Joanna offered a tight smile. "Maxwell, she just didn't have what it takes. But what I just told you is true. As long as we can find Zachary's fatal weakness, we will win."

She leaned closer, whispering a few hushed words into his ear.

Shock washed over Maxwell's face. He lowered his voice. "Joanna, are you serious?"

Recalling the events that had unfolded before, Joanna gave a firm nod. "It's true!"

Excitement surged through Maxwell. Ignoring his pounding headache, he quickly grabbed his phone and ordered his hidden contacts to investigate the matter.

Joanna breathed a sigh of relief. A light at the end of the tunnel. Fate was finally taking pity on her.

After losing everything, the universe had gifted her knowledge of the future. By striking first, she could seize everything she ever wanted.

But the thought of Natalie ruining her meticulously laid plans brought the fury rushing back.

If it hadn't been for Natalie's interference, the Spencer family would already be hers. Marshall Spencer would have been dead.

With the Spencers' resources at her disposal, she would have dominated the business world smoothly, eliminating countless enemies without anyone ever uncovering the truth.

Everything that belonged to Wendy would have been hers, too.

In her dreams, their family of four lived happily. Her mother had achieved all her financial dreams, Mr. Wilson never entered the picture, and there was no humiliating revelation about Alexander not being her father's biological son.

Joanna sighed softly. A beautiful dream, but a dream nonetheless.

She had woken up to a reality in shambles.

Thinking of that useless Alexander made her mood sour even more.

"Joanna, I'm starving," Maxwell said, pressing a hand to his churning stomach. He knew Joanna couldn't cook and didn't expect her to try. He just wanted a bowl of warm soup to settle his stomach. He hated the gnawing discomfort.

Joanna was hungry too. "Maxwell, I'll have Horace drop off some lunch."

Maxwell gave a faint nod, closing his eyes. "Yeah."

Joanna texted Horace, instructing him to bring food. Over the past twenty-four hours, she had figured a lot of things out.

From now on, she had to play the long game. She could never fall into Natalie's traps again.

...

The next day.

Natalie went out for the holiday visits. Her first stop was to see Marshall and Mrs. Spencer Sr. Maxwell Spencer was there as well. The current Maxwell had matured significantly, appearing much more grounded.

Natalie brought only Luna with her. The two of them stayed for lunch. Seeing Natalie still in a wheelchair, Mrs. Spencer Sr. couldn't help but worry. "Natalie, dear, is your leg going to be alright?"

Natalie smiled warmly. "I'm fine, Grandma. It's just a fracture. I need to rest it for a while, so I have to use the wheelchair when I go out."

Marshall chuckled. "Natalie, did you hear Joanna and Sebastian got beaten up on New Year's Eve? They're both still stuck in the hospital."

With Maxwell Spencer sitting right there, they had to be careful not to let the truth

slip.

Natalie was already aware of the

incident. She smiled lightly.

"Marshall it's a happy occasion

Let's not run it by bringing up

Joanna's name. Let's just enjoy our meal. This seared salmon iso absolutely delicious."

She genuinely had zero desire to hear anything about Joanna.

Marshall offered a bright, unrestrained grin. "Got it, Natalie. We won't mention her. Come on, let's raise a glass to new beginnings."

Maxwell Spencer was equally

thrilled, looking at Natalie with sheer admiration. "Natalie, if it weren't for you, I'd be spending the holidays in a prison cell. Marshall is right-this really is a new beginning for me. Natalie, here's to you. Cheers to a fresh start."