Chapter 874

“It’s you, Ms. Lilton,” Hailey said.

“That’s right, it’s me. Ms. Hailey, do you have a moment? Let’s talk.”

Hailey blurted out, “You’re in Barombya too?”

Joanne chuckled. “Yes, I’m in Barombya. In fact, I’m staying at the same B&B as you two.”

Hailey suddenly let out a laugh. “You’re the one who bought the snow lotus, right?”

She had wondered who could’ve gotten to it just ahead of them—it all felt too deliberate.

The moment she heard Joanne’s voice, she knew.

Joanne admitted it outright. “You’re smart, Ms. Hailey. Yes, I bought it. And now, the snow lotus you need is in my hands. So, what do you say? Are you interested in having a little talk with me?”

Hailey’s smile turned cold. “Wait there. I’m coming now.”

She hung up and turned to glance at the bathroom. Jonah was still showering.

She grabbed a pen and quickly scribbled a note saying, “Jonah, I’m heading out to buy some food. I’ll be right back.”

She left the note on the table and stepped out of the room.

Not long after, Hailey saw Joanne waiting for her in the hallway.

Hailey walked over. “So, Ms. Lilton, it seems you’ve been tracking us. You knew our every move.”

Joanne smiled faintly. “Of course. Otherwise, how else could I have snatched the snow lotus from you?” “Where is it?”

Joanne pulled out a box and opened it, revealing the pristine snow lotus inside.

Hailey stepped forward. “Give it to me!”

However, Joanne passed the box to a bodyguard behind her, who turned and walked away.

Joanne smiled. “You’ve seen it now. I wasn’t lying, was I?”

Hailey stared at Joanne. “Let’s cut to the chase. You took the snow lotus just to negotiate with me, didn’t you?”

“You’re sharp, Ms. Hailey. Since you already know this is a negotiation, why bother asking what I want? You know what I want. I want Jonah for myself.”

Hailey blinked furiously and refused without hesitation. “Don’t even think about it! I won’t give Jonah to you.” Joanne said nothing.

Hailey continued, “Jonah is a person, not a possession you can trade. Ms. Lilton, surely you know relationships can’t be forced. Jonah doesn’t love you.”

Joanne clenched her fists. “That’s

only because of you! I was the one staying by his side for the past three years in your absence We were

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fine… until you came back. Then, all

he could see was you. If you’d just

let him go, I could be with him!” I

Hailey replied firmly, “No. Jonah is the man I love. I will never give him up to you.”

Joanne suddenly smiled. “Then we have nothing more to discuss. I hope Jonah enjoys living with that ruined face for the rest of his life.”

She turned to leave.

However, Hailey grabbed her. “Wait!”

Joanne slowly turned back and

looked at Hailey. “Ms. Hailey, there’s nothing to discuss between us Unless you give Jonah to me, I won’t give you the snow lotus.”

Hailey shook her head. She and Jonah had promised to get married.

She couldn’t just hand him over.

But if she didn’t… then she couldn’t get the snow lotus, and he would never be healed.

Joanne sneered. “You say you love Jonah. Is this your love? How selfish. You’d rather keep him by your side, disfigured, than let him be cured.

“He hasn’t looked in a mirror for

three years. He can’t bear to see his

awn face. And now, when you have the opportunity to save him, won’t, all because you want to keep him for yourself!”

Hailey retorted, “That’s not true!”

“Then let’s make a deal,” Joanne said. “I give you the snow lotus to cure him, and you give Jonah to me!”