Chapter 577

Before Joanna could finish speaking, a plate of steaming hot food was suddenly placed in front of her.

She was slightly taken aback, and the rest of her words got stuck in her throat.

Preston blinked, his tone carrying a hint of concern. "Are you hungry?"

Looking at the delicious-looking dishes, Joanna suddenly felt her earlier actions had been too abrupt, almost as if she were trying to leverage a favor.

She nodded. "Yes, a little."

Preston pushed the tray closer. "What were you going to say just now?"

Joanna pursed her lips, finally just giving a soft smile. "Nothing."

She picked up her chopsticks and began eating with her head down.

Today's meal even came with soup, showing Preston's thoughtfulness. After a few bites, Joanna looked up again. "I really didn't put anything in the medicine."

"I believe you."

Preston said immediately. "I know it's not your fault. It's just that there's no evidence right now to prove you're not involved. But don't worry, Evelyn and Marcus are both very smart. They'll definitely clear your name."

Joanna nodded. "Yes, I believe in Miss Evelyn too."

As for that young master, Marcus, she actually felt a bit intimidated.

As the next successor of the Valentine family, Marcus was famously known as a troublemaker in New York. She had often heard about his eccentric personality before. The housekeepers who came to work for the Valentines were all repeatedly warned by the butler to be especially respectful towards Mr. Valentine and Mr. Marcus.

But Joanna had a very good impression of Evelyn. Several times, that young lady had helped her out of difficult situations, saving her from Susan's harassment.

However...

Joanna couldn't help but glance at Preston again.

It was all this Fifth Young Master's fault! If it weren't for him, Susan wouldn't have kept picking on her!

Joanna was a smart person. Her years of working odd jobs had taught her to read people's expressions.

She had sensed before that Susan harbored some inexplicable hostility towards her. Now she finally understood—could it be that Susan thought the Fifth Young Master had feelings for her?

Joanna secretly sized up Preston...

Preston was handsome, with the distinctive Valentine family looks. His personality was also the best among the young masters.

The eldest young master was moody and unpredictable.

The second young master was rarely home.

The third young master, Ethan, had a fiery temper.

The fourth young master also seldom made appearances.

The fifth young master, Preston, was the most approachable, the most filial, and had a gentle nature.

The sixth young master was also rarely home.

The seventh young master, Spencer, was still in school and clearly a person with strong opinions...

In the entire Valentine family, only Preston felt genuinely warm and friendly.

Thinking this, Joanna lowered her head, knowing she had to keep her distance from now on.

But for some reason, even though she had never deliberately tried to get close to the Fifth Young Master before, her heart always felt happy whenever she saw him.

Now, thinking about keeping her distance, Joanna felt a pang of sadness instead.

She couldn't help but look at Preston. "Fifth Young Master, are you really going to marry Susan?"

Preston nodded without hesitation. "Of course! She's my savior. I naturally have to marry her!"

Joanna pressed her lips together. "Would you do this for every person who saved your life?"

Preston was stunned.

Thinking carefully, during that car accident back then, besides Susan who pulled him from the car, there were also the ambulance, nurses, and doctors who saved his life later.

He couldn't possibly marry all of them, could he?

Preston spoke up. "Well, no. But Susan... she's different."

The car was on fire back then. No one knew when it might explode. A crowd had gathered around. His eyes were covered in blood, he couldn't see outside, but he could clearly hear the noise of the crowd...

Among all those people, only one girl rushed in without regard for her own safety and dragged him out of the car.

Not long after she dragged him out, the car exploded.

Whether it was the nurses, doctors, or other helpers later, none of them risked their lives to save him like she did.

So the one he was most grateful to was Susan.

Hearing this, Joanna misunderstood.

Susan, this savior, was different from others. That meant Preston did like her, right?

Joanna had always been a straightforward person. Since she understood this point, she decided to make a clean break today.

So, she turned to look aside. "Fifth Young Master, from now on... please don't bring me meals anymore."

Preston was taken aback. "Why? Aren't you hungry?"

Joanna said softly, "It's not appropriate."

"How is it not appropriate? You haven't actually been convicted. Besides, if you were convicted, you'd be sent to the police station. Our Valentine family doesn't run private prisons. There's no evidence right now, you're locked up here, I can't just let you starve, can I?"

Joanna gave a bitter smile.

So that's what Preston thought...

His kindness towards her was only because she was a Valentine family housekeeper, right?

He didn't have the slightest bit of other feelings for her...

Susan had really overthought it.

Joanna spoke up. "After I prove my innocence this time, I'll leave the Valentine family."

The pay here was good, but after this incident with Mr. Valentine, Joanna was scared.

No amount of money was more important than her life!

Preston's eyes widened instantly. "No, Joanna, are you angry? Looking at today's events, anyone would think it's too much of a coincidence. It's normal for people to be suspicious. Don't throw a tantrum, okay?"

Joanna wanted to say something, but just gave a low laugh.

Fine, let him think she was throwing a tantrum.

She picked at her food a couple of times, then handed the plate back to Preston. "Your Valentine family is really strange. I'm just a housekeeper, dragged into this for no reason. Isn't it normal for me to want to leave?"

Preston was confused. "No, weren't we fine just a moment ago? Why are you suddenly angry? Women really are hard to please."

As he spoke, he took the plate. "Fine, if you don't want me to bring food, then don't eat! Starve then!"

Looking at the barely touched food in his hand, he turned and stomped downstairs angrily.

"Everyone has such a bad temper these days. Can't say a word, can't suspect anything. Fine, starve then!..." Preston muttered as he walked.

Downstairs, Preston slammed the plate down hard and turned to leave, but his stomach let out a loud growl.

He looked down.

He sighed silently. "Didn't eat a bite tonight with all the busyness. The feeling of an empty stomach isn't pleasant."

After saying that, he called out to the butler passing by. "Bring Joanna some food later."

The butler nodded. "Yes, Fifth Young Master."

Only then did Preston feel somewhat relieved. He found something to eat in the kitchen to fill his stomach, then walked out patting his belly.

He walked to the doorway, looking at the busy people.

Then he looked up at the third floor.

He walked over to the butler. "What was the last thing Third Uncle ate before drinking the coffee?"

If he could prove Joanna's innocence, could she be released?

A young girl locked up there was quite pitiful.

The butler was stunned. "Before drinking the coffee, Sir seemed to have some afternoon tea."

Preston immediately pressed. "What afternoon tea? Who made it?"

The butler thought for a moment. "It was made by the housekeeper, Xiao Fang... She made it for Sir, then went home..."

Preston's pupils contracted. "Is there any of the afternoon tea left?"

The butler frowned. "The leftovers were packed up and taken away by Xiao Fang. But it shouldn't be a problem with the afternoon tea. Sir had the afternoon tea at two in the afternoon, and the attack happened at eight in the evening. There was too much time in between. I asked the family doctor. That kind of poison acts almost immediately upon ingestion. So we only considered that cup of coffee."

Preston said directly, "No matter what, we have to investigate! Why did Xiao Fang pack up and take away the leftover afternoon tea?"

The butler said, "Xiao Fang said she has children at home, it would be a waste to throw it away..."

At this point, the butler also realized something. "I was negligent!"

Preston immediately asked, "Tell me her home address. I'll go investigate!"

"Alright."

Preston rushed out immediately.

The next day.

When Susan came to the Valentine family again and didn't see Preston, she went straight to the third floor, arriving at the guest room door where Joanna was being held.

She looked at the housekeeper following beside her and suddenly smiled. "Do you want to do a great service for the Valentine family?"

The housekeeper's eyes lit up.