Noah tilted his head and replied calmly, "I guess so."Joseph chuckled, his cold eyes seemingly penetrating all things.As the banquet proceeded, Ava and Calvin were nowhere to be seen. Chloe found this rather peculiar. After all, they had made the effort to come all this way, so it seemed strange for them not to show up just because of some incident. Given Calvin's seemingly special relationship with the Sullivans, should he not be more concerned about this event?Desmond stayed for a moment, exchanging pleasantries with the others before turning to Joseph and asking about Harold's condition."Well, it's inevitable for people to become this way as they grow older. We worry about our children and future generations. Just like Harold, I'm putting all my hopes on Noah now," Desmond remarked.Joseph nodded. "Now that our two families are cooperating, I'll take care of him in the future. Please rest assured, Mr. Desmond."Unless there were any unforeseen circumstances, Noah would sol
Upon arriving at Joseph's house, Chloe conscientiously changed into the disposable slippers typically worn by guests. She entered the kitchen and busied herself with the preparations.Joseph's gaze fell upon the white cartoon slippers inside the wardrobe, causing his brow to furrow once again."Why aren't you wearing your original pair?" he asked.Chloe was caught off guard by his question while tending to her tasks in the kitchen. She froze for a split moment before replying casually, "I didn't feel like wearing them. I'll throw them away when I leave.""Why would you throw them away?" Joseph stubbornly pressed, despite already knowing the answer."I don't live here anymore. Do you expect me to keep them as a keepsake?" Chloe responded. Her nonchalance marred his expression.Without a word, Joseph slammed the door and stormed into the study. Half an hour later, he emerged from the room and glanced at the prepared meal in the kitchen. Picking up his fork, he began to eat.Baffle
Confronted by her hopeful gaze, Joseph averted his eyes and calmly said, "Let's wait until the fetus reaches four months and have an amniocentesis done before we make a decision."Xavia's joyous and excited emotions had barely begun to soar before she was doused with a bucket of icy water from head to toe. Her voice raised sharply as she shouted, "What do you mean by that?"With an indifferent demeanor on his chiseled face, Joseph replied, "Do you really want me to spell it out for you?"She was stumped.'It's impossible. There's no way he could know. My plan is flawless. He must only be suspicious now. That's right. He doesn't have any evidence. I just need to stay calm.'With that thought in mind, Xavia tried to reach out for Joseph's hand, but he saw through her intention and subtly evaded her grasp."I don't understand what you're saying. If you have any questions, just say it directly. We've known each other for so long. Just say whatever is on your mind," she said.At her
Xavia meticulously reported in detail what had happened at Fairlight earlier this morning to the person saved as "S" in her phone.S: [You did well. Be careful not to expose anything and immediately cut off contact with Eustace.]Xavia: [I don't think Eustace will agree to a break up so easily. Also, what should we do if we have to do the amniocentesis?]S: [Don't worry. When the fetus reaches four months, I'll give you instructions. As for Eustace, now that he's no longer useful, find a way to get rid of him.]Xavia knew the meaning behind the word "get rid,” and fear flashed across her face.Chloe immersed herself wholeheartedly in her work, keeping busy to avoid being overwhelmed by chaotic emotions. She even turned down Emily's invitation to have a meal together.Emily decided to go to the mall instead and got a serving of Chloe's favorite crab cakes before heading to the Johnson Group."Don't overwork yourself. If you need rest, take a break. You look exhausted," Emily advi
He paused for a moment, lowering the car window by a finger's width. "Speak. What do you want?"Emily hesitated, unsure of how to respond."What are you doing here?" Lucas, who was returning with his breakfast, felt a sense of unease wash over him when he saw Emily.Lately, Emily had been bombarding him with text messages, and slowly, their relationship had grown closer.Emily discreetly hid the black bag behind her back and smiled. "Nope. Nothing."As Lucas skeptically opened the car door, Emily swiftly pushed him aside, forcefully flinging the contents of the black bag toward Joseph. Reacting quickly, Joseph picked up a nearby newspaper to shield himself. Though he managed to block most of the spills from the bag, a small portion splattered onto his suit.Inside the car, the air became saturated with a repugnant and nauseating smell, a revolting combination of onion, blue cheese, and an unidentified gray liquid that emitted a pungent aroma. The noxious fumes permeated the space
"Mrs. Regina, Icarus and I have met the best dermatologist. The scar will slowly heal. As for his marriage… There's no rush,” Chloe stated politely."It'll take a long time for his scar to heal, and he’s already in his thirties. This can’t be put off.""Yes, it'll take a long time for the scar to disappear," Chloe said tactfully, "But a relationship can't be rushed.”Regina Martin discerned something from Chloe’s words. "What's wrong? Are you looking down on my son?""Mrs. Regina, that's not what I meant. I merely feel that we're unsuited for each other.""At least you're aware that you don't deserve my son. I'm very gratified to see you have such a realization, but my family doesn't value one's social status much. You don't have to feel inferior. Just be with my son."Chloe clutched her forehead and decided to tell the truth.Coincidentally, Icarus walked in. "Mom, what are you doing here?"He highly disapproved of this. He was even wearing slippers at the moment, so it was in
Chloe cracked a mocking sneer. "So what if I’m getting married? It has nothing to do with you.""Answer me." Joseph intensified his grip. At the same time, his expression was tense, aloof, and mean."Don't meddle in my business. You're about to be a father soon. Isn't it impudent for you to touch me?" Chloe’s fair chin soon became rosy. The pain made her frown.She knew the truth. He never tried to conceal it from her, or more like he never bothered to do so. If it was not his child, would he let Xavia stay in his villa?"There's something fishy about this. I'm waiting for the result of the amniocentesis four months from now." He could not guarantee without evidence."So should I wait for you? For what?" Chloe raised her hand to wipe away her tears. She was no longer in the mood to talk to him. "Can you please leave?"Joseph felt a sudden void in his heart when he met her tired and unconcerned gaze. It seemed like such a long time since he last saw her bright smile. In the past,
He used great force, and Chloe's body stiffened from the pain. She kicked him strenuously but he grabbed her ankle and easily gained control over her.He absent-mindedly gazed at the bloodstained teeth mark on her neck with enjoyment. "Do you like this sort of present?""You bastard!" Chloe could not accept this kind of humiliation, so she resisted him with all her might.Suddenly, Emily broke into the room with Lucas behind her. When they witnessed this scene, their eyes widened in shock. Emily angrily pulled Joseph away and shielded Chloe behind her.Joseph did not continue pestering Chloe, simply glancing at her coldly and left. Lucas then regained his wits and hurriedly followed Joseph. After they left, Emily sighed in relief before putting a plaster on Chloe's wound."Is he a dog? Why did he do this?"Chloe held her neck with her head lowered. "Stop talking about him."*Downstairs, Lucas drove in another car.Sitting in the back seat, Joseph leaned back. He shot his cold
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