Skipped at the altar, Taken by his uncle Novel

Chapter 234 Chapter 234 Joanne didn't wake up until noon, and her mother enthusiastically pulled her into the walk-in closet. "Joanne, this is the dress I picked out for tonight's party. What do you think?" her mother asked. Joanne's mother had carefully selected this custom-made gown. Another lady had originally set her sights on it, but Joanne's mother managed to secure it by gifting her a designer bag. 053 The Walker family and the Falls family had been close for generations. Joanne's mother thought the Walkers's son was quite decent.

In these wealthy circles, most marriages were about family alliances. Joanne's mother certainly hoped Joanne could find someone she truly loved, but real love was rare, and most marriages were just about settling and making do. If Joanne married into a less prestigious family, her mother worried the man might have questionable character and only be after Joanne's family background. If Joanne married into a more powerful family, her mother worried Joanne might end up being treated unfairly. That was why marrying into a family that was on par with theirs seemed like the perfect choice.

All Joanne's mother really wanted was for Joanne to live a peaceful and happy life. Joanne was totally clueless about all the things her mom was worrying about. But when Joanne saw the red dress hanging up, she couldn't hold back her reaction. "Mom, isn't this a bit over the top?" "Isn't this just a regular party? If I walk in wearing this, people might think I'm a bride at her own wedding reception," Joanne said. Her mother frowned slightly and said, "No way. With your fair skin, red looks stunning on you. Besides, you're a tall girl with curves in all the right places.

Most girls with a skinny frame couldn't make this dress work, but you pull it off perfectly." Joanne was speechless. "Mom!" Joanne pouted, her voice sweet and a little spoiled. Her mom was firm. "Just wear this one, honey. Trust me, you'll look absolutely stunning!" Joanne knew there was no winning against her mom, so she just accepted all that motherly love and let her have her way. ***** "Jason, did Mom pick out a suit for you today?" Joanne asked. Joanne knocked on her brother's door and peeked inside. Jason raised her eyebrows. "It's always black anyway, so what's the point?" he replied.

"Jason, seriously, tonight is totally a trap!" Joanne said, her voice full of drama. "Mom picked out this over-the-top dress for me. If people don't know any better, they'll think I'm the bride. Jason, can't we just skip it tonight?" Joanne pleaded. 16:59 Chapter 234 Jan Jason looked at his mischievous little sister and chuckled softly. "If you want to give Mom a heart attack, sure, you can skip it." Joanne was speechless. Alright, she got the message. Tonight, she was going to the party, whether she liked it or not! "Mr.

Walker, don't tell me tonight's party is actually a matchmaking dinner party for your grandson?" someone joked. Mr. Walker just smiled and said, "Well, Elton is getting older. But tonight's party is just a casual get-together with old friends, nothing more than chatting and having a good time. Definitely not a matchmaking dinner party." The person just smiled and didn't call him out. Word was, the Falls family's youngest daughter was back in town. There was no way this was just a regular party. It was mostly likely a matchmaking dinner party.

Joanne stole the spotlight the moment she walked in, rocking a vibrant red gown that had everyone's eyes glued to her. Her long black hair flowed over her shoulders, swaying with every graceful move of her elegant figure, making her look even more captivating. Joanne's career had hit rock bottom before. She'd been dragged through the mud online, roasted and bashed by haters, but no one had ever dared call her ugly. Her haters might throw around words like "kept woman" or "shameless," but not a single soul ever questioned her drop-dead pretty face.

Back in the day, Joanne had often stressed over her sharp, striking features. Her prominent looks got her typecast and made it tough to land certain roles. But now, none of that really mattered to her. She slipped her arm through Jason's. "Jason, the Walker family's villa is so palatial. It actually matches my dress tonight." Jason smiled and said, "You can pull off anything." That was the pride of a doting big brother. "Jason, who is this young lady?" someone teased, eyeing Joanne. "That's my little sister," Jason said, sounding a bit proud. Joanne nodded with a calm, elegant smile.

