"Serves her right. It's her fault for not appreciating such a good husband. She can't blame anyone else for this.""That's true, but their wedding photos looked so beautiful. They were a picture-perfect couple. What a pity.""We shouldn't pity someone who lacks moral integrity.""Let's not dwell on it. After all, Mr. Joseph is never short of women. He brought another one last night..."The nurses’ voices slowly faded into the background, and Chloe felt her heart grow numb. Tears uncontrollably cascaded down her face, drenching the pillow in a large damp stain.*The sky was dimly lit as Joseph awoke with a terrible headache, the result of drinking too much the previous night.Xavia approached him, holding a glass of tomato juice. "Drink. It’ll help alleviate your hangover," she said in a gentle tone.Joseph refused the drink and furrowed his brow. "Why are you here?""I went to see you last night and found you drunk, clutching that wedding album and stumbling around with the i
"How dare you! I haven't done anything!" Emily was scared, but the thought of her good friend suffering made her instantly bristle up and retort with determination.Joseph nonchalantly dropped a charge on her. "Disturbing public order.""I’ve done no such thing! There are witnesses on the scene. I won't allow you to make baseless accusations."He arrogantly curled his lips and sneered. "Let’s wait and see."Ten minutes later, several men in police uniforms appeared at the hospital. At first glance, Chloe recognized the person leading the way was Tyson. "Em, you have to leave! Those policemen that just came are connected to him!" she called out.Emily felt a momentary panic, but she could not bear to run away. ‘Coco is suffering, and it'll only get worse if I do nothing,’ she thought.Tyson assessed the situation and quickly grasped what was happening.Emily wasted no time in lodging a complaint, addressing Tyson, "Officer, Joseph is illegally holding my dear friend hostage."Ty
Without waiting for Joseph to speak, Tyson was the first to raise his voice sternly. "What the hell do you think you're doing? Release her immediately!"The young officer was taken aback by Tyson’s yell, causing him to loosen his grip and allow Emily to escape. She covered her mouth as she spat out a tooth stained with blood.Chloe felt overwhelmed with guilt at the sight before her. Fortunately, they were in the hospital. Her almond eyes lacked their usual warmth and her voice was devoid of emotion as she said to Joseph, "Open the door. I'm taking Em to see a doctor."Joseph was unaccustomed to the way she looked at him—indifferent and icy—as if she were looking at a stranger. "I'll get Lucas to take her. You stay here."Chloe's heart sank, and her pupils dilated in disbelief. Joseph's response stabbed at her like a dagger. It was incomprehensible to her. "My friend is injured, and I want to accompany her to see a doctor. And all of this is because of you, yet you want to deprive
Emily lost one of her front teeth, and the dental department chief suggested, "The front teeth are an important part of a person's appearance and should be carefully restored. I recommend getting a dental implant. I suggest going to the hospital on Southgate Street. They have a dedicated department for dental care, and their facilities are superior to ours.""Thank you, doctor..." Emily's speech was affected by her missing tooth, resulting in a lisp that was both amusing and pitiful.A barely perceptible furrow appeared on Joseph's brow. "Lucas, take her there. I’ll cover the expenses."Lucas nodded sympathetically, feeling sorry for Emily's predicament. Losing a tooth must be painful."I don't want your money! Stop pretending!" Emily retorted, displaying no interest in his offer.She chided herself for her naivety. When she first discovered Joseph the scumbag and Xavia had a one-night stand, she should have distanced Chloe from him. If she had not forgiven him, Chloe would not ha
Lucas did not hesitate and guessed what she wanted to say in a second. "Are you asking me to let you go, Ms. Chloe?"Chloe was taken aback for a moment. "Not exactly, but it's related to that." She was alone and could not just sit here and wait for Noah to save her. Tomorrow was the day of the abortion, and she was filled with fear."I'm sorry, but I can't help you," Lucas firmly declined. He was loyal to Mr. Joseph, having worked with him since graduation. Though he was kept busy and had been exhausted every day for all these years, the knowledge and opportunities he had gained were thanks to Mr. Joseph's support. He could not bring himself to bite the hand that feeds him.Chloe's eyes dimmed. This outcome was within her expectations. "Then can you tell me where Icarus is now and how he's doing?"‘If what Joseph said was true, there might be no evidence to prove her innocence.’Lucas hesitated before responding, "I was waiting outside that day and didn't witness what happened ins
After Chloe returned to the hospital with Joseph, she anxiously awaited the passage of time. At 10 the following morning, a nurse entered the room and said, "Please step outside for a moment."Chloe trembled, tightly holding on to the fruit knife hidden behind her back as she nervously asked, "Are you going to perform the surgery on me?""No, it's just for a check-up. You’re being discharged."Chloe was taken aback. It was not until she walked out of the hospital with Lucas and the sunlight bathed her, providing a warm and comforting embrace, did she come around. She felt a glimmer of vitality as if she had been reborn."Ms. Chloe, please get in," Lucas said to her."What about Joseph?""Mr. Joseph is busy. I’m taking you to the villa so that you can rest."Chloe was taken aback by the response. "So I don’t have to do the surgery?”"Mr. Joseph didn't tell me the specifics, but it seems that you don't need the surgery now."According to the original plan, the surgery was schedu
Crimson Oasis of Aesper was a renowned nightclub bustling with people from all walks of life, each with their own unique character. Led by a waiter, Joseph made his way to the entrance of a private VIP room."The gentleman has arrived," announced the two guards stationed at the entrance, one of them holding onto a black bowler hat reminiscent of those worn during funerals."Mr. Joseph, this is a gift from Mr. Otto—" the man began, but his words were cut short as the man behind Joseph delivered a forceful slap across his face. "Fuck! Who do you think you are? I'll send you to your grave!"The guard was instantly hurled against the wall, and the hat in his hand conveniently landed on the head of his companion. Lucas raised his thumbs at Vince Fiersen in admiration. "Bro, you truly live up to your name. You’re fearsome and formidable."Mr. Joseph always brought this man to such occasions. With his towering height of 1.9 meters and weight of 190 kilograms, Vince truly commanded attenti
"Maybe I've been aware of your so-called lead for quite some time now."Otto replied with confidence, sneering, "That's impossible."While Fairlight may hold some influence in the business world, it lacked Duskfall’s extensive reach and connections. The only organization that could rival Duskfall was Imperium. Joseph may have sought the assistance of someone affiliated with Imperium for tracking and investigation.The nature of Imperium was akin to Duskfall. Though Imperium was a relatively new organization established just two years ago, it had grown rapidly."Tsk." Joseph settled into the plush leather sofa, casually swirling the wine in his glass. He unbuttoned his suit jacket, revealing a sleek black silk shirt that accentuated his handsome yet dangerous demeanor. "Whatever Duskfall uncovers, I’m capable of discovering as well.""Do you think I’d believe you?""Whether you believe me or not is entirely up to you," Joseph replied, motioning for Otto to come closer. "But I have