Emily was half a head shorter than Chloe, so Joseph could effortlessly look past her head and into the room.There were many empty seats, and Chloe was nowhere to be seen. She most likely had gone home already.Withdrawing his gaze, Joseph said in a low, deep voice, "I'm sorry. I think I made a mistake.""It's okay." Emily nodded, unsurprised by his response.*Lucas was already waiting in the driver's seat. When he saw Joseph, he grabbed an umbrella and got out to greet him. As he drew closer, he noticed that Joseph was already holding an umbrella of his own.Without overthinking it, Lucas assumed that it must have been given to him by one of the business partners who saw that it was raining outside.After forty minutes, Joseph arrived home and punched in the password to enter the living room. His attention was immediately drawn to a pair of damp women's sports shoes resting in the hallway, causing him to furrow his brows.'Did she choose to brave the rain rather than wait for
Their eyes met as they lay facing each in the bed.Joseph furrowed his brows, equally confused as to how he ended up in Chloe’s bed. Before he could even begin to explain, she cut in quickly, "It wasn't me! I don't know how you ended up in my bed. And we're both fully clothed, so don't scold me!"Joseph could not help but sneer at her frantic attempts to diffuse the situation."Hah, now you know how to behave like a cultured lady?"Chloe pouted and replied, "I’ve always been a cultured lady…""Don't push it," Joseph replied.Determined to defend herself, Chloe insisted, "This is all because of you. When you meet someone you like, you naturally break all your principles."She could not help but commend herself for how skilled she was at flirting and saying sweet nothings.As the tension between them eased, Joseph languidly buttoned up his shirt, his every gesture oozing with seduction. A blush crept up Chloe's face, and she bent down to search for her shoes.Perhaps because she
Chloe was not lying. Even with light makeup, it was apparent that her complexion was not too great."Let's go," said Joseph calmly.Chloe was surprised that he agreed so readily. It seemed to her that he had become a little friendlier to her since the day she dropped her towel in an attempt to seduce him.She got into the car’s passenger seat. She pulled out her phone and opened the navigation app to input the destination—Baxon."No need for GPS. I know the way," Joseph said."Oh, okay."Baxon was a financial company. Since Joseph worked in the financial industry, it was normal for him to know about their location.After driving for a while, Chloe's boss called her on the phone. She did not put the call on speaker, but the two were close enough for Joseph to hear their conversation."Chloe, have you considered the proposal I mentioned about discussing bidding resources with the executive from Fairlight?" he asked.Joseph glanced at her as she answered.Chloe did not notice hi
Joseph grabbed the tissue and vigorously wiped his face. Annoyingly, Chloe's lipstick would not come off no matter how hard he tried to rub it off.It was Lucas who came up with a smart solution. He ran out to buy a bottle of makeup remover, which finally did the trick.As a result, Joseph had a dark expression on his face throughout the meeting with the high-level executives. His imposing aura made him look like a demon from the depths of hell, and everyone was so intimidated that they barely said a word.After the meeting ended, Joseph asked Jack to stay behind.Ten minutes later, Jack walked out of the meeting room, completely puzzled as to why he had been transferred to a different position for no apparent reason...*In the afternoon, Chloe's superior seemed to be in a foul mood and was snapping at everyone. Her colleagues avoided him like the plague, afraid of getting caught in the crossfire."What's wrong with him?" Chloe asked the secretary as she went to the pantry to g
"It's been so long that I can’t remember." Miles let out a few fake smiles. "Let me check my files at the office tomorrow and contact you then." Chloe was confused, "Didn't you contact my father last month?"So how could he forget so quickly?Upon hearing her question, Miles's voice turned harsh as he said, "I'm busy with work.""Then let's exchange numbers so that I can contact you directly if necessary. It's better to lock in a date for the asset handover."Miles did not want to exchange his number with Chloe, but she insisted.On the way home, Chloe kept thinking about Miles. She felt that his reaction was very strange—like he did not want to deal with her.*In the courtyard of her home, Toto rushed up to Chloe the moment she returned, wagging its tail wildly in greeting."Are you hungry, Toto? Let me get you some food.""Woof, woof, woof!Chloe walked to Toto's doghouse and found that the food bowl was full.Behind her, Joseph stood with his arms crossed, and his tone
