Maxwell Griffith sneered, looking at Timothy. "Father, you made me reveal myself before we were ready."

"Sebastian's car went into the ocean. There's no way he could have survived. But now I have nothing either. That old woman gave everything to Natalie.”

Joanna scoffed. "Maxwell, we can force Natalie to hand everything over."

Maxwell Griffith slapped her across the face. "Are you an idiot? How do we force her? Tell me how! Does Natalie have any weaknesses?"

"Does she? She's already disowned the Scott family. What else can we possibly use to threaten her?"

Joanna's eyes filled with disbelief. She wasn't listening to his words; she was stunned that he had hit her.

"Maxwell, you hit me?" Tears streamed down her face.

Maxwell Griffith sneered. “Joanna, I warned you not to lose Wendy's support. Your four brothers combined would have been more than enough to handle Natalie.”

"What's the point of handling Natalie? You already have Sebastian's identity. With it, you've secured so much investment and so many partnerships. In less than two years, you could establish a firm foothold in this city. What more could you want?”

"Neither Sebastian, Natalie, nor the old couple can threaten your position. The chairman still has Madam Griffith's company. You have connections, and you have your own business. Can't you make it work yourself?"

"Why did you hit me? Why are you blaming me? I love you so much. Ever since I met you when I was seventeen, I've been completely devoted to you. You told me to seduce Sebastian, so I did."

"For years, I've done whatever you asked. I've stolen countless secrets for you, which is why your business overseas became so successful.”

"If it weren't for the trade secrets I

gave you all these years, if it weren't for the resources provided how you have achieved what you have today?"

“Maxwell, why did you have to hit me? You can be angry, you can yell at me, but I can't accept you hitting me."

Joanna turned and walked away in a huff.

Her slight silhouette seemed to dissolve into the biting wind and swirling snow, a picture of utter devastation.

Watching her slender form, Maxwell Griffith felt a pang of regret. Joanna understood him. They relied on each other. He quickly ran after her.

"Joanna, I was wrong. I was wrong, don't be angry." He grabbed her hand tightly and pulled her into his arms.

Joanna leaned against his chest, sobbing uncontrollably.

Maxwell Griffith gently patted her back, coaxing her in a soft voice. "There, there, Joanna, don't cry anymore. I was wrong. Here, hit me."

He took Joanna's hand and slapped himself across the face with it twice.

The sharp smacks echoed in the cold air.

Joanna caressed his face, her heart aching, her eyes glistening with tears. "Maxwell, stop it. I forgive you. Don't hurt yourself like this. We'll find a way to get back everything atalie took. She doesn't know anything, especially not how to run a

company. Once the company goes bankrupt, it'll be ours. Trust me, Natalie is completely clueless."

Maxwell Griffith smiled gently, his hand stroking her face. Her skin was icy cold and he felt a surge of protectiveness. "Okay. I believe you i don't blame you. I was just on edge, that's why I hit you."