The Wife Who Jumped on New Year's Eve

Chapter 21

The village chief approached Joanna Taylor with a troubled expression, his voice laced with urgency.

"Joanna, it's bad news. The Bennetts are pulling their funding."

"They're pushing for tourism development. The authorities say the elementary school has to be demolished to make room for the project."

The chalk in Joanna's hand clattered to the floor. She couldn't believe Ryan Bennett would stoop so low—going this far just to get his way.

If the school was torn down, where would the children go to study?

The village chief sighed helplessly, his brows furrowing into deep creases.

"Joanna, please… go talk to Mr. Bennett. See if there's any room for negotiation."

Joanna clenched her jaw, determined to find Sean Yates first to discuss a plan.

But he had vanished without a trace.

"Sean, where are you? How could you disappear at a time like this?"

She muttered to herself as she dialed his number again, only to be met with the cold, automated voicemail. No answer.

Joanna rushed through the village, questioning everyone who might know Sean's whereabouts. But all she received were shaken heads and blank stares.

Her heart sank deeper, an overwhelming sense of helplessness tightening around her.

Joanna hurried to Ryan's company, pushing the door open and forcing herself to stay composed.

But the smug certainty in Ryan's eyes only fueled her fury.

"Ryan, what the hell do you want? Do you even understand what this school means to those children?"

Ryan lifted his gaze, letting it linger on her face for a moment before replying coolly.

"Joanna, this is a business decision. The area has unique natural scenery—developing it into a tourist destination will bring significant economic benefits."

"The land belongs to me. Whether I let you keep it or build a school is my call."

Joanna's chest burned with a mix of rage and despair.

"Ryan, how can you be so despicable?"

His indifferent mask cracked slightly.

Despicable.

But he had no other choice. He saw the resolve in her eyes and feared losing her forever.

If playing the villain was the only way to keep her by his side, then so be it.

Steadying himself, Ryan spoke.

"All I know is that I want you back. That's the only way you can save the school."

Joanna stormed out, slamming the door behind her—unaware of the pain darkening Ryan's eyes as he watched her leave.

As the demolition date loomed closer, Joanna found herself cornered.

The innocent smiles of the children haunted her. Their eager, hopeful eyes twisted her heart like a knife.

Sean remained unreachable. She'd even filed a missing person's report, but it was useless.

After countless sleepless nights, Joanna finally made her decision.

She stood before Ryan again, her expression numb.

"Ryan, I'll go with you. But you have to keep your word. Save the school. Don't let those children lose their education."

The corner of Ryan's mouth lifted slightly, though his eyes held a sorrow he couldn't hide.

"Don't worry. As long as you're with me, I'll keep my promise."

Joanna stepped into the car, unsure if she'd made the right choice—or what kind of future awaited her.

But for now, if it meant the children could keep learning, she was willing to sacrifice herself and step into this unknown trap.

And Sean…

She closed her eyes, barely suppressing the worry clawing at her chest.

Sean cared so deeply about education. He would never abandon those children.

Where is he?

Did something happen to him?

Joanna opened her eyes, glancing at Ryan.

She wanted to ask him—but in the end, she stayed silent.