The Wife Who Jumped on New Year's Eve

Chapter 30

Sean Yates chose to respect Joanna Taylor's decision but still refused the marriage alliance with the White family.

He had already discussed with his parents about studying economics abroad to prepare for eventually taking over the family business.

Mrs. Yates's eyes were filled with reluctance.

"We just got our son back, and now he's leaving again for school."

Mr. Yates's expression was stern.

"You interfered too much. He was never close to us, and now you've pushed him further away."

Mrs. Yates was indignant.

"I only wanted what's best for him. That Joanna Taylor is a divorced woman with a child!"

"Bianca White was a much better match."

Mr. Yates tossed a newspaper in front of her.

"White Corporation Declares Bankruptcy!"

The news exploded like a bomb, sending shockwaves through their social circle.

Bankruptcy?

Mrs. Yates stared at the headline in disbelief.

Mr. Yates, however, remained composed.

"The White family has been struggling for a long time. Why else would their precious daughter go out of her way to flatter you?"

"They just wanted us to bail them out."

Mrs. Yates flushed with anger.

"That Bianca is no good, and neither is that Joanna Taylor!"

Mr. Yates took a sip of coffee and headed upstairs.

"Children have their own paths. Our family doesn't need marriage alliances to stay stable. Stop meddling."

Meanwhile, vicious rumors about Joanna began spreading online.

Scathing articles accused her of infidelity during her marriage, portraying her as a morally corrupt and promiscuous woman.

The rumors spread like wildfire, quickly flooding every corner of the internet.

Netizens, unaware of the truth, eagerly condemned her in the comments.

"Ugh, she looks like a fox spirit."

"Teach me your ways, sis. Open a class!"

"Disgusting. Society is going downhill."

Just when Joanna felt utterly isolated, Ryan Bennett stepped forward without hesitation.

Ryan immediately used his connections and resources to gather evidence and clear her name.

He contacted lawyers, issued statements, and meticulously laid out the truth.

"Ms. Taylor and Mr. Yates met after our divorce."

"There was no two-timing involved. Joanna has always been honorable, and I will regret losing her for the rest of my life."

He also used every platform to showcase Joanna's true character, hoping the public would see the real her.

During media interviews, Ryan defended her relentlessly.

"Joanna is nothing like what those rumors claim. This is pure slander."

The internet erupted, dubbing him "the classiest ex-husband ever."

Thanks to Ryan's efforts, public opinion slowly began to shift.

Some rational netizens started reflecting on their earlier comments.

Then, Ryan exposed Bianca's smear campaign—after the White family's downfall, she had blamed all her misfortunes on Joanna. Having fallen from grace, she refused to let Joanna live in peace.

Outraged netizens turned on Bianca, even digging up that she was now working as a waitress in a restaurant.

"Wow, she'd rather scrub floors than stop slandering Joanna? That's some dedication."

"If I had that kind of energy, I'd get promoted tomorrow."

"Our establishment has terminated the employment of the individual in question due to unethical conduct. Their actions do not represent our values..."

Joanna hadn't expected the situation to resolve so quickly—or so messily.

She had to admit, Ryan's help was crucial.

Still, she sent him a message.

"Thank you. I owe you one. Let me treat you to dinner sometime."

Ryan replied almost instantly.

"Friday works. I'll hold you to that."

Joanna was taken aback but forced herself to agree.