Lucas hesitated for a moment before handing over the tea tray in his hands. "I made two cups of chamomile. It's good for soothing nerves."Chloe nodded, took a deep breath, and knocked on the door."Come in."Joseph's voice came from inside, causing a sense of security to wash over her. With him around, she did not need to be afraid.Chloe pushed open the door and stepped into the room. Joseph was seated behind his desk, wearing a sky-blue tie that complemented his youthful and attractive appearance. As he caught sight of Chloe, his eyebrows arched in surprise.Calvin also noticed Chloe and immediately straightened his posture, his eyes fixed on her without blinking as he muttered to himself, "You...You do look a bit like her."‘In terms of appearance, the two of them share some resemblance, but it’s mostly their temperament that’s alike.’Luciana was only slightly older than Chloe when she passed away. In Calvin's heart, his beloved woman had always retained a youthful and ench
Joseph enveloped Chloe in his arms and nestled his face near her neck. He then stated languidly, "I'll know after checking it out.""Hmm." Chloe found his hug a bit too tight, so she struggled briefly. "Let go. I can't breathe.""No. I won't let you go unless you kiss me."Chloe grasped his handsome face with both hands and gave him a peck on the lips before tilting her head and questioning exasperatingly, "Can you let go of me now?"Enjoying the moistness on his lips, Joseph's gaze darkened before he bent down and put his lips against hers again, kissing her deeply.After a while, Chloe pushed Joseph away, looking flushed. "Okay, that’s enough. We shouldn’t do such things in the office."Joseph's sharp, bewitching eyes lit up happily and passionately. "Okay, we'll continue when we get home tonight."Chloe knew what he meant, and her blush deepened. She stared at him bashfully. "We just started dating. You don't have to be in a rush to…""We're dating now, and you expect me to
Chloe asked Xavia what it was about and asked if they could just discuss it over text instead, but Xavia did not reply.The appointed time Xavia fixed was an hour before Chloe got off work. After dwelling on it for a while, she decided to get up and took the elevator downstairs.It was just downstairs and was a very short distance. It would not take up much time.Outside the building, Xavia was silently waiting while holding an umbrella. Her complexion was horrible. She was wearing a sweater so that one could only vaguely see her hospital gown underneath. It was clear she had come straight from the hospital.Chloe raised her brows. "What can I do for you?""I'm sorry to disturb you again.""Just get to the point.""I've been undergoing chemo in the hospital recently, so I have no time to take care of Oreo. I'm worried about putting Oreo in boarding long-term, so can you and Joe please take care of my dog for a while?"Chloe's first response was to turn Xavia down. If she let Or
"Of course not. That would be something a pervert does,” he teased before he explained seriously, "My friend lives here. I just had a meal at his place before coming out to get some fresh air. I also wanted to see if I’d have the chance to bump into you. Well, it's proved that we're destined to meet."Chloe nodded. She found that the dogs had had enough now and decided to head home. Unexpectedly, a stray cat ran out of the bush, exciting both Oreo and Toto. They excitedly pounced on the cat to play with it.Consequently, Chloe was dragged and, losing her balance, uncontrollably fell forward.Icarus reacted quickly and grabbed her before asking nervously, "Are you okay?""I'm fine." Chloe patted her chest to calm herself. After some difficulties, she struggled out of his arms. "Thank you. I would’ve fallen flat on my nose.""You're welcome."After that, Chloe lightly smacked Toto and Oreo's hips to punish them. Oreo seemed to have understood this. Its ears drooped as it looked at
Chloe’s eyes went wide. When she noticed the teasing smile in his, she relaxed and groaned, retorting, "You’re the one who had a tryst with another man."“I have no interest in men."After that, Joseph recalled the call he got from Lucas earlier, and his voice turned dull. "Calvin and Karen don't know each other."Chloe pursed her lips. "Then it's impossible that Calvin likes Ava because of Karen. Does it mean that he truly likes her?"Many old people would adopt a child if they had no children. Although Ava was not very outstanding, she was great at acting, and Calvin might have a thing for scheming young women."This clue ends here but I found another one.""You found other clues?" Chloe widened her charming eyes and looked at him expectantly.Joseph answered slowly, enunciating every word he said, keeping her in suspense. "I'll tell you if you do a good job."She blushed vehemently and choked on her saliva before she started coughing. He patted her back calmly and smiled lik
Joseph answered, "Pretty much."Lucas found out that the month Karen gave birth to Ava was also the same month that Luciana got pregnant. Benjamin stayed by Luciana’s side almost every day.The hospital staff recalled that a different man would come to visit Karen from time to time, and they would always argue with each other. Their topic of argument was quite sensitive, discussing the fact that the man who had impregnated Karen was a married man. Hence, the hospital staff had a deep impression of that incident."Wow…" Chloe drew in a cold breath. "Did you find out who that man was?""Not yet, but we may get the answer tomorrow."After learning about the affair, Chloe had a restless night. She was busy sorting out the current clues she had obtained.It was no wonder Karen chose to get back together with Benjamin that year. It was very likely that she wanted to find a father for her child. And it must be because of Karen's example that Ava was so cunning since childhood.Chloe wo
Chloe's fists clenched tightly, her eyes bloodshot with a burning rage. Hatred consumed her as she uttered the words, "Yes, let Benjamin suffer the consequences!"She wanted Benjamin to endure the same despair her mother had experienced before her untimely death.Lucas looked at Wren and asked, "Sir, how should we handle her?""Send her back. We may need her as a witness at a crucial moment."*Chloe felt a heaviness in her heart, but to her surprise, Joseph canceled his morning meetings and devoted the entire day to being by her side. She clung to his waist affectionately, crying and finding solace in his presence until exhaustion overcame her. She unknowingly drifted off to sleep, tears staining her cheeks.When she woke up, it was already 2 in the afternoon. Her mood had calmed down considerably. "Jojo, I'm sorry for disrupting your work this morning."Joseph interlocked his fingers, leaning back in a relaxed demeanor. "Feeling better now?"Chloe wiped away the remnants of h
When Lucas arrived at the marketing department, Chloe was organizing the data and marketing copy for the afternoon meeting. Lucas took her to a secluded spot and whispered, "Ms. Chloe, did you run into Icarus last night?"She paused, "How did you know?""The whole neighborhood is talking about it."During the elevator ride, Lucas filled her in on everything that had transpired in the homeowners' group, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. "Mr. Joseph is extremely angry, so when you go in, it's important not to confront him directly. Speak softly, explain clearly, and try to soothe his anger with kind words. I believe things can be resolved."Nervously, Chloe fidgeted with her fingernails, took a deep breath, and mustered the courage to push open the office door."Jojo, it's not what you think. Icarus and I just happened to bump into each other. He has a friend who lives in our neighborhood."Seated on the sofa, Joseph nonchalantly stretched out his long legs over the coffee
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