The moment she entered, every head turned, and she was instantly the star of the room. Joanne's parents didn't come. Jason walked Joanne straight over to Mr. Walker. "Mr. Walker, sorry we're late," Jason said. Joanne flashed a sweet smile and greeted, "Hello, Mr. Walker! It's been ages since I last visited you." "Not at all! Joanne, you're still as beautiful as ever. I heard you went back to try your hand at being a star?" Mr. Walker said, Chapter 234 his eyes twinkling. "Mr. Walker, you're teasing me again!

I didn't make it as a star, so now I'm just back home, living off my folks," Joanne said, playfully sticking out her tongue. "Oh, come on! With a face like yours, Joanne, those people just don't know a good thing when they see it! Honestly, it's probably for the best. The entertainment industry is a real grind," Mr. Walker chuckled. Mr. Walker finally cut to the chase," Do you remember Elton? You two used to play together when you were kids. Isaac, where's your boy?" He glanced around but couldn't spot his grandson anywhere.

His son Isaac frowned and said, "That rascal, who knows where he's hiding now? Joanne, go mingle for a bit. I'll hunt him down and make him come apologize to you." Joanne froze. 'Apologize for what?' she wondered. 'Is he seriously making his son apologize for being late for this matchmaking thing?' Joanne thought. 'Help! I just want to escape,' Joanne groaned. Thank goodness, Jason was right there with her. Jason gave her arm a reassuring pat and said, "Hungry? Let's go grab some snacks over there." ***** "Oliver, you're honestly more of a pain than my own brother.

I was almost there, and you had to make me take a detour just to pick you up," Elton grumbled. Oliver slouched in the back seat, looking totally wiped out. "What can I do? You picked a hotel that lost power. I've never run into something this ridiculous back home." "Elton, if you're trying to mess with me, just say it," Oliver shot back. "Man, give it a rest, will you? I only got four hours of sleep last night, and now you're yapping nonstop. No wonder your girlfriend dumped you," Elton grumbled. Oliver's gaze turned cold at Elton who was driving.

"Bro, I'm begging you, can't you just let it go? I'm sorry!" Elton pleaded, totally surrendering. Elton glanced at his phone. It really was his old man calling. "Elton, where are you?" Isaac barked. "Dad, I'm on my way," Elton replied. Isaac was furious. "You've got fifteen minutes to get here, or deal with the consequences yourself. Joanne is already there. If you dare bail on this matchmaking, just wait till you get home!" Then he hung up. Elton sighed, "Bro, you saw that, right? My old man is seriously losing it! If I mess this up, I'm dead meat!" "Bro, I'm done.

Let me just give you some cash. You grab a cab and go to the hotel on your own, alright?" Elton said, 16:59 Thu, Jan 1 STEA Chapter 234 desperate. Elton pulled over, waiting for Oliver to get out. 053 EL 55 Vouchers Oliver squinted, suspicion flickering in his deep eyes. "Well, who did your father say you're supposed to be set up with tonight?" "Someone from the Falls family," Elton answered. Elton suddenly snapped his fingers, realization dawning.

"Wait, the girl you're looking for, she's got the same name as this girl I used to know back in the day." Oliver's eyes narrowed, and he said with a sly grin, "I've got a feeling it's not just the name name." 'Pretty sure it's the same girl,' Oliver thought. "Scratch the hotel. I'm tagging along to your family's party instead!" Oliver said with a smirk. ***** Joanne had already scarfed down three cupcakes, but her blind date was still nowhere to be found. Back when she was watching her weight, she wouldn't have gone near these cupcakes.

Now that she wasn't in the spotlight anymore, she didn't have to hold back. With three cakes in a row down her throat, it felt like heaven! As for Elton, they had hung out when they were kids. But honestly, she could barely remember what he looked like anymore. As she grew up, Joanne had totally lost interest in hanging out with those rowdy boys. She was way more into getting all dolled up, snapping selfies with her friends, and sometimes striking a pose in front of the mirror, pretending she was a star.

"Hey, I heard tonight's all about matchmaking the kids from the Walker family/and the Falls family. But Elton still hasn't shown up. Do you think he's gonna ditch?" someone whispered. Joanne overheard the gossip and shot a look at the two busybodies behind her. 'If he doesn't show up, even better!' Joanne thought, feeling secretly relieved. That means I won't have to deal with this matchmaking stuff at all!' she added to herself. Noticing Joanne had caught their chatter, the two women quickly clammed up. Just as everyone noticed, a red supercar rolled up to the entrance.

