Chapter 184: Joanna Sets Her Sights on a New Target

After hanging up the phone, Hausman glared at his younger brother Faure. "What are you staring at? Hurry up and get back to your homework!" Faure, confused and feeling wronged, quickly went back to his studies, though still unsure why he was scolded. Hausman returned to his room. No wonder Irene didn't need to attend school regularly—her grades were so impressive that she didn't even need to go! Who is the boss? She’s someone who can determine the enemy's position just by observing some trampled grass! A person like that is wasted as just a detective! As for that Joyce? Humph, he could have lived off his wife, relying on Irene to elevate his family to a higher status! But they looked down on her, and now their family business has been stagnant for years. Serves them right! Hausman sighed in admiration. Of course, that’s the boss for you. If it were me, I’d be flaunting my abilities and status everywhere by now. After thinking for a moment, Hausman called the principal. "Hello, yes, I want to discuss a new proposal. It’s about allowing students with excellent grades, who can maintain their performance, to study independently and manage their own learning schedules." Hausman nodded. "Yes, this matter needs to be discussed with the director of academic affairs." "Indeed, it could also motivate those moody teenagers to take their studies more seriously." Hausman hung up the phone, and it wasn’t long before his father, Mr. Turner, walked in. Seeing his eldest son sitting idly in his chair, Mr. Turner’s eyes lit up. "Come on, you’re not busy, are you? Let’s go visit an old friend!" Hausman was puzzled. "Old friend?" He had no idea his father had any old friends visiting from City A. Mr. Turner laughed and explained, "It’s like this—Faure invited a friend over to our house. He said it’s their time as young people and that they would feel more comfortable if we weren’t around. So, he asked me to find a reason to take you out." Hausman was speechless. He glanced at his father, who was smiling mischievously. Clearly, Mr. Turner had no intention of honoring Faure’s request. By telling Hausman, he showed that he didn’t entirely agree with Faure’s plan but also didn’t want to be the bad guy. He expected Hausman to handle it instead. Mr. Turner left with a smile after delivering his message. When Faure saw his father, his eyebrows shot up in delight. "Dad, are you and big brother going out?" Mr. Turner smiled kindly and said, "Yes, we are. Have you finished your assignments?" Faure straightened his back proudly. "Of course!" Mr. Turner nodded approvingly, saying "Good" several times. Hausman had nearly forgotten this aspect. The old man had thought of three things at once: avoiding being the bad guy, giving his eldest son a chance to gauge and strengthen his abilities, and encouraging his younger son to study by making him take the initiative to complete his assignments. Faure chuckled, but Mr. Turner shook his head. The kid was too naive. Mr. Turner had only mentioned that he would be going out, not that his eldest son would also leave. As far as the family business was concerned, there was no other choice for an heir but the eldest son. The younger one was just too simple-minded. Shaking his head, Mr. Turner left the house. A few minutes later, there was a knock on the Turner family’s door. A gentle and polite female voice spoke, "Hello, I’m Joanna, here to visit Faure. I hope I’m not being too impolite by showing up unannounced?" Joanna stood at the door with a smile. She had heard that the Turner family had expanded their business to the capital city. It seemed like a good opportunity—a potential connection. If she could impress them while they were in the capital, it would surely leave a good impression. As for a potential marriage partner, Joanna naturally preferred Hausman. But she knew she had to maintain a good relationship with Faure too. He was her stepping stone to the Turner family, and he liked her. She was no longer the same person she used to be. Since becoming the Norman family’s private detective, Joanna had already set one foot into high society in the capital. In all of City A, few could compare with her. Even Joyce, who had distanced himself from her when Helen got into trouble, was now sending her gifts and messages, trying to reconcile. The Kashi family’s company had indeed gone bankrupt, but Joanna was doing better than ever. The door opened, and Joanna lowered her eyes slightly, appearing shy and unsure. "Will Mr. Turner mind?" Since their last exam, Faure hadn’t actively contacted Joanna. But when Joanna saw Faure’s posts on Instagram indicating he was in the capital, she reached out to him, recommended hotels, and even planned a sightseeing itinerary for him. Faure, touched by her thoughtfulness, couldn’t bear to turn her down, which led to the current situation. Faure knew his brother Hausman disapproved of his association with Joanna and disliked her as a person. But since he had already agreed, how could he go back on his word? He had no choice but to ask their father to take his brother out. As these thoughts crossed his mind, Faure’s heart filled with frustration. Why was his brother staying home now after spending so much time out bungee jumping or hang-gliding before? It was so annoying! From a distance, Faure heard Joanna’s voice and felt a pang of anxiety. What’s going on? We agreed on 3 PM! It’s only 2:30; why is she here already? Mr. Turner happened to reach the door just as Joanna knocked. Although Mr. Turner didn’t know all of his sons' friends, he was familiar with Joanna. She was the daughter the Kashi family had found less than a year ago. Mr. Turner’s opinion of Joanna was entirely based on her cold attitude toward her own parents. After Helen went to prison, Joanna had posted a rather unkind message on Instagram criticizing her parents. Moreover, according to the Kashi family's accountant, just before the family went bankrupt, they had transferred over two hundred thousand to Joanna out of their love for her. Yet, when the family lost everything, Joanna refused to give a penny to help her father rent a place to live. This gave Mr. Turner a whole new perspective on the girl. Though he maintained his smile, the way he spoke made Joanna feel subtly looked down upon. "Joanna, you’re here? Come in, Faure’s been waiting for you."