The woman was none other than Jane's biological mother, Lisa. "Jane, are you alright? I think your neck is bleeding! Does it hurt? I'll take you to the hospital right away!"
Lisa picked Jane up and looked her over anxiously, tears streaming down her cheeks. She had been reading a dossier when she saw the live broadcast on TV, and was shocked when she realized that her precious daughter had been kidnapped. She immediately dropped whatever she was doing and drove as fast as she could to get to the mall.
Fortunately, her daughter had only suffered some minor external injuries, thanks to Joanna's selfless act.
Initially, Lisa couldn't even be bothered to look Joanna in the eye, but now, she felt nothing but gratitude towards her. "Thank you so much. If it weren't for you, I can't imagine what would've happened. You saved Jane's life, and that makes you my savior too. I owe you my life!"
Joanna waved her off awkwardly. "It's nothing, I would've done the same for anyone. Thank you for the compliment, though!"
Lisa chuckled. "Don't think too much of it. I still don't like you, but if you want anything in return, I won't say no."
"Fine "Joanna couldn't help but sigh. Lisa was really a tough nut to crack!
However, Jane suddenly pushed Lisa away and ran behind Joanna. "Who are you? I don't know you! My parents told me not to let strangers touch me. You're a bad person… I'll ask the police to arrest you!"
"Jane, you." Lisa's face crumpled. It was hurtful that her own daughter thought she was a bad person and wanted the police to arrest her.
Joanna held Jane's hand and said gently, "Jane, this woman isn't a bad person. Look, she's so worried about you that she's almost in tears. She clearly loves you!"
Only then did Jane relax. She curiously studied the tall, imposing woman before her. "Who is she? I don't recognize her, but she feels familiar. I think I've seen her in my dreams…"
"Jane, she's actually your…" Joanna wanted to tell Jane the truth.
Jane knew that her Professor and his wife weren't her biological parents, and she'd always wanted to know who her real parents were. In fact, her wish for her sixth birthday was to meet her biological parents.
If Joanna told Jane that Lisa was her biological mother, she'd at least have half of her birthday wish granted.
However, Lisa cut Joanna off. She looked coldly at Jane and said softly. "You're right for hating me. I'm not a good person, so you'd better stay away from me. Otherwise, I can't promise I won't hurt you."
She then turned to face Joanna. "Take her to the hospital, and don't tell anyone what happened here. I won't forget what you did today. I always return the favor!"
With a final glance at Jane, Lisa strode away coolly.
Joanna watched her leave. The woman probably had many secrets she didn't want other people to find out…
Jane tugged at Joanna's hand. "Joanna, you haven't told me who that woman was. I want to be her friend. Why did she suddenly leave?"
"Umm…" In the end, Joanna didn't tell Jane that Lisa was her biological mother. "That woman is very capable and selfless. Jane, don't forget – whatever happens in the future, you cannot blame her. You have to forgive her, okay?"
Jane wasn't sure what Joanna meant, but she nodded obediently. "Alright, I understand."
The crowd gradually dispersed, and the mall became peaceful again.
Joanna looked at Jane's neck worriedly. "Although the wound isn't deep, it still needs to be looked at. I'll take you to the hospital."
Joanna looked around for Ace, but he was nowhere to be found. She felt very upset. The man was so selfish and heartless! They had barely survived a dangerous situation, but he had just upped and left!
Joanna brought Jane to the shopping mall's entrance to hail a taxi. Immediately. Ace's silver car slowly moved towards them and stopped in front of them.
Joanna's tense expression relaxed slightly. Looks like he still had a shred of humanity in him! She opened the door to the backseat and got in after Jane.
Ace sat in the driver's seat, wearing sunglasses. "Jane can stay. You, get out," he said to Joanna coldly.
"Huh?!" Joanna was in shock. Was the man serious?
"The weather is scorching hot, and I narrowly escaped death earlier. How could you ask me to get out? Are you trying to kill me?" Joanna asked incredulously, her hand still on the car door.
"Kill you?" Ace sneered. "I don't need to, you seemed eager enough to end your life yourself earlier. Clearly, you don't care much about your life anyway."
"You!" Joanna clenched her jaw in anger. What did Ace mean? She'd risked her life to save so many people, and he didn't even thank her for it. Instead, he was being mean and cruel!
"Ace, are you jealous of me?" Joanna demanded.
"Jealous of you?" Ace frowned a little. He didn't understand her.
"I single–handedly rescued everyone in the shopping mall, and in contrast, you seemed like a useless idiot. You're probably jealous I stole the limelight, right?" Joanna said, bristling.
Ace was speechless. He tried to hold it in, but couldn't stop the amused smile that bloomed on his face. He had to admit that Joanna's train of thought was rather unusual. It wasn't necessarily a bad thing, though. It was better for her to think he was angry because he was jealous rather than because he was worried about her.
Ace found it hard to admit to himself that he was worried about Joanna earlier. He knew, without a doubt, that he would have laid down his life to protect her, and it was a terrifying thought. For once, Ace had lost his control and composure, and it was all because of how deeply Joanna affected him.
That was why he got angry and took it out on Joanna. He felt like he might be sick at the thought of it!