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
“Patrick did as you instructed and accepted the medicine Dr. Spencer prescribed as per normal.“Also, Dr. Frederick has confirmed that the herbs Ms. Chloe has been taking are normal herbs to regulate her blood circulation. He says that she can go ahead with one round of the treatment and see how it goes."Lastly, Otto lied to Preston. He gave Preston an empty promise." When Lucas reached this point, he gave Joseph an admiring gaze. "Thankfully, you long guessed that the Sinclairs would start with Preston and made preparations by changing the documents in the safe. Otherwise, Preston would have ruined Whitman Group." ‘Mr. Joseph sure pulled off an awesome feat and planned ahead.’Joseph opened his eyes as he smirked. "Did anyone in the family try to beg for mercy on Pres’ behalf?""No one else but Jonathan. He came once but Patrick turned him away."Joseph's noble face became unfathomable. "Because of Jon, I’ve long sensed something fishy.”Jonathan claimed to have invested in a
When Lucas saw Xavia, he smacked his lips. His expression revealed a mixture of a hint of speechlessness and insight.‘Right after Ms. Chloe leaves, this one comes sauntering in. The purpose behind her actions is clear to anyone with discerning eyes,’ he thought."I want to see Joe," Xavia stated plainly, emanating an air of entitlement."Mr. Joseph is currently busy." The underlying message carried a reluctance to meet her.Xavia arched an eyebrow and sneered coldly. "Aren't you at least going to tell him I’m here?""Mr. Joseph requested not to be disturbed while he's working," Lucas replied calmly.“Not even by me?""Only Ms. Chloe holds that privilege."Lucas intended to provoke Xavia and make her leave, but he underestimated her. Instead of getting angry, Xavia smirked and fell silent. She attempted to bypass him and enter straight into the office.Instinctively, he reached out to stop her. But as soon as his arm touched her, she fell to the ground and winced in pain. "Was
Joseph's gaze swept over Xavia, then settled on Lucas. "You make a valid point. Let's proceed with your suggestion."Xavia struggled to maintain her composure and forced a dry laugh. "Stop fooling around. We shouldn't deceive the baby like this." But all she received in response was Joseph's indifferent demeanor and the sound of the door closing.Her face instantly contorted with a mix of emotions, but her malicious expression quickly vanished. She handed the parenting book to Lucas. "I'll have to trouble you tonight.""Are you serious?" Lucas was taken aback.'Is she really planning on going all out with this act?'"If you're the one telling the story, then I have no reason to stay. Let's do a voice call when I get home. I want you to read the entire book," Xavia said, her voice dripping with mockery. "I’ll indulge your penchant for talking too much."Lucas stood there dumbfounded, shaking the thick book in his hand. "You want me to pull an all-nighter for this?"Xavia elegantl
Joseph took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding to Chloe's question. His gaze remained fixed on her, his dark eyes reflecting a mix of seriousness and determination. "Do you want to hear the truth?"Chloe braced herself, already anticipating his response. Despite her worry, she was determined to know his honest thoughts."Yes, I do," she affirmed, her voice unwavering. "I want to hear what you truly think.""Considering Xavia's current physical condition and the fact that she’s already six months pregnant, it’s impossible for her to undergo an abortion. If the child is indeed mine, I can’t turn my back on them. I come from a background where my parents did not shield me from hardships. I faced many struggles growing up. I don’t want my child to experience the same loneliness and neglect. I want to be a responsible father. Do you understand me, Chloe?"Chloe's frustration grew, feeling a sense of suffocation from Joseph's response. "You claim to want to be responsible,