After Xavia's departure, Joseph remained rooted in place, his arms tensed and veins pulsating with anger. A bitter self-mockery tainted his enraged expression. He came to the realization that Chloe had not been attempting to balance her affections between him and Icarus. Instead, she merely treated him as a pawn in her game, relishing in her triumph and flaunting it before others.With a determined grip, Joseph retrieved the suit hanging in his wardrobe. As frustration surged within him, he forcefully hurled the suit into the trash bin.*Meanwhile, autumn arrived, and Chloe wrapped herself in thicker garments.Ever since completing her university studies, Chloe had been immersed in the demands of her work, leaving her with little time to obtain a driver's license. After assuming control of her family's business, she recognized the inconveniences of relying on taxis for transportation. Determined to overcome this hurdle, she seized a moment of respite and enrolled in a driving scho
Upon reconsideration, Chloe realized that Noah did not even know Icarus, so she believed she was overthinking the situation. Expressing gratitude for his concern, she ended the call and immediately tried to reach out to the employee who had posted the video.Unfortunately, the employee was currently out on business and unable to answer the phone.Noah returned to school and settled into the classroom. His neatly styled, chestnut-brown hair partially obscured his eyebrows, unveiling a pair of innocent and captivating eyes. Leisurely tapping his fingertips on the phone screen, he switched to his Facebook account, located Icarus' profile, and opened the confession video. In the comments section, he tagged Fairlight's official account.Toward the end of the workday, the employee who had posted the video returned. Apologizing to Chloe, he promptly deleted the video while explaining, "Ms. Chloe, I forgot that you had an endorsement deal with Exotic Star.""It's fine." Chloe waved her han
Joseph abruptly stopped in his tracks when he heard the ringing of a bell. He reached for Chloe's wrist, forcefully tearing off her bracelet. Precious gems and beads scattered across the floor, and his polished shoes inadvertently crushed one nearby. His gaze turned cold and filled with disdain as he remarked, "What a tasteless accessory. It's absolutely hideous."Blushing with a mix of anger and embarrassment, Chloe spoke out, her voice trembling, "Why won't you leave Icarus alone? He didn't provoke you. If you're displeased with me, you can just come at me directly!"Joseph brushed his fingertips against her swollen lip. His voice was husky and magnetic. "It's simple really. I'll spare him once you break up with him."Even if they had divorced, he would not allow any other man to touch the women he had once been intimate with. It disgusted him."You have no right to interfere in my life!"Joseph released his grip on Chloe, mocking her with a slight curl of his lips. "Well, then
She could sense that he had been suppressing this anger for a long time. Was it because she was with Icarus?She had no idea how long the kiss lasted, and whenever she tried to struggle, Joseph would bite her hard. Fearful of the pain, she remained motionless, her clear eyes turning red, resembling a rabbit that dared to be angry but not speak, allowing him to take what he wanted.After what seemed like an eternity, Joseph finally released Chloe from his grasp. However, he left only her lips, his hands still tightly gripping her waist. She took deep breaths, her lips numb and sore. Without even looking, she knew they were swollen.Joseph played with a strand of Chloe’s hair, his voice low and haunting as he said, "I’ll say it one last time. Break up with Icarus or it won't be as simple as him going bankrupt next time. After all, Icarus is the only son of his family."He looked down on Icarus and did not think he deserved his woman though he and Chloe had already broken up. In addit
As the rain began to fall outside, dark clouds obscured the moon.Chloe was standing by the roadside without an umbrella, waiting for a ride-hailing car.Five minutes later, Joseph emerged from the underground parking lot. He rolled down the car window halfway to reveal his noble face. "Get in. It's going to be a stormy night, and you won't be able to get a cab."As Chloe glanced at the ride-hailing order on her phone, she realized that despite the higher price, no driver had accepted it. With the rain intensifying, she knew that finding a ride would become even more challenging. Without hesitation, she decided to get into his car and informed him of her destination.Having been to Chloe's house twice before, Joseph remembered the route and had no need to rely on navigation. For a while, neither of them spoke as Chloe looked outside. The rain soon intensified, and large drops of water splattered against the car window, obscuring their view.Chloe turned her gaze away, gathering th
The next morning, Chloe started her day by preparing a hearty breakfast. The kitchen was filled with the enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon. As she sat down to enjoy her breakfast, the combination of flavors and textures brought a sense of contentment to her taste buds.She enjoyed her meal while reviewing her study materials. The questions for the driving test were relatively straightforward, requiring a strong grasp of theory rather than practical application. By nine o'clock, she arrived at her office.In the lobby on the ground floor, a middle-aged man in his fifties looked around anxiously, clearly waiting for someone. As Chloe approached, she could not help but express her surprise. "Patrick?"Patrick turned around and smiled. "Ms. Chloe, I happened to be passing by and thought I'd drop in."Chloe did not buy his explanation as she was familiar with Patrick’s way. She playfully teased, "Just dropping in, huh?""Ms. Chloe, you're quite sharp. Nothing g
Toto could feel its companion's fear and barked at Xavia. It sounded rather fierce, which lured Joseph out.Guilt flashed across Xavia's face. "I accidentally stepped on Oreo's tail, so Toto thinks I'm bullying Oreo."Joseph did not take it to heart. After all, Toto always barked recklessly. It was usually free and had nothing to do. It just needed a good beating.That trip to Docwood was to handle some trivial affairs of the Whitman Group. Jonathan knew that Joseph would come today, so he waited anxiously. At eleven o'clock in the morning, Joseph arrived at Docwood. All the executives came out to welcome him.Jonathan walked over earnestly. "Joe, here you are."Joseph threw the former a sidelong glance but ignored him. Being ignored in front of many people, Jonathan opened his mouth slightly to say something to retrieve his dignity but Joseph gave him no such chance, ordering Lucas to call the finance manager.Hearing this, Jonathan became nervous. He followed Joseph and begged,
“But Jon is a Whitman too. He'll slowly mature." Preston sounded harsh. "Dad, transfer him back to the board.”"I can't meddle in this since I've long left the Whitman Group in that brat’s care. Tell him if you have any opinions." Harold shirked responsibility because he did not want to meddle in this."Dad, you know Joe will disagree. That’s why we came to you." Octavia refused to give up. "You can't play favorites. Jon's hip is all swollen and red from being kicked.""Go and make some achievements before you come bargaining. We can use money to help Jon grow up, but he has to have something to show for it."Octavia fumed with anger. 'Fine, we'll make some achievements! My son is the best. He'll make some achievements soon and defeat Joseph!'Chloe carried the birthday cake she made and a present she bought and walked into the Whitman family home. When she saw the dozens of luxurious cars parked in the yard, her lips twitched slightly.'Patrick tricked me! But I’m already here,