Chloe glanced at Ava in an aloof manner. "That's unnecessary. Aren't you afraid your mink coat will start to stink up in this hot weather?”"What a bumpkin! Fashion doesn’t depend on the weather. You know nothing." The handsome man beside Ava spoke up for her, showing a disdainful expression.Since Chloe was standing close to them, she noticed that the handsome man had makeup on. He had put on foundation and lipstick. At a glance, he was pretty handsome but after taking a closer look, he appeared rather strange and androgynous.She did not want to talk to him. "Spill it. Why are you here, Ava? If you're here to show off, I'm sorry to break it to you that I'm uninterested."Ava threw out a business card as if she was giving alms. "I’m now the director of Summertainment. If you become my company's celebrity, I can introduce rich people to you so that you'll achieve great success and become filthy rich for the rest of your life."During this period, Ava learned how an entertainment c
Faced with Joseph’s cold gaze, Ava immediately ran away out of fear. She did not even stop to help the man on the ground.The man hid the hatred in his eyes when he saw Ava abandon him. He then started wailing even louder.Chloe was deeply frightened. She frowned and whispered, "Should we call 911 for him? Don't hurt him too badly.""You're such a coward." Joseph's voice was icy. He then rubbed her head as if he was rubbing his dog."I’m worried about you. It's illegal to hit people. I'm afraid he'll blackmail you."He gave her a firm look with unclear emotions in his eyes. "You don’t have to worry about me. Just take good care of yourself."'Don't be so dumb and be bullied by others.'Chloe recalled how Joseph taught Ava a lesson just now. He gave her a great sense of security as if she could fear nothing as long as he was around...At that moment, she enjoyed an unprecedented warmth.When the man on the ground saw them leave, he struggled to get up. He then took out his phon
Chloe was almost suffocated from the kiss, so she was dizzy now. For a moment, she could not understand his words.Joseph stared at her blurry eyes and smiled like a demon. He then bent down and made a purplish hickey on her slim and fair neck.Chloe did not feel much and thought he just kissed her on the neck. When she was back in her office, her colleague beside her asked her secretly, "Did you get a boyfriend?""No, I didn’t."Her colleague snickered but said nothing else.*"Godpa, someone bullied me. Sob..."Ava sought out Calvin to complain about what had happened, all while crying piteously.Calvin put away his work and comforted her, "Who bullied you? Tell me."Ava avoided the major issues and dwelled on the minor issues, misrepresenting the truth. As a result, she painted Joseph as a senseless, violent man.Calvin frowned, ruminating over the matter carefully. "I've never met Joseph, but I don't think he's such a person. Was there some kind of misunderstanding?""Ma
Joseph's face suddenly became gloomy.Chloe was facing away from the yard. When she heard the sound, she too turned around and took a look. Xavia, whom she had not seen in two weeks, appeared all of a sudden.While Chloe was still in a daze, Joseph stood up and went outside."Joe, Oreo was being naughty and ran out. It got hit by a car and is now at the vet. The doctor said Oreo needs a blood donation. Can I get Toto to help?" Out of anxiousness and worry, Xavia held onto Joseph's hand.Joseph pulled back his hand and nodded. "I'll take Toto and go with you." He then went to the back garden to look for Toto.Xavia stood on the spot and waited. Upon noticing Chloe, she explained in embarrassment, "I’m sorry. I know I shouldn't disturb you guys but I don't know who to turn to for help other than Joe.""It's fine." Chloe ate quietly before she asked with a smile, "Is Oreo your dog?""Hmm, Oreo and Toto are from the same litter. Joe took Toto while I took Oreo.""Oh..." Chloe guess
The lounge was empty, devoid of any sign of people.Covertly, Chloe dialed Joseph's number and discreetly pressed the record button. Sporting a puzzled expression, she asked, "Isn’t there supposed to be an internal interview? Why are we here?"Maurice locked the door behind him, unable to contain his impulses as he lunged toward Chloe. "It is an interview—an internal interview, a one-on-one kind," he replied.Chloe, who had prepared herself in advance, deftly sidestepped him, maintaining her composure. "How much money did you give Ellie to persuade her to do this?" she questioned.Maurice was taken aback, surprised at how quickly Chloe had figured it out. He sneered and said, "Since you've already caught on, I won't pretend anymore. It wasn't much, just a few grand. But money isn’t the point here. The point is that I promised to help her deal with you."Chloe crossed her arms and beckoned him with a curl of her finger, a smile playing on her lips. It was a smile that held both inn
Maurice's mind froze as he suddenly realized the truth. Forgetting his pain, his face transformed into an expression of sheer astonishment as he gazed at Joseph, then turned his disbelieving eyes toward Chloe.These two individuals did not share a mere superior-subordinate relationship. That foolish Ellie had unknowingly entangled him in this mess. It became clear why stealing data from Fairlight had never posed a problem in the past. Joseph had personally intervened this time because of his connection to Chloe.Maurice was consumed by despair as his life plunged into darkness. With Joseph's involvement, the despicable and vile actions of Baxon were exposed to the financial world, spreading like wildfire. Numerous companies swiftly terminated their contracts with Baxon, causing their stock market value to plummet, pushing them dangerously close to the brink of bankruptcy.Ellie, likely aware of the unfolding events, was absent from work for several days. In the midst of this, Chloe
