Chapter 669
“Wow! I didn’t expect it to be so quick!” Joanna smiled.
She had thought there would be many people waiting in line.
Unexpectedly, there were less than three couples in line. They waited for less than ten minutes before it was their turn.
“Honey, be careful.” Bruce carefully supported Joanna as they walked to the registration window.
Although his mind was muddled and his demeanor seemed a little clumsy, he wasn’t naturally intellectually impaired.
As a result, many of his behavioral habits were preserved in his subconscious.
He was like a drunk person, not fully aware, yet carrying a hint of sobriety.
He was unlike those born with intellectual disabilities, who only knew how to eat.
At the registration window, the two of them handed over their identification cards, birth certificates, and divorce certificate.
After the staff member examined the documents, he turned to the couple regretfully.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t help you with the remarriage procedures for the time being.”
Joanna was taken aback and asked, “Why?”
The staff looked at Bruce and said in a serious manner, “As Mr. Everett’s intellectual capacity is currently affected, we cannot be certain if he’s really willing to remarry you.
“Furthermore, there is currently someone filing a lawsuit against you. Therefore, this remarriage requires the consent of Mr. Everett’s legal guardian.”
“Those are two completely unrelated matters. How does someone suing me have anything to do with our remarriage?” Joanna asked in confusion.
The staff member responded seriously, “Because Mr. Everett currently lacks the capacity to act personally.
“If you wish to proceed with the remarriage procedures, you must obtain the consent of Mr. Everett’s legally appointed guardian.”
Joanna was mad upon hearing this. “Come on, he’s an adult. Why would he need a guardian? Besides, his parents and grandparents have already passed away.”
“Then I’m sorry, but we cannot process the registration procedures for you!”
“Please, I’m begging you. Please help us out,” Joanna pleaded.
“Ms. Haynes, we’re all following the prescribed procedures! It is necessary to obtain consent from Mr. Everett’s legal guardian,” said the staff member.
“But he doesn’t have a guardian. Can I be his guardian?” Joanna asked.
“That won’t do. Legally speaking, you are considered strangers. It would be best if one of his relatives became his guardian.”
Upon hearing this, Joanna became even more frustrated and anxious, realizing she could do nothing about it.
Now everyone in Greyport knew that Bruce had become intellectually impaired.
She didn’t expect the process of remarrying to be so complicated.
“Forget it. Let’s go back for now,” Joanna told Bruce.
Bruce looked at Joanna in confusion. “Honey, I’m not sick. I want to remarry you.”
“Mr. Everett, we’re truly sorry, but please return for now,” said the staff member.
“No, I want you to process our remarriage registration right now!”
3
“Please refrain from causing a scene here. If you cause any trouble, we will have to involve the authorities!” said the staff
member.
Joanna quickly comforted the irritable Bruce. “Be good, darling. Let’s go for now! We’ll come back another day.”
“Alright!”
Bruce looked at Joanna with a sense of grievance.
The two went back to Sherane Bay Villa.
Joanna called her lawyer, Mr. Jameson, to discuss possible solutions.
“Now we’re in trouble. We can’t even get married.
“It seems we’ll have to enter into a fight with Liam again,” Joanna complained.
Upon hearing this, Mr. Jameson spoke with a serious expression. “Miss Haynes, I suggest you fight for custody of the three children.”
Joanna was taken aback and looked at the lawyer in confusion.
“Fight for custody of the children?” she asked.
“Yes. It is currently the best way to ensure your and the children’s well-being.
“You need to file a lawsuit with the court, citing Mr. Everett’s unsuitability to continue as the children’s guardian and transfer custody to you,” the lawyer answered.
“Are you saying I should sue Bruce?” Joanna asked.
“Mr. Everett’s current situation is complicated, and for safety reasons, this is the best course of action.
“Because the children are the primary heirs to Mr. Everett’s estate. You can only transfer the custody of the children to your name and protect Mr. Everett’s assets through guardianship of the children.
“Otherwise, things will become more complicated if Liam manages to obtain guardianship over Mr. Everett!”
Joanna felt a pang of discomfort upon hearing this.
“Fine! Let me think about it. You can go ahead and prepare the specifics first!” she said.
“Alright, Miss Haynes!”
Mr. Jameson left shortly after.
Miranda could not help but sigh. “Ah, everything was fine. Why did Liam and his family have to get involved?”
Lilian also looked indignant. “Exactly! Mr. Everett used to despise him the most. How could Mr. Everett agree to let him be his guardian?”
“Right now, Liam’s legally Mr. Everett’s only relative and elder. The law might very well decide that he’s Mr. Everett’s guardian!”
“I believe Liam wants to take advantage of the situation, to control Mr. Everett and his money!”
“We all know that, but the law only recognizes facts!”
Joanna felt restless upon hearing this.
With Bruce’s current condition, even her desire to take care of him seemed inappropriate.
If she was to sue Bruce, she would have to subject him to an intellectual assessment and provide evidence to the court that he was intellectually impaired and lacked the capacity to act independently.
She didn’t want to do that.
But if she didn’t do it, Liam would fight for Bruce’s guardianship.
It was highly likely that he would also try to take custody of the children.
“Honey, why aren’t you happy?”
Bruce looked at Joanna.
Joanna hesitated as she looked at his face and gently touched his cheek.