The CEO's office had seen various occupants over time. First Harold, then Joseph's father, and now Joseph himself held the position.Preston had never been given the opportunity to sit in that coveted seat.Although Joseph had taken over Fairlight, he seldom came to the office. Despite this, Harold still trusted him enough not to pass on the CEO title to Preston.Being told that he lacked the necessary abilities was tolerable for Preston. He had never been overly ambitious. Remaining within the Whitman Group and having a voice on the board of directors had been enough for him.Yet, Joseph did not appreciate it. Preston gave an inch, yet Joseph wanted a mile. After expelling Jonathan, Joseph proceeded to strip him of his board position.It was clear that Joseph intended to bring ruin to the family, and Preston knew he had to take action.He knew that the CEO's office had a double-layered password, but he was not sure if Joseph had changed it or not. With a try-and-see attitude, he
Joseph chuckled as he looked at Chloe. "Why are you so surprised? Did you think we’d continue living here after our wedding?""Why not?" Chloe's gaze fell to her feet. Her voice was soft and hesitant as she said hesitantly, "Living here is quite comfortable.""This place is pretty good, but there are no schools nearby. It’d be inconvenient for our future children when they have to go to school," Joseph explained.Chloe's mouth parted slightly as understanding dawned upon her. She raised her head and stared directly at Joseph, "Are you preparing for Xavia's child?""She hasn't done the amniocentesis yet. Until we have the results, I can't call it my child," Joseph declared firmly, his determination shining through."In that case, let's wait and see. What if it turns out to be your child? It's too early to start the renovations. After all, we don't know how many children’s rooms we’ll need," Chloe retorted with a hint of sarcasm.She did not want to get caught up in the beautiful f
Joseph raised an eyebrow and placed her slippers by her feet. "Go wash up and come downstairs for breakfast. I'll drive you to work later. I have to go to Cloude for a bit tomorrow. Abigail has been discharged from the hospital, and she'll report to you in two days.""Okay," Chloe replied. After a while, she thought of something and asked, "I might also have to go on a business trip to Estre in a few days. There's a project I need to oversee.""For how long?" Joseph asked."About two weeks," she replied. She intentionally downplayed the duration while carefully observing the expressions of the man beside her from the corner of her eye.Joseph paused for a moment. "That long?""Yeah... It’s kind of long, but when it comes to project investments, a thorough examination is necessary. Besides, I also want to learn and experience things in Estre. Given the circumstances, it might take some time."This statement was a mixture of truth and deception. The part about examining the project
Finn Harris handed a signed check to Preston and asked, "Just a USB drive? Do you have other data or results?"Preston had planned to not give them everything from the get-go. He said, "I'll go to the bank to withdraw the funds first. I'll then give you the rest of the confidential files."Finn frowned, and he looked at Otto. The latter shrugged nonchalantly.A mischievous grin adorned Otto's face as he said, "Take your time. Go ahead and verify it." After all, he did not really care about it. "All right, that's settled then," Preston expressed his satisfaction with the response. It was a far cry from the usual disrespect he received from Joseph.Otto took the USB drive, got into his car, and drove away.Just as Preston was about to leave, a large group of journalists suddenly swarmed him, their cameras flashing like countless stars and nearly blinding him. Before he could utter a curse, his wrist was clamped by something icy cold. He looked down, and his eyes widened in disbeli
In the office of Briarlake’s president.Otto leisurely watched as the various rich men from different circles discussed Preston stealing confidential files in the group chat. Sarcasm filled the atmosphere, as he smirked with interest and reveled in it.Finn came in with a USB drive. "Mr. Otto, the development team checked on the contents of the USB drive. They stated that this proposal is a work in progress and is in need of modifications. It isn't complete but the idea is very creative and practical. We need to change its key points to integrate it with our products. Our company will surely secure the project proposed by the city council next month."A look of satisfaction dawned on Otto’s face. He did not deny Joseph's talent in doing business. "Ask them to speed up.""Okay." "And ignore Preston. Have our men in the cells take good care of him.""Got it. By the way, the doctor called last night. He failed to kill Harold in the fall and nearly exposed himself. Joseph seems to b
Chloe, who was standing outside the study, quietly lowered her head and bit her lip bitterly.Harold coughed several times. "Fine, whatever you want. But I have to remind you that this child will affect your relationship with Chloe. You have to be mentally prepared.""Chloe agreed to it. She's magnanimous."Harold glared at Joseph, a storm brewing in his eyes. "It's not that she's being magnanimous. She's just compromising because she doesn’t have a choice out of her love for you.""I'll be nicer to her and won't let her down." Gloominess crept up Joseph's demonically handsome face. He pondered over it seriously. "We'll have our own child in the future. It isn’t bad for the two children to grow up together." Harold became tired so he waved for Joseph to leave. "Tell Chloe to come in."Joseph agreed. When he opened the door, he found himself looking into Chloe's eyes. The latter was just standing outside.Chloe shot him a cold gaze, her face was full of displeasure. She hated t
Chloe knitted her pretty brows. "Do you know what’s the one question I thought about the most during my childhood?"Taken aback, Joseph asked, "What was it?""Why did I have to share my father with Ava."Chloe walked to the window and glanced at the starry sky outside. Her voice sounded soft as if her soul had returned to the distant past. She had suffered Benjamin's indifference, Ava's bullying, and Karen's hypocrisy. Although it was long ago, she still remembered it all vividly.Was her child destined to suffer the same fate as her?Joseph's body trembled before he pulled her into his arms. "We don't have to tell the child the truth."Chloe struggled out of his embrace and turned to look at him. "Won't the child know even if you keep it a secret?" "And what's the big deal if the child knows? Xavia is reckless and has lost the right to raise her child. Her child will only be grateful toward you."If Xavia had led an honorable life and never done those vulgar things, he might
Chloe's eyes became watery. "Grandpa loves you very much. He suffered in silence for so many years."Harold had lost his eldest son and wife at the midpoint of his life. The schemes and fights in the family, as well as his disappointing second son, filled all his days with loneliness. His son took his life because of Fleurette, and consequently, there was no leader to handle the Whitman family.Being left with no options, Harold focused all his attention on Joseph. He was Joseph's grandfather as well as his father. He tried his best to raise and educate Joseph.Joseph did not disappoint Harold and became an exceptional man. However, the Sinclairs came bearing news of Fleurette, claiming that she was still alive. How could Harold bear to hand the note to Joseph?But he had pondered over many things during this period. Since the Sinclairs had made a move, he felt that Joseph should not suffer in silence. At his age, Harold could not help Josep and could only let Joseph make his own d