Confessing his love in such a passionate and formal way made her heart race abnormally.

"Ahem... let’s continue this conversation at home," Joanna said, blushing while glancing at Aria Rowlett and Brandon Heath behind them, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

This was far from the first time that Ashton had confessed his love to her.

But each time, her heart would still be moved.

Ashton had also noticed Aria and Brandon coming over, so he pulled a thin-lipped smile, encircled Joanna with his arm, and whispered with a low chuckle, "Yeah, let’s talk more at home. Some things are not appropriate to discuss here."

"When we get home, and it’s just the two of us, I’ll tell you every word slowly and carefully."

The man’s voice was low-pitched, deliberately flirtatious; he spoke right into Joanna’s ear, his thin lips brushing against her earlobe. As he spoke, his voice grew softer and softer, but his breath grew hotter and hotter against her skin.

Joanna felt her face growing hotter and hotter.

This man Ashton had become... increasingly inappropriate!

*

Joanna saw Lady Octavia a week later.

The Heath family called, saying there was an important announcement to be made and asking them to come home for a while.

*

When Joanna and Ashton arrived at the Heath Villa, Aria and Brandon were already there.

Aria had received the same phone call.

"Baby, do you know why Madam Heath called us back? I heard from Brandon that Uncle Damien and the others were also called back," Aria asked Joanna in a low voice as they walked hand in hand.

Since the entire Heath family was called back, there must be something important to announce.

"I’m not sure. Grandma only asked us to come back, but she didn’t mention the reason," Joanna said, guessing that this matter might be related to Lady Octavia.

Lady Octavia and Diana Kinsman had almost harmed her own granddaughter. Even though it was a false alarm in the end, it was impossible to pretend that nothing had happened.

Diana had received her due punishment.

Lady Octavia, too, must pay the price for her actions.

Today, Madam Heath had called everyone back, indicating that the punishment for Lady Octavia might not be lenient.

A few moments later, they entered the hall.

At a glance, Joanna saw Madam Heath sitting at the head of the room, her face somber and her expression stern. On her left were Damien Heath and Lady Delilah, while on her right sat Darren Heath.

As Joanna had suspected, the missing Lady Octavia was also present, but she was the only one standing among them.

At this moment, Lady Octavia no longer had her usual imposing demeanor. She stood before Madam Heath, her face pale, hands restlessly clasping together. Perhaps due to a lack of sleep, she seemed haggard, her tiredness showing through even the makeup on her face.

Usually dressed elegantly and adorned with exquisite makeup, she now wore a simple outfit and her hair looked messy.

It seemed like she didn’t even have the energy to do her hair.

This was the first time Joanna had seen Lady Octavia so "unkempt."

"Madam Heath, Mr. Brandon, Ms. Aria, Mr. Ashton, and Ms. Joanna have arrived," someone announced.

Madam Heath looked up at Joanna’s group, appearing rather exhausted herself, and spoke with a weary voice, "Now that the children are back, please sit down first. In a moment, I have something to tell you all."