"Hey, isn't that Elton's car?" someone blurted out. Joanne casually glanced toward the door, barely interested, as a man in an over-the-top royal blue suit hopped out first. Joanne curled her lips. 'He's got some seriously questionable taste, she thought. But when Joanne spotted that familiar figure, she froze, totally stunned. Joanne's mind went blank for a second. 'Why is he She wondered.

Without a second thought, she hitched up her dress, ready to make a run for it, 16:59 Thu, Jan 1 M Chapter 234 Oliver couldn't take his eyes off that striking red dress, especially the daring open back that showed off all that flawless, fair skin. Her butterfly-shaped shoulder blades had been his favorite place to kiss, "Joanne!" Oliver called out, his voice low and teasing, teeth gritted. "Where do you think you're running off to?" With that, he strode straight toward her, determined not to let her slip away. 'Wait, what's going on here?' Elton was totally thrown off.

'Hold up, is there something going on between my blind date and my best friend?' Elton thought, his head spinning AD Comment Send gift No Ads 16:59 Thu, Jan 1 M Chapter 235 Chapter 235 STEA 165 vouchers Joanne was tucked away in the corner, but Oliver's eyes were way too sharp. He just glanced around and spotted her right away. She grabbed the hem of her dress and made a fast getaway, not even bothering with the voice calling out behind her. The villa's garden was huge, not just big, but seriously confusing with all its winding paths.

She finally found a safe spot, and slumped against the wall in a corner. "Joanne, why are you running?" Oliver called out. Oliver suddenly stepped in, caging her in with his arms, his body nearly against hers. Joanne pursed her lips and said, "Get out of my way!" Oliver's eyes were bloodshot, his voice rough. "Why are you running away?"" "You ran all the way to another country just to go on a blind date." he added. Joanne pouted, "Yeah! I'll go on a blind date with Elton today, another guy tomorrow, and someone else the day after. Why not? Who cares?" "Oliver, we're broken up!

I can go on a blind date with whoever I want. That's not your problem anymore!" "Joanne!" Oliver called out, his voice low and urgent. "Let go of me. I'm going back to Elton for our blind date," Joanne snapped. "If I like him today, I'll be pregnant by next month. By this time next year, my son will be born!" Oliver's breath grew heavy. The moment he heard her mention having a son, he couldn't hold back. He grabbed her chin and kissed her hard before she could say another word. His jealousy spilled out in that desperate kiss.

He kissed her wildly, one hand tangled in her hair, pulling her even closer until their bodies were pressed tight. He forced his way in, parting her lips with a fierce hunger. Even when the sharp sting hit the tip of his tongue, he didn't stop for a second. As their breaths mingled, his fierce, possessive kiss slowly melted into gentle, lingering kisses that traced softly along her lips. Oliver cupped her face, his thumbs gently stroking her reddening earlobes. It was only when his fingertips felt the wetness of her tears that he realized she was crying. Oliver was thrown off.

Joanne's pale face were streaked with tears, and it made his heart ache. With a sharp smack, Joanne slapped him hard across the face. Oliver pursed his lips and said, "Don't cry, Joanne. You want to hit me again? Fine, here, hit the other side!" Joanne drove her knee hard into his groin. "Like I even want to hit you." "We broke up, Oliver! The more you act like this, the more you piss me off," Joanne snapped. 16:59 Thu, Jan 1 M Chapter 235 "Just leave me alone!" EFEA Oliver winced in pain, squinting as he watched Joanne walk away. Joanne took a deep breath and sniffled.

She could tell her makeup was probably a mess by now. She needed to get to the bathroom and touch up her makeup right away. But before she could even reach the bathroom, a pair of rough hands suddenly dragged her into the woods. Joanne stared at the stranger, terror flashing across her face. "What do you want?" There was a hungry, dangerous look in his eyes, and Joanne felt a surge of panic. She tried to scream for help, but his dirty, rough hand slapped over her mouth, silencing her instantly. Joanne shook her head, bursting into tears.

