My Secret Billionaire Husband Chapter 2884 - 2414: Afraid of Being Spoiled By Him

"Thinking about that actress who once scalded you with sulfuric acid, I still feel a shiver. Now, with your career and love life flourishing, you're the epitome of success, envied by many. Annie has harbored jealousy towards you since childhood, and seeing you excel in every aspect, her envy knows no bounds."

"A woman's jealousy can be a dangerous thing, leading them to easily inflict harm out of spite. Joanna, you must remain vigilant and guard yourself against her. I have a persistent feeling she won't simply give up."

Joanna met Aria’s gaze, which was filled with concern and care, and nodded. "Alright, don't you worry, I'll be cautious. From here on out, she won't easily get close to me. Let's shift the focus from my troubles; tell me about yours."

"Mine?" Aria appeared momentarily surprised. "What is it you wish to know?"

"I've heard that Lady Octavia has been visiting Stacy here quite frequently lately. Is this true? Ashton mentioned to me that she seems intent on rectifying past wrongs and mending her relationship with her family."

"Regarding her..." Aria paused for a few moments before responding with a rather neutral tone, "She has indeed made several visits recently."

"What are your thoughts on this?" Joanna inquired.

The animosity between Aria and Lady Octavia runs considerably deeper than the friction Joanna experienced with her.

Lady Octavia's prior feelings towards Joanna were limited to dislike, and her efforts were primarily focused on orchestrating a union between Ashton and Rebecca Kelloway.

She hadn't actually committed any harmful actions against Joanna.

However, when Lady Octavia arrived with individuals to locate Aria, her intention was to forcibly abduct her.

This situation transcends a typical mother-in-law and daughter-in-law dispute.

Had Brandon not returned at that crucial moment, the repercussions are unfathomable.

Consequently, Aria's reluctance to readily forgive Lady Octavia is entirely understandable.

"Naturally, I wish to have nothing to do with her." Aria's expression tightened slightly, a hint of annoyance surfacing as the memory arose. She rubbed her temples. "However, Grandmother spoke with me, expressing her hope that I would grant Lady Octavia an opportunity, given her apparent change of heart. Grandmother emphasized that a harmonious family is the cornerstone of success."

"As you know, I find it difficult to refuse Grandmother. Yet, every time I encounter Lady Octavia, the past actions she directed towards me resurface, making it impossible for me to extend forgiveness."

"What was Brandon's reaction?"

"Brandon stated that the decision rests entirely with me." A smile touched Aria's lips as she spoke of her husband. "He assured me he wouldn't interfere or try to sway my decision, allowing me to make my own choice. He affirmed that no matter my decision, he would stand firmly by my side."

"Brandon's devotion to you is truly remarkable. I find it hard to believe I once thought you two were ill-suited and even suggested you break up with him. It's a fortunate turn of events that you didn't heed my advice; otherwise, I would have jeopardized such a divinely ordained marriage. The guilt would have burdened me for a lifetime."

Witnessing Aria's evident happiness brought Joanna immense joy for her friend.

"I, too, harbored doubts about our compatibility," Aria admitted, her eyes narrowing slightly as she let out a soft sigh. "But ever since we became a couple, his treatment of me has been exceptionally kind, to the point of complete subservience, accommodating my every whim."

"His level of care is such that... I fear I might become utterly spoiled by him."

"Joanna, do you realize? Before I met him, I never dared to dream of encountering someone like him. He accepts me unconditionally, indulges my every desire, and showers me with affection. As long as I voice a wish, irrespective of its nature, he endeavors to fulfill it for me."

"Even my own parents couldn't offer me that level of unwavering support."