Xavia's expression momentarily stiffened, but she quickly regained her composure thanks to her inherent good manners. Her gaze returned to its normal state, carrying a subtle sense of superiority that seemed ingrained in her. "Joe has a sensitive stomach. His preference for the dishes you prepare indicates your culinary skill. I'll be counting on you to look after him from now on.”She spoke politely, but if one listened closely, it felt as though she was implying that taking care of Joseph was a privilege and something to be cherished.Chloe could not quite discern Xavia's true intentions behind her kind words, but she nodded in agreement nonetheless. "I will," she replied. It was merely the task of looking after a troublesome b*stard for three years. She did not need Xavia to tell her that she needed to fulfill her part of the contract. Chloe understood that much.Xavia offered a faint smile in response and fell silent. As an artist, her temperament spoke volumes—gentle and elegan
Joseph’s face darkened slightly as he inquired, "Would a friend suffice?""Ideally, it’d be better if it was a family member.""She doesn't have any relatives in Aesper.""All right, come with me then.""Are you with them? Please come and settle the payment." The nurse handed a few forms to Chloe, who reached out to take them."Okay.""The payment counter is located on the first floor."*The doctor placed the test results in front of Joseph and spoke in a solemn tone. "I regret to inform you that the patient has been diagnosed with leukemia, and unfortunately, the optimal treatment period has already passed.""What?" Joseph's pupils suddenly contracted."The patient came for checkups in this hospital recently. Didn't she tell you?""No...""Given the current condition of the patient, she’s highly susceptible to infections throughout her body. It is essential for you to attend to her emotionally and help minimize any emotional upheavals. Maintaining a positive mood is cruci
After Chloe calmed herself, she realized that the place she was in resembled the villa she lived in while overseas five years ago. However, upon closer inspection, the exterior scenery was different. She realized something and froze."Did you build a villa identical to the one I stayed in five years ago?" she asked.Noah was busy bandaging himself. Upon hearing her question, he replied, "Yeah, doesn't it look almost identical?"Chloe's gaze swept over every item in the room, and she admitted that she was touched. She turned back to Noah and looked at him gently as if she had returned to the time when she simply treated him as a little brother."How did you convince Tiffany to cooperate with you?"Tiffany had made her move while Noah distracted Desmond."I just told her about it, and she agreed."Chloe asked, "Do you think you’re treating her fairly?"Noah said flatly, "I’ll compensate her."Compensate? How? Chloe thought that youth was the most precious thing in the world, but
In the Whitman family home, Joseph went to deal with a bunch of urgent company matters after putting Jasper to sleep. By the time he finished, it was already past three in the morning. He contemplated calling Chloe to ask about Noah's situation, but thinking it might disrupt her sleep, he abandoned the idea.When Joseph woke up the next day, it was already half past six. He recalled Chloe mentioning that Exotic Star had a new product launching today and that she would have to wake up early. He reached for his phone on the table, intending to call her.However, his hand slipped and the phone fell to the floor. The loud thud caused his heart to tremble. He stared at the shattered phone screen as he got a bad feeling. He grabbed his spare phone and quickly dialed Chloe's number. After ringing for some time, a cold, mechanical voice informed him that there was no one available to answer at the moment. Without hesitation, he immediately headed to the Sullivan Manor. When Joseph got ther
“Yes, Grandpa, and I hope you won't stop me when the time comes," Noah said. "You're not discussing this with me. You're just informing me!" Desmond said exasperatedly. "I'm sorry, Grandpa.”Desmond hemmed and hawed for a long while, at a loss for words. He seemed to age ten years as he stared into the distance through the window. After a while, he said, "I've already had someone contact doctors abroad regarding your condition, so don't worry. All you have to do now is just focus on recovering. Don't give up so soon."Sensing Desmond's determination, Noah's eyes filled with tears. He too wished to spend a few more years with his grandfather.When they arrived at the Sullivan manor, the foreign doctors had replied. Upon learning that the renowned healer, Z, had treated Noah but only achieved limited success, they decided not to intervene.Noah was not discouraged by this. He comforted Desmond and said, "Grandpa, I would like to go abroad for a few days. It's been a long time sin
