"Sir, it's not what you think. The weather today is simply too hot, and I've been sweating a lot," the staff nervously explained."That's your problem.""Y-Yes... I apologize, sir."Joseph firmly held onto Chloe's hand and started walking away. Chloe glanced down at their intertwined fingers, her confusion growing as she wondered, 'He completely ignored me all afternoon, and now he's acting all strange again?'Attempting to free her hand, Chloe pulled with all her strength, but Joseph's grip remained unyielding."What are you doing?""Escorting you.""...I don't need you to escort me.""Shut up."Chloe was on the verge of speaking, but suddenly her stomach churned, and she immediately covered her mouth and began to retch.Joseph's face darkened instantly. "Do I disgust you?""No, it's not that. I just feel a bit nauseous."His expression softened slightly, and he asked coldly, "Is it an upset stomach?""It's not that. I'm not sure what's wrong."After fully moving out of
Chloe froze for a few moments before realizing what he was saying. She proudly tilted her chin up and asked, "Well, am I clever or what?"Her almond eyes had just shed tears, giving them a slight redness. However, her mischievous and spirited nature remained evident, unable to be hidden.A suffocating sensation gripped Joseph's chest as he observed her. ‘She shouldn't have to worry about her safety in life. She should live carefree, just like the shameless little vixen she used to be.’"Let me find you a bodyguard.”A peculiar expression flickered across Chloe's innocent face. "Are you worried about me?" she asked."Mh-mm."She was taken aback, her eyes brimming with joy. But before she could fully embrace the moment, Joseph interjected with a sobering remark. "If something happens to you, no one will be able to handle the old man for me.""...There’s no need for that!"Joseph leaned in, cupping her cheeks with both hands, teasingly saying, "Do you really think I'm worried abou
Chloe agreed and quickly freshened up before heading out. Strangely, Tyson did not ask her to meet at the police station but instead suggested meeting at a nearby park.As soon as she saw him, she got straight to the point, "How’s the investigation going? Did the perpetrator confess?"The man who had attempted to harm her had been severely injured by Noah's intervention and had lost a significant amount of blood. When he was apprehended, he had already lost consciousness. After receiving medical treatment, he had only regained consciousness yesterday.Tyson shook his head, "He didn't confess. In fact, he even attempted suicide. But we will continue to follow up on the case until we obtain a confession."Chloe let out a sigh. She had not anticipated the criminal's unwavering loyalty, willing to resort to suicide rather than disclose his accomplices."It's not what you might think. His suicide attempt is likely driven by a sense of shame and disgrace as a man. Moreover, our investig
The doctor's words echoed in her ears, but she did not absorb them in the slightest. She muttered to herself, "But I took contraceptives. I took them every time.""Contraceptive pills are not 100% effective," the doctor kindly reminded her as he observed her expression. "About the child, it's no doubt a significant decision, and it's important that you consider all your options. If you decide not to continue with the pregnancy, we can arrange for hospitalization and schedule an abortion as soon as possible. Just remember that time is of the essence as you may not be able to terminate the pregnancy later on.""I don't know...""Take your time to think about it."In a daze, Chloe walked out of the hospital. She absentmindedly raised her hand and gently touched her still-flat belly, her mind engulfed in a whirlwind of emotions. Instead of hailing a cab, she opted to slowly walk back home. She began to ponder her situation, ‘Being one month pregnant means that it isn’t from the time at
"Hehe, you've figured it out." Emily playfully twirled a strand of her hair before adopting a serious tone. "Actually, you can look at this matter from a multifaceted perspective. For example, you own a small company now. While you may not be filthy rich, you don’t have to worry about your basic needs and you can afford to hire help and provide for your children. But now, imagine an ordinary working woman from an average family background, education, and job skills, who’s in the midst of building her career. For her, being a single mother presents a tremendous challenge. Besides, don't you find nurturing a baby into an adult incredibly rewarding?"Chloe's heart softened as she listened, and her eyes gleamed. "It's not just about finding fulfillment. It's about finding redemption."With Emily's support, Chloe suddenly saw things in a new light. Since she could not bear to let go, then she would stay. After all, she had the means to provide for the child. Joseph was Joseph, and she was
Chloe grew flustered, her face alternating between shades of red and white. "No, it's not.""There can't be anyone else but him." Noah shook his head determinately. "You don't have feelings for Icarus."Being with Icarus was an act of gratitude and appreciation, but it was not love. He would not have resorted to such despicable means to hold onto her if she truly had feelings for him."How did you know?""So I was right." Noah concealed his emotions, burying them deep within his eyes. Taking on the role of an observer, curiosity tinged with heartache seeped into his voice. "You and Joseph were already divorced a month ago. Did he force himself on you?"Chloe's body tensed. "Please don't ask. I don't want to talk about it.""I'm sorry. I shouldn't interfere with your personal affairs. Some of the things I'm about to say may not be pleasant to hear, but as a friend, I don't want you to be trapped in this situation. I must say my piece," Noah said sincerely."Xavia has been taken t
Joseph's anger transformed into a mocking smile, his lips curling with derision. "Yes, of course. I'm your senior."Noah's expression stiffened, and he remained silent."What’s the relationship between Ava and Calvin?" Joseph asked, his eyes seemingly capable of peering into the depths of all things.Noah found this amusing and said, "If you want to know, why don't you ask Calvin directly? What does it have to do with me?""Whether it's Calvin, Ava, or even you, or perhaps the Sullivans, there must be a definite connection," Joseph said, his tone brimming with certainty.Setting his jaw tightly, Noah replied, "Then go ahead and investigate."Joseph's smile turned enigmatic, and a glimmer of confidence flickered across his handsome face. "I will."He realized that Noah was hiding something and that this situation was more complex than it seemed. It was crucial to conduct an investigation and warn Chloe. After all, a polished facade could be misleading, and he suspected that Noah
Chloe's eyelid twitched as she helplessly watched him storm out and slam the door behind him. The force of the door closing was tremendous, causing the frame to shake and appear on the verge of collapsing. She felt a mixture of anger and amusement.She could not help but wonder, 'What the hell is wrong with him? Just because I spoke the truth, he couldn't handle it anymore? What a strange guy.'After Joseph left, Chloe got the maintenance department staff to fix the door frame, which was on the brink of falling apart. Then, she settled down and busied herself with work. She kept herself occupied until evening. Although she had initially planned to work overtime, she remembered the doctor's advice and decided to go home on time to rest. After all, rest was important during the first three months of pregnancy.Chloe grabbed dinner at a restaurant downstairs of the office building and returned home to wash up and sleep. In the middle of the night, she heard a commotion as if a dog was