"What engagement party?" Joseph asked, his voice thick with confusion.Chloe blinked, wondering what was going on.'Has Jake not told him yet? Maybe they just confirmed the date and Ava couldn't wait to show off to me.’'"It's nothing. Just a friend's engagement party this weekend. Will you go with me?" Chloe asked with a sheepish smile.Joseph responded bluntly, "I have a business trip.He had no time to attend such a party with her."Okay, well, go and come back early. Make sure to eat on time when you're out, and if there's nothing urgent, go to bed early. Goodbye and goodnight."Joseph stared at her. It seemed to him that she wanted him to leave as soon as possible.The veins on his forehead began to bulge and he raised his hand to stop the door from closing. He said in a low voice, "I've looked into Fairlight for you. Jack has already been transferred."Chloe raised her eyebrows and smiled brightly, "I know, but I still want to say thank you.""And your job…""It's not
Narrowing his eyes, Joseph pinched her cheek."You’re such an idiot," he remarked.Chloe believed that he was unfamiliar with the area since he had just returned to the country, so she took it upon herself to explain, "Fairlight is located in Dixie Center. I didn't make a mistake."It was he who was the idiot.Joseph remained silent, a hint of inscrutability crossing his gaze. Chloe stared into his deep and unfathomable eyes, feeling as though she was peering into an abyss.Suddenly, something flashed through her mind, but she could not quite grasp it. She thought carefully, but could not catch the passing thought.*It was hot in the afternoon. Chloe joined her coworkers for a quick lunch break downstairs before returning to her desk. As she pulled out her phone to check her messages, she realized that Miles had not responded to her morning message even after five hours.While contemplating whether to call him, she scrolled through her Facebook feed and noticed that although h
The security guard was efficient and soon let Chloe in.From inside the car, she watched as Adam helped Ava up and she leaned into his embrace.Chloe deliberately waited for a moment, observing coldly as both of them exchanged numbers. She only came out of her car once Ava had left.Having previously worked on a similar project abroad, the discussions went smoothly and the plan was quickly settled upon. When she emerged from Patterson, it was already time to clock out.Since Joseph was away on a business trip, Chloe made some simple tuna sandwiches for dinner. She placed the plates of sandwiches on the table and took a photo before sending it to Joseph.[Jojo, I don't feel like eating without you around. This is all I’m having for dinner tonight.]Joseph was attending a meeting overseas and felt his phone sitting on the table vibrate. The presenter paused mid-sentence and looked up at him, silently seeking approval to continue.Joseph did not lift his head, keeping his gaze fixe
After Chloe calmed herself, she realized that the place she was in resembled the villa she lived in while overseas five years ago. However, upon closer inspection, the exterior scenery was different. She realized something and froze."Did you build a villa identical to the one I stayed in five years ago?" she asked.Noah was busy bandaging himself. Upon hearing her question, he replied, "Yeah, doesn't it look almost identical?"Chloe's gaze swept over every item in the room, and she admitted that she was touched. She turned back to Noah and looked at him gently as if she had returned to the time when she simply treated him as a little brother."How did you convince Tiffany to cooperate with you?"Tiffany had made her move while Noah distracted Desmond."I just told her about it, and she agreed."Chloe asked, "Do you think you’re treating her fairly?"Noah said flatly, "I’ll compensate her."Compensate? How? Chloe thought that youth was the most precious thing in the world, but
In the Whitman family home, Joseph went to deal with a bunch of urgent company matters after putting Jasper to sleep. By the time he finished, it was already past three in the morning. He contemplated calling Chloe to ask about Noah's situation, but thinking it might disrupt her sleep, he abandoned the idea.When Joseph woke up the next day, it was already half past six. He recalled Chloe mentioning that Exotic Star had a new product launching today and that she would have to wake up early. He reached for his phone on the table, intending to call her.However, his hand slipped and the phone fell to the floor. The loud thud caused his heart to tremble. He stared at the shattered phone screen as he got a bad feeling. He grabbed his spare phone and quickly dialed Chloe's number. After ringing for some time, a cold, mechanical voice informed him that there was no one available to answer at the moment. Without hesitation, he immediately headed to the Sullivan Manor. When Joseph got ther
“Yes, Grandpa, and I hope you won't stop me when the time comes," Noah said. "You're not discussing this with me. You're just informing me!" Desmond said exasperatedly. "I'm sorry, Grandpa.”Desmond hemmed and hawed for a long while, at a loss for words. He seemed to age ten years as he stared into the distance through the window. After a while, he said, "I've already had someone contact doctors abroad regarding your condition, so don't worry. All you have to do now is just focus on recovering. Don't give up so soon."Sensing Desmond's determination, Noah's eyes filled with tears. He too wished to spend a few more years with his grandfather.When they arrived at the Sullivan manor, the foreign doctors had replied. Upon learning that the renowned healer, Z, had treated Noah but only achieved limited success, they decided not to intervene.Noah was not discouraged by this. He comforted Desmond and said, "Grandpa, I would like to go abroad for a few days. It's been a long time sin
