"Haha! AIDS?" Jovan burst into laughter. "Which media company did that?
How brave. My cousin would be turning in his grave if he knew."
Joanna rolled her eyes. "You can drop the act. Just own up to it if you did it.
I can tell you're the kind of person who'd do something like this."
Jovan stared at her for a long time, then asked, "Do you really have such a bad impression of me?"
He let out a long sigh, and he seemed a little hurt. "I don't care if you believe me or not, but I really didn't start that rumor. All I did was spread one rumor, which is about fifty percent true."
Seeing how mysterious he made it sound, Joanna couldn't help but feel curious. "What is it?"
"Didn't you read about how Ace's ex-wife and Jovan used to be together? Back then, Ace came between the two of them and separated them by force. Now that Jovan has made his glorious return, he swears to reclaim the love of his life…" Jovan smiled giddily. "To tell you the truth, I'm the person who spread that rumor."
Joanna was speechless. Who in their right mind would say that the rumor was partially true? It was clearly a hundred percent false!
Jovan sensed Joanna's anger, and explained patiently, "As the man in the rumor, it's true that I used to have a one-sided crush on you. It's also true that I want to make you mine again… So, strictly speaking, it isn't a rumor, but my way of announcing my intentions to the world!"
"Shut up!" Joanna was fighting the urge to pour her coffee on him. Of all the men she'd met, Jovan was the most thick-skinned!
"I don't care if you spread the rumors or not, but I'm sure you had a hand in those nasty comments. I suggest you don't push it. Don't think you can bully someone just because they're gone. I'm his ex-wife, and I'm still alive. By insulting him, you're also insulting me. I won't let you off the hook!" Joanna said threateningly.
After speaking, she turned around to leave, not even glancing at the coffee or flowers. She'd already issued Jovan the warning she wanted to. If he dared to do anything inappropriate, she wouldn't hold back!
Jovan smiled coldly as he watched her leave. "Do you really love him that much? What's so great about him? He clearly hurt you, but you still miss him. Why are you still protecting him even when he's dead?"
Joanna stopped walking, but she didn't answer Jovan.
"Was it because he was handsome, or was it because he was immensely wealthy? Or was it because he was Moran Group's CEO?" Jovan couldn't figure it out no matter how hard he tried. He slowly got up and approached Joanna. "Turn around and take a good look. I'm just as handsome as him, and I have money you can spend as you like. In fact, I'll be Moran Group's CEO in a week. I'm much better than Ace, and I love you more, so why do you keep pushing me away?"
Jovan looked at Joanna's slim figure, and recalled how she used to sing so passionately on stage. The memories of her under the spotlight stirred up feelings in him that he'd been suppressing for years.
He just couldn't take it
"Joanna, I don't care if you want money, fame, or even Moran Group. I can give you all of it… All you need to do is turn around and look at me!" Jovan begged, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. He reached out and pulled Joanna to him.
The outcome was rather predictable.
Joanna grabbed him by the shoulders and flung him to the ground forcefully. He landed on the ground heavily, and as he gasped for air, Joanna placed one high-heeled foot on his chest.
It was like she was looking down at him from miles above.
"Jovan, you're an idiot. Do you think I fell in love with Ace for his looks or status?" Joanna looked at Jovan in disgust. "I loved him because of his kindness, integrity, and principles, which are things you'll never have. Even if he's dead, you won't ever be able to surpass him!"
"Haha! Kindness? Integrity? Principles?" Jovan laughed as if he'd just heard the funniest joke in the world. "I can only say that Ace is a great actor. So many years have passed, and you still can't see through him. He's nothing but a cold-blooded snake. He even hurt his own brother to claim the position as Moran Group's CEO! Don't you think his death is God's way of punishing him?"
"What are you saying? Are you making things up again?" Joanna hissed, stepping down on Jovan until he wheezed. "What did you mean when you said he hurt his own brother?"
Based on what Joanna knew, Ace loved his brother, Tristan, dearly. Four years ago, Tristan died in an accident, and Joanna could still remember how devastated Ace was when it happened. Jovan was clearly lying!
"I knew you wouldn't believe me. If you had access to the files of the shooting back then, you'd know the truth." Jovan's chest hurt from being stepped on, but he still smiled wickedly. "The person you slept next to was a scheming demon. Tsk, tsk… Just the thought of it makes me laugh!"
"Shut up!" Joanna kicked him twice, still refusing to believe him.
"Moran Group will be holding an inauguration ceremony for its new CEO next week. Unfortunately, Ace won't be there to see it. He's worked so hard every step of the way, but I'll be the one benefiting from all his hard work. So what if he's unable to rest in peace? He can't do anything to me anymore," Jovan said casually.
"I hereby extend an invitation to you. You have to be there. Moran Group would be very willing to work with Stellar Group in the future. As a sign of my sincerity, I'm willing to fork out the forty-five million Stellar Group is in dire need of. What do you say?" Jovan smiled at her charmingly.
His offer was tempting, but Joanna just scoffed nonchalantly. "Don't celebrate just yet. Moran Group's CEO isn't an easy position to hold. If you dare do anything to mess things up, I'll be the first to Moran you down!"