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
Harold spoke up, and his voice was heavy with old memories. "You know your mother had her reasons. Have you forgotten the phone call your father made before he passed? He wanted you to live a good life, to let go of the past, and to not let one incident ruin two generations."Joseph's parents had fallen in love during their university years, their bond so strong and quick that they soon conceived Joseph. But their happiness was short-lived. A man who claimed to be the fiance of Joseph's mother showed up and forcibly took her away from Joseph's father. The aftermath of their separation was devastating. Consequently, she spiraled into depression and tragically took her own life. Shortly after, Joseph's father did the same.Harold believed that Joseph's mother, who was engaged to another man, should have severed ties with Joseph's father. The aftermath was a massive tragedy—a fate that was bound to happen. "Was it wrong for my mother to pursue true love? Was she supposed to just sta
Otto and Cyrus hailed from the Sinclair family, and there was a considerable age gap between them—with Otto being 20 years younger than Cyrus. While it seemed highly plausible that Otto could be Cyrus' son, this scenario appeared impossible according to the timeline.Chloe fell into a contemplative silence, scanning her surroundings and noticing the names "Fairlight" and "Briarlake" written on the right and left of the front row. The auction was scheduled to commence in ten minutes.Clearing a path through the crowd, Otto approached Joseph with a smirk on his face. "Mr. Joseph, I've heard so much about you."Joseph glanced at the hand extended toward him, his expression filled with disdain. "What do you want?"Otto froze for a moment, but he soon regained his senses and smoothly retracted his hand. His eyes narrowed mischievously as he asked, "I was just wondering which property you plan on acquiring.""I haven't made up my mind yet," Joseph replied coldly.Chloe observed the m
A wicked grin adorned Joseph's handsome face as he said, "I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase.""What phrase?""Being too clever can be your own undoing," he replied.Chloe was still unsure about this and asked, "Are you absolutely certain about this?"Such matters seemed simple on the surface, but in reality, they required a profound understanding of human nature and the ability to discern the other person's mind.Joseph proudly lifted his chin and said, "Just watch."Seeing his confidence, Chloe began to wait quietly."Any other bids?" the emcee asked the audience, "In that case, 150 million going once! 150 million going twice! 150 million going—""160 million!" Otto interrupted the host as he looked at Joseph challengingly.Joseph smiled gracefully. "Very well. It's yours then."Otto gritted his teeth, his fingers clenching tightly and his joints cracking audibly, showing signs of nervousness. His assistant tried to reassure him, "It's all right, Mr. Otto. We’ve already secur