My Secret Billionaire Husband Chapter 2879 - 2409: I Didn’t Expect Myself to Misread the Situation

"A mistress will always be a mistress. Do you truly believe you can shed your past and act as if nothing ever transpired? Women like you, who snatch other people's partners and engage in slander, will inevitably face retribution! Just you wait; individuals like you are destined for an unhappy conclusion!"

*

"Joanna, the public is now aware of Annie's genuine identity, and her alternate account, which used to relentlessly curse you, has also been exposed. The entire online community has rallied to your side, and any accusations she makes will be utterly discredited."

"Your public image has been completely vindicated."

Upon reading the message from Linda on Twitter, Joanna turned her gaze towards the window, a sense of tranquility settling within her.

Annie's attempts to tarnish her reputation had been thwarted.

Yet, she found herself devoid of any strong emotions regarding the outcome.

There was no elation, nor any sense of distress.

This particular turn of events barely stirred her inner state.

From her perspective, Annie had long since faded into irrelevance.

She refused to permit an insignificant individual the power to disrupt her peace of mind.

Nevertheless, with this matter settled, she could finally exhale and cease her constant anxieties.

Presently, with no pressing concerns of her own, Joanna found her thoughts preoccupied with a new matter.

She had deliberately avoided seeking assistance from Ashton Heath for this particular issue.

Instead, she had privately enlisted the help of Gary White and Jeremy Lawrence.

Should Ashton discover her actions, he would likely experience discontent and emotional turmoil once more, a situation she wished to avoid.

Precisely as these thoughts crossed Joanna's mind, her phone began to ring.

A quick glance revealed an incoming call from Ashton Heath. A flicker of guilt arose within her even before she answered.

After several rings, she finally answered the call.

"Have you returned to Closia?" The man's deep, somewhat steely voice inquired as soon as the connection was established.

His tone lacked the usual warmth.

He omitted his customary endearment, 'Baby'.

Joanna discerned that Ashton's mood was far from cheerful.

"You returned without informing me immediately, and you haven't come to see me. Where are you at this moment? What are you currently occupied with? And why have you kept your return a secret from me?"

Without allowing Joanna a moment to respond, Ashton's rapid-fire questions caught her entirely off guard.

She found herself momentarily speechless.

"How... how did you find out I was back in Closia?" After a brief pause, she seemed to regain her composure and asked, her voice tinged with bewilderment.

She hadn't mentioned her return to Ashton on this occasion.

Furthermore, she hadn't confided in anyone else either.

So, how had Ashton become aware of her presence?

"Naturally, I am aware," the man's voice remained cold, clearly betraying his emotions. "I knew the moment you arrived. I had assumed you intended to surprise me, but that was merely wishful thinking on my part."

"If I hadn't initiated this call, were you planning to withhold the information about your return today indefinitely? Did you also have no intention of visiting me?"

"No, I didn't deliberately conceal my return from you. And I am actually en route to find you right now," Joanna quickly reassured him, glancing out the window. "I should reach Heath Group in approximately ten minutes."

"Ashton, may I have the opportunity to explain everything to you once I arrive at the company?"

"Could you please refrain from being upset with me? It wasn't my intention to keep anything hidden. Let us discuss all of this when we meet, alright?"