Yet, unwilling to display any sign of weakness before Joanna, she steeled herself and retorted, "Very well, let us settle these accounts. Do you truly believe I fear you? Joanna, do not presume your current standing grants you the liberty to dictate the fates of others."

"I have returned for good this time."

Joanna regarded her with a dismissive air and laughed. "You actually believe I would stoop to compelling you to leave Closia? Annie, you are mistaken. If my intention were truly to settle scores with you, your banishment from Closia would be the least of your concerns."