Joseph ignored Chloe's words, glaring daggers at Noah, the vibes coming off him ominous. Noah, with his fair skin and calm demeanor, said, "Shouldn't we respect and take care of women? They're often at a disadvantage in our society."Joseph simply gave him a frosty look. He did not believe in such pompous words.Caught between a rock and a hard place, Chloe did not know how to diffuse the situation. It was getting so tense that neither she nor Noah could handle it. She bit her lip and said in a soft tone, "I'm hungry. Let's go grab something to eat."Joseph shot her a sideways glance, but his expression was cold. Luckily, he did not refuse her.While watching them leave, Noah's gentle and calm facade started to crack. 'Coco seems to be having a rough time. Looks like I need to move up my plans.'*Chloe and Joseph walked into the restaurant without saying a word. She had not eaten anything while accompanying Emily on the blind date, so when the food arrived, she was so hungry t
Joseph calmed down and pushed the bowl of salad back to her.Chloe said, "I'm full."He raised his brows. "Do you want to go to bed or take a walk?" "It's past ten. By the time we wash up, it'll be almost midnight. Let's just go to bed. That way, we can wake up early and do something fun tomorrow.”"Hmm."The cobblestones on the path gleamed in the moonlight. Under the streetlamp, their shadows stretched out."By the way, Aunt Tavia came with Xavia. Did you know?" Chloe suddenly remembered and filled him in.Annoyed, Joseph knitted his brows. "I'll make them leave now."But Chloe was not up for a confrontation. "Isn't it too late now? Let's deal with it tomorrow.""Fine, tomorrow it is." He did not want to spoil his mood either.They walked a bit more and entered the hotel.Xavia emerged from a corner of the cobblestone path behind them. Her charming face twisted with spite as she clenched her fists. She had thought Chloe was kind, but turned out she was a hypocrite, compla
Chloe shook her head. "Forget it. I can do it on my own."Joseph's smoldering looks were certainly distracting. It just went to show, if one has great charms, these small issues could be ignored. After a brief pause, Joseph rolled up his sleeves and sat beside Lucas. "I'll do it." Lucas and Chloe were floored. They watched the usually refined man tackle a mundane task, yet, it felt oddly normal. This was Joseph's first time shelling prawns for someone else, but he was quick and nimble. The first prawn he shelled was a bit of a mess, but the second one looked much better. By the third, the prawn was peeled perfectly—practically a work of art. Emily was impressed that he took her advice to heart, so her opinion of him shot up. ‘He clearly cares about Coco.’Meanwhile, Chloe stared at the prawns on her plate before she playfully took out some cash. "Here's a tip for you." Joseph raised his brows in mock surprise as he accepted it. "Thank you, my lady, but that's kind of low. I c
Chloe felt a little tense. She glanced sideways at Joseph.Joseph frowned deeply. “Where is she?""She's getting an X-ray. The bucket hit her arm.""Was the bucket dropped on purpose or merely an accident?" Patrick came over to explain. "We first thought it was an accident since no one was around. But after checking the nearby security footage and questioning a few witnesses, we found a suspicious worker. It could've been staged."Something heavy weighed on Chloe. She wished it was just an accident."Did you locate the worker?" "We have people out looking for them."Following that, Xavia was wheeled out by a doctor, a large bruise on her arm."She got lucky. The force was spread out, so no broken bones. She just needs an ice pack."Xavia looked rather pitiful in her long white dress. With her pale and gentle face, she was the picture of vulnerable beauty. Chloe's eyes turned dull, and she looked down to hide her emotions. Joseph went straight to the point. "Why were you
Joseph paused, a nagging feeling making him turn around. He gestured for Chloe to join him, saying, "Come."Chloe's eyes shimmered like starlight as she eagerly took a few quick steps, reaching out for Joseph’s hand. With him stopping and waiting for her, Xavia found herself walking in alone. Unfamiliar with the place, she was unsure which door led to the garden.She tried to hide her embarrassment, casually asking, "Where’s Oreo? Can you show me the way, Joe?"Before anyone could respond, Lucas stepped forward and offered, "I'll take you there."Xavia mustered a smile and maintained her friendly demeanor. "All right. Sorry for troubling you."Lucas noticed the strange look in her eyes. He understood Xavia's friendliness was only for show, mostly because Joseph was there. It would likely fade when the latter was not around.Just as Xavia left, Patrick returned with news."I've found the worker, and he's in the next room right now," he reported, pausing briefly before adding, "I
Octavia's voice carried far, and Xavia caught fragments of their conversation from the back garden just before Octavia left. Seizing the opportunity, Xavia stepped out.Joseph cast a brief glance at her. "Patrick, bring the worker here."Confused, Xavia asked, "What worker?""It appears that someone intentionally threw the metal bucket," Chloe responded, her eyes locked on Xavia.Xavia's pupils contracted abruptly, and her feet seemed to freeze, causing her entire body to stiffen momentarily. But it only lasted a second and she quickly regained her composure.‘Whether Vanya acted independently or instructed someone else, she shouldn’t have revealed my involvement in this incident. Besides Vanya, no one else knows about it. I was just a bystander—a victim! Even if they bring the worker here, they can't pin anything on me.’With her face returning to normal, she put on a gentle smile. "Since it's a worker, there's no need for compensation. Just find out the truth and let him go. I'
Chloe and Joseph exchanged concerned glances, their brows furrowing.Harold was stumped, wondering who the masked woman could be. He gave Chloe and Joseph a puzzled look, his aging face filled with confusion. "What's going on? Why are you two looking at each other like that? If you have something to say, just say it.""It's nothing," Joseph replied, turning his attention to Patrick. "Please help Grandpa back into the house and make sure he gets some rest."Patrick swiftly complied and Harold refrained from pressing further. He figured the young couple had their little secrets to discuss.Chloe and Joseph retreated to their room as well, leaving Xavia by herself.Relief washed over Xavia, and she let out a long sigh, trying to calm her racing heart. ‘Vanya really needs to be more careful. She should've taken care of the witness when she had the chance.’*"There’s a property auction tomorrow, and Otto Sinclair of Briarlake will be there. I'm thinking of going to meet him."Chloe
Chloe belatedly realized what he meant, her pretty face going a little pink. What was with this man? His mind was always in the gutter. Of course, Joseph was just messing with her. He was not so desperate as to get frisky in broad daylight.With the weather getting cooler, Chloe picked out long sleepwear, the soft cotton fabric loosely draping her delicate figure. The loose fit hid her pregnancy well, and she rarely experienced morning sickness. During her showers, her baby bump was noticeable, but once she got dressed, it was completely hidden. She looked just like any regular person. Even now, lying in the same bed as Joseph, there was no way anyone could tell her secret.Joseph was not accustomed to taking afternoon naps, but the woman cuddled up next to him smelled so good and felt so soft—like a natural sleep aid. Before he knew it, he drifted to dreamland. Out in the yard, Patrick was giving orders to the house helpers. "Mr. Harold's meds are running low. Go find Dr. Spence