She kept struggling, and finally, she pissed the man off. "Shut up!" he barked and slapped her hard in the face. He hoisted her up effortlessly, like she was nothing but a ragdoll. When they finally reached the depths of the woods, the man just tossed her to the ground without a second thought. Joanne's eyes widened with terror as she saw him unbuckling his belt, a chill running down her spine and her skin crawling. She kept backing away, her vision swimming with tears. "No, please! Take my money and just let me go! Please, I'll pay you, anything you want!" There was a thunderous crash.

Joanne curled up, clutching her head, while the man who'd just threatened her was knocked to the ground with brutal force. Oliver, furious, stomped down on the man again and again, each kick landing with ruthless force. The man let out a blood- curdling scream of agony. Still furious, Oliver grabbed the man by the collar and shoved his head hard into a tree trunk, not letting up. "Stop! Oliver, you're going to kill him!" Joanne shouted, her voice shaking with panic. She came to her senses, still feeling rattled and anxious. When Oliver heard her voice, the fury in his eyes faded a bit.

He let go of the man and tossed him aside like he was throwing out the garbage. He crouched down in front of Joanne and asked, "Are you hurt?" Joanne shook her head. "Let's go." Oliver bent down, slipped her arm around his shoulder, and lifted her up in a bridal carry. Joanne gripped his collar tightly, her voice shaky. "Is he going to die?" Oliver shot a cold look at the man sprawled on the ground. "No." 18:59 Thu, Jan 1 MEA Chapter 235 653 E55 vouchere But just as they stepped out of the woods, they ran into Joanne's brother Jason, who was rushing over, clearly worried.

Jason frowned, his eyes narrowing as he stared at Joanne in Oliver's arms. "Thanks, but you can put my sister down now." Oliver raised his eyebrows, sizing up the man in the sharp suit. 'Wait, is this Jason?' he thought. "Hey, I'm Oliver, Joanne's..." Oliver started, but before he could finish, Jason cut him off. "So you're the jerk who dumped my sister," Jason sneered. Oliver just stood there, lost for words. "Hey, I'm not exactly a jerk who broke her heart, okay?" Oliver shot back. Joanne yanked at Oliver's collar, impatient. "Put me down, now!" Oliver could only let her go.

Joanne ducked behind Jason, her voice trembling. "Jason, I just ran into two creeps. I want to go home." "Two?' Oliver thought, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. Jason's gaze was icy cold. "Don't let me see you around here again. If you ever come near my sister, you won't make it back home alive." ***** Elton had been searching everywhere when he finally spotted Oliver, looking like he'd just been through a war. "Where'd you end up chasing after her?" Elton asked. Oliver's face was stone cold. "Elton, this villa is seriously messed up.

That row of woods behind the garden, is it just begging for trouble or what?" Elton froze. "What's got you so fired up?" Elton asked. "There's some creep in the woods. No clue if he's dead or alive. He just tried to go after Joanne. Call the cops and get him locked up," Oliver said, his voice icy. Elton just stared at him, totally speechless. "Hey, where are you going?" Elton called out. Oliver didn't even look back and just walked away. ***** Jason's face was serious. "Joanne, let's go to the hospital first." Joanne shook her head, exhausted.

"No, Jason, I just want to go home and shower," she said, sounding completely worn out. Jason saw the bruises on Joanne's face, and it broke his heart. He hated himself for not being the one to finish that bastard off in the woods. 16:59 Thu, Jan 1 ở CHA Chapter 235 He asked, voice tight with concern, "Did Oliver mess with you today too?" Joanne knew her brother well. If he found out, he'd definitely give Oliver a hard time. 55 vouchINTE She didn't want anything to do with Oliver anymore, so she shook her head. "No, he didn't.

He just beat up that creep for me.TM Her brother caught the awkward look on Joanne's face out of the corner of his eye. "What did you mean, two creeps?" "Who was the other one?" Joanne covered her ears, shrinking back. "Jason, please, just drop it. I'm so tired." Jason let out a sigh, and murmured that name he loathed, Oliver Grant, under his breath. 田 AD Comment Send gift No Ads 16:59 Thu, Jal admin