Married to the Secret Stanger

Charles Baker leaned back in his chair, a dark smirk playing on his lips.

If he couldn't manipulate Joanne directly, then he'd go after the one person she couldn't ignore—her mother.

He had already bribed a hospital board member.

And now, he had full control over Linda Baker's treatment.

One call, and he could delay her surgeries.

One decision, and he could cut off her medication.

Joanne would have no choice but to listen to him.

—

Joanne's Visit to the Hospital

The next morning, Joanne rushed to the hospital, unaware of her father's schemes.

She had barely slept the night before.

Something about the way Alexander had dismissed her concerns had bothered her.

He was hiding something.

But right now, she needed to focus on her mother.

She pushed open the hospital room door and smiled.

"Mom?"

Linda Baker turned to her daughter with a warm expression.

"Joanne, sweetheart, you're here early today."

Joanne sat by the bed and gently squeezed her mother's hand.

"How are you feeling?"

Linda sighed. "A little tired, but the doctor said I'm stable."

Joanne exhaled in relief.

But just as she was about to respond, the door suddenly swung open.

She turned—and froze.

Standing in the doorway was Charles Baker.

—

Father and Daughter Face Off

Joanne's entire body tensed.

"What are you doing here?" she asked coldly.

Charles smiled, stepping inside as if he owned the place.

"Is that any way to speak to your father?"

Joanne's jaw clenched.

Her mother, sensing the tension, forced a weak smile.

"Charles, I didn't know you were coming today."

Charles walked over to Linda's bedside, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"I'm just here to check on you. After all, I'm the one ensuring you get the best treatment possible."

Joanne's eyes narrowed.

Something about the way he said that…

Didn't feel right.

Charles turned to her with an innocent smile.

"Oh, Joanne, didn't you hear? I've taken over the hospital expenses. From now on, all of your mother's treatments go through me."

Joanne's heart stopped.

"What?"

Charles sighed dramatically. "Your husband paid a good amount, of course. But medical care is expensive. I figured, as her real family, it was only right for me to step in."

Joanne's hands curled into fists.

She saw right through him.

He wasn't helping.

He was taking control.

If he had power over her mother's treatment, then he could manipulate her whenever he wanted.

She stood up, her voice sharp.

"Don't you dare use Mom as a pawn in your games."

Charles chuckled. "Oh, sweetheart, you wound me."

Then he leaned in, lowering his voice.

"You should be thanking me. Otherwise… who knows what might happen to your dear mother's health?"

Joanne froze.

It wasn't a direct threat.

But it was enough.

Her father wasn't backing down.

—

Alexander Finds Out

That evening, Joanne returned to King Manor, her mind racing.

She couldn't let Alexander find out.

If he knew what Charles was doing, he would retaliate.

And that might put her mother in even more danger.

But as soon as she walked into the house, she realized something was wrong.

Alexander was already in the living room, his expression cold.

His piercing blue eyes locked onto her.

"Joanne," he said, his voice dangerously calm. "Why didn't you tell me your father took control of your mother's treatment?"

Joanne's stomach dropped.

How did he find out so fast?!

She swallowed hard. "I—I was going to tell you—"

Alexander slowly rolled his wheelchair forward, his gaze dark and unreadable.

"I already handled your father when he tried to investigate me," he murmured. "But clearly, that wasn't enough."

Joanne felt a shiver run down her spine.

"What do you mean?" she whispered.

Alexander's lips curled into a smirk.

"I mean… it's time I remind Charles Baker who he's dealing with."