Half an hour later, Desmond and Noah walked out of the ward together.Desmond said, "The doctor told you to stay in the hospital for a few more days, so why don't you just listen? If something happens to you again, they can treat you immediately."Noah smiled warmly and said, "It's okay. The medical equipment at home is sufficient."Desmond sighed. It would be good if Noah stayed at home as well. At least there would be more pairs of eyes on him.Desmond instructed the driver to come to the hospital’s basement car park. When he hung up the phone, he looked around the corridor and wondered, "Wasn't Chloe just sitting here? Where is she?"Noah did not say anything and just lowered his head."And where's Tiffany too? Call her. We need to go home," Desmond said as he took his phone out to call Chloe.However, Chloe did not answer his call. Noah did not call Tiffany. Instead, he said, "Her brother had something to discuss with her, so he came by and brought her home. Maybe Chloe ha
Chloe looked at Tiffany and said sarcastically, "Not everyone is willing to contribute their entire life knowing that the other person doesn't like them."Tiffany had a heart problem. She might die at any moment, yet she chose to live around someone who did not love her back. Chloe often marveled at the greatness of love, but she would never possess such a sacrificial spirit.Tiffany laughed coldly. "It’s because I have compassion and you don't. When Xavia died before your eyes, you just coldly stared at her body."Chloe raised her head sharply, glared at Tiffany, and shouted at the top of her lungs, "Xavia took my child, stole my man, and wrecked my marriage! She nearly got me killed several times! If she hadn’t died, it might have been me! I should've celebrated her death with fireworks! None of you know what I've been through, so stop pointing fingers at me!"At first, she had felt responsible for Xavia's death, but she had since come to her senses. Xavia's death had nothing to
Desmond was taken aback that he even forgot his cane and almost tripped on the carpet. He quickly got back up and headed for the second floor. The butler immediately called for an ambulance while the other housekeepers guided the panicked guests away.Chloe furrowed her brows, following Desmond into Noah's bedroom. The curtains were drawn tightly, blocking out all light. But just standing at the door, one could detect the strong scent of rust from inside.A helper flipped a switch, and the room was flooded with light. The wooden furniture was neatly arranged while neatly folded clothes sat on the sofa.Chloe looked around but did not see Noah. She then looked toward the bathroom and her face sank.Tiffany pointed to the bathroom and said, "He's in there."Desmond trembled as he pushed open the bathroom door. Inside was a mess, with red stains covering the floor. Noah was in the bathtub, his wet clothes clinging to his body. His arms hung limply over the tub's edge, and his head sl
Chloe did not know how to answer."Say something. You wanted her dead, right? Are you happy now that she is dead?!” Kenneth shouted angrily at her, his eyes bloodshot and his gaze piercing.He was so loud that it drew the attention of many nearby. Callum and Joseph rushed over, and Joseph shielded Chloe behind him. He pushed Kenneth back several steps and said sternly, "Never speak of that woman in front of Chloe again. Otherwise, there'll be consequences!""Hah! Are you protecting a murderer?" Kenneth laughed. "Oh yeah, you’re both responsible for Xavia's death after all."Smack!Callum slapped Kenneth across the face, instantly silencing him. "Get a grip, Ken! Xavia deserved to die. Stop embarrassing yourself in front of Chloe.”Kenneth held his face as he muttered, "Yeah, you're right… Xavia should’ve died. She was evil. She deceived and took advantage of me… She should die..."Then why was he so tormented over her death? He could not sleep or eat. He knew Xavia deserved th
Joseph frowned. "Of course not. Her death has nothing to do with you. Promise me you won’t think such thoughts."The unexpected turn of events caught both Chloe and him off guard. Xavia clearly wanted to haunt Chloe forever by killing herself in front of her. Although he felt shocked, he was not deeply shaken. After all, he had not witnessed Xavia's jump, and Xavia probably thought that the third floor was not enough to kill her. After all, being in the hospital for treatment was better than being detained by the police.Chloe looked at Joseph with vacant eyes and smiled bitterly. "You're right. It’s good that she's finally dead. She got what she deserved, and I should be happy," she said."Exactly. Even if she didn't jump, the police would’ve arrested her," Joseph said gently, "It's my fault for asking you to buy us some time. If she comes back as a ghost to haunt you, I'll stop her."Joseph, Tyson, and a few officers had arrived just moments after Xavia jumped. He had brought a g
Everyone erupted into gasps. As a deafening crash came from below, the staff scattered. Some ran downstairs to try and rescue Iris. Some who had rushed to the windows shouted anxiously, "She's still alive!"Everyone around Chloe was running as her mind was filled with an endless ringing. The whole world became a blur. She never imagined that things would end like this. The meeting hall was on the third floor. It was not too high, but it could be fatal if one were to land on their head. Everyone's accusatory gaze fell on Chloe, and the crowd started to murmur."Damn, how could she do this to Iris? Do you think she’ll be haunted by nightmares tonight?""Yeah, why does she insist that Iris is Xavia?""What if Iris dies? Won’t Ms. Chloe indirectly become a murderer?""Do you think Iris will come for revenge in the middle of the night when she dies?"Something inside Chloe snapped, and she shouted, "It wasn't me! What she did has nothing to do with me!"Her outburst silenced the ro