Playing the Villainess, He Fell for Me

The hand hanging by her side was tightly grasped by a large, warm, and dry one, and the last trace of Joanna Kennedy’s bewildered worry dissipated.

”I’m fine.” She squeezed his hand and smiled. ”So what if the Sinclair Group is investing? What’s that got to do with me?”

Her nonchalant attitude made Howard Thorne stare in fury. The sight of their tightly clasped hands was like a dagger to his eyes.

”What do you mean, what’s that got to do with you?” Howard Thorne said. ”Joanna Kennedy, do you even understand what an investor is? Or who calls the shots when they’re paying for everything?”

They were the ones with absolute say, who could interfere with the show’s format and the final cut.

Joanna Kennedy rarely did reality shows, usually just appearing as a guest. This was her first time as a regular.

Eight episodes meant at least half a month of filming. So much could happen, and so much could be manipulated in editing. They could make the innocent look guilty. And on top of that, there was the wild card, Susan Lee.

From this perspective, it was clear the Sinclair Group had put Susan Lee on the show specifically to target Joanna Kennedy.

”Simon Lockwood, don’t you love Joanna Kennedy?” Seeing that Joanna was unmovable, Howard Thorne changed his tack and turned to Simon Lockwood. ”Is this how you show you love her?”

”Do you have any idea how hard Joanna Kennedy has worked to get where she is today?” Howard Thorne’s voice was filled with unconcealed fury. ”Are you really going to let her future be ruined because of you?”

Seeing that Joanna was about to defend him, Howard Thorne cut her off. ”And you! This is no way to be in a relationship.”

Risking her entire career for a man and being happy about it... He didn’t know what to call it other than being completely lovesick.

He knew what he had to say to get through to her. ”Even if you’re willing to give up your career, you have to think about the company.”

”...” Joanna Kennedy was silent for a long time before she finally said, ”I understand.”

She couldn’t be selfish enough to drag Thorne Entertainment down with her over a personal matter.

The fact that Howard Thorne was sitting here discussing it with her meant a decision had already been made. Joanna Kennedy took a deep breath. ”What do I need to do?”

”You can’t go public,” Howard Thorne said, meeting her eyes. His tone was calm. ”At least, not before the show airs. You cannot reveal your relationship with Simon Lockwood.”

Simon Lockwood’s identity was no secret. If they went public, people would inevitably find out he was the young master of the Sinclair Family.

Dating the Sinclair family’s young master while participating in a show bankrolled by the Sinclair Group... how could people not read into that?

The public wouldn’t know the backstory; they’d just assume Joanna Kennedy had bought her way onto the show. And if there were any issues with the editing, she’d never be able to talk her way out of it.

”I’ll handle discussions with the production team and Susan Lee’s people,” Howard Thorne said. ”I’ll do my best to prevent any malicious editing. It’s best if we can resolve this, but if not, our PR department needs to start planning ahead.”

After all, the contract was signed. There was no reason to back out of the show without a valid cause.

Joanna Kennedy’s mind was in turmoil. Rationally, she knew Howard Thorne was right. But whenever Simon Lockwood was involved, her rationality seemed to vanish, with emotion tipping the scales. Then she heard Simon Lockwood’s voice. ”Fine.”

”Joanna Kennedy won’t go public,” Simon Lockwood said.

His voice was even, betraying no emotion. Joanna’s eyelashes fluttered. ”Simon...”

”Whether we go public or not won’t affect our relationship at all.” Simon Lockwood raised a hand and gently caressed her cheek. ”I’m the one who got you into this mess to begin with.”

Joanna wanted to say, ’It’s not your fault,’ but looking into his calm, dark, apologetic eyes, she couldn’t get a single word out. She just felt her heart clench.

”Thank you,” Simon Lockwood said to Howard Thorne. ”I’ll find a way to resolve this.”

’How could he possibly resolve it?’ Howard Thorne thought. ’Unless he breaks up with Joanna and obediently goes back to the Sinclair Family to marry that young lady from the Pemberton family.’ He didn’t take Simon Lockwood’s words seriously at all, letting out a sneer full of contempt.

Simon Lockwood showed no annoyance at this malice, nor did he say anything more.

’If you are weak, you can’t blame others for looking down on you. The promises of the weak are, more often than not, worthless.’ Simon Lockwood had always understood this principle.

’Soon.’

’Soon,’ he thought. ’Soon, I will have the power to stand against the Sinclair family.’

’And on the show... I will protect Joanna.’

Night had fallen. Howard Thorne had intended to stay for dinner, but the sight of Simon Lockwood cooking made him lose his appetite completely. Too furious to eat, he left immediately.

Howard Thorne slammed the door on his way out, but Joanna was in no mood to comment on it. She walked into the kitchen, wrapped her arms around the man’s lean, powerful waist from behind, and buried her face in his broad, firm back.

”Simon...”

Joanna’s voice was muffled. ”Are we going to break up?”

She was certain she loved Simon, and that he loved her just as much. But in the face of reality, ”love” felt so insignificant.

The pressure from the Sinclair family, the demands of her career... both could crush their relationship. Who could conquer all the world’s hardships on love alone?

The moment she asked, she felt the muscles in his back tense. Then, he spun around and pulled her into a warm, powerful embrace.

”Joanna,” Simon’s voice, tight with tension, came from above her. ”Don’t say things like that.”

”I’ll handle the Sinclair family,” Simon said. He wasn’t one to make premature promises, but hearing the bewilderment in her voice, he couldn’t stop himself. ”Just give me a little more time. Just a little. It won’t be long...”

’I will handle it. I’m already gathering evidence of the Sinclair Group’s financial crimes over the years.’

’A corporation that big couldn’t possibly be clean. There had to be dirty money. And since Jasper Sinclair joined the group in recent years, they’ve become even more reckless.’

’I’ve already hacked into the Sinclair Group’s financial database. It won’t be long before I have complete control and can find the evidence I need.’

’This evidence won’t be enough to bring down the entire Sinclair Group, but it’ll be enough to keep the Sinclair family in check—to make Old Master Sinclair and Jasper Sinclair think twice before making a move.’

His voice was almost imperceptibly rushed, and the large hands holding her waist trembled. Joanna could feel his anxiety and agitation.

That agitation and anxiety was the best reassurance she could have asked for, making his feelings for her crystal clear. Joanna felt an incredible sense of contentment.

Like a small animal seeking warmth, she burrowed deeper into his embrace, her voice muffled. ”Mm, I believe you...”

She would never trust anyone so unconditionally again—except for Simon.

The leaves outside the window swayed as if they would never stop. The bedroom was dim, lit only by the faint glow of a small nightstand lamp, which also made the ”Blue Rose” gleam.

”I have to go to work tomorrow afternoon...” Joanna said reluctantly, nestled in his arms.

She had already showered, and her half-dry hair was fanned out across his chest.

His senses were filled with her familiar, clean scent. Simon’s Adam’s apple bobbed, his voice turning hoarse. ”Mmm...”