Half an hour later, Desmond and Noah walked out of the ward together.Desmond said, "The doctor told you to stay in the hospital for a few more days, so why don't you just listen? If something happens to you again, they can treat you immediately."Noah smiled warmly and said, "It's okay. The medical equipment at home is sufficient."Desmond sighed. It would be good if Noah stayed at home as well. At least there would be more pairs of eyes on him.Desmond instructed the driver to come to the hospital’s basement car park. When he hung up the phone, he looked around the corridor and wondered, "Wasn't Chloe just sitting here? Where is she?"Noah did not say anything and just lowered his head."And where's Tiffany too? Call her. We need to go home," Desmond said as he took his phone out to call Chloe.However, Chloe did not answer his call. Noah did not call Tiffany. Instead, he said, "Her brother had something to discuss with her, so he came by and brought her home. Maybe Chloe ha
Chloe looked at Tiffany and said sarcastically, "Not everyone is willing to contribute their entire life knowing that the other person doesn't like them."Tiffany had a heart problem. She might die at any moment, yet she chose to live around someone who did not love her back. Chloe often marveled at the greatness of love, but she would never possess such a sacrificial spirit.Tiffany laughed coldly. "It’s because I have compassion and you don't. When Xavia died before your eyes, you just coldly stared at her body."Chloe raised her head sharply, glared at Tiffany, and shouted at the top of her lungs, "Xavia took my child, stole my man, and wrecked my marriage! She nearly got me killed several times! If she hadn’t died, it might have been me! I should've celebrated her death with fireworks! None of you know what I've been through, so stop pointing fingers at me!"At first, she had felt responsible for Xavia's death, but she had since come to her senses. Xavia's death had nothing to
Desmond was taken aback that he even forgot his cane and almost tripped on the carpet. He quickly got back up and headed for the second floor. The butler immediately called for an ambulance while the other housekeepers guided the panicked guests away.Chloe furrowed her brows, following Desmond into Noah's bedroom. The curtains were drawn tightly, blocking out all light. But just standing at the door, one could detect the strong scent of rust from inside.A helper flipped a switch, and the room was flooded with light. The wooden furniture was neatly arranged while neatly folded clothes sat on the sofa.Chloe looked around but did not see Noah. She then looked toward the bathroom and her face sank.Tiffany pointed to the bathroom and said, "He's in there."Desmond trembled as he pushed open the bathroom door. Inside was a mess, with red stains covering the floor. Noah was in the bathtub, his wet clothes clinging to his body. His arms hung limply over the tub's edge, and his head sl
Chloe did not know how to answer."Say something. You wanted her dead, right? Are you happy now that she is dead?!” Kenneth shouted angrily at her, his eyes bloodshot and his gaze piercing.He was so loud that it drew the attention of many nearby. Callum and Joseph rushed over, and Joseph shielded Chloe behind him. He pushed Kenneth back several steps and said sternly, "Never speak of that woman in front of Chloe again. Otherwise, there'll be consequences!""Hah! Are you protecting a murderer?" Kenneth laughed. "Oh yeah, you’re both responsible for Xavia's death after all."Smack!Callum slapped Kenneth across the face, instantly silencing him. "Get a grip, Ken! Xavia deserved to die. Stop embarrassing yourself in front of Chloe.”Kenneth held his face as he muttered, "Yeah, you're right… Xavia should’ve died. She was evil. She deceived and took advantage of me… She should die..."Then why was he so tormented over her death? He could not sleep or eat. He knew Xavia deserved th
Joseph frowned. "Of course not. Her death has nothing to do with you. Promise me you won’t think such thoughts."The unexpected turn of events caught both Chloe and him off guard. Xavia clearly wanted to haunt Chloe forever by killing herself in front of her. Although he felt shocked, he was not deeply shaken. After all, he had not witnessed Xavia's jump, and Xavia probably thought that the third floor was not enough to kill her. After all, being in the hospital for treatment was better than being detained by the police.Chloe looked at Joseph with vacant eyes and smiled bitterly. "You're right. It’s good that she's finally dead. She got what she deserved, and I should be happy," she said."Exactly. Even if she didn't jump, the police would’ve arrested her," Joseph said gently, "It's my fault for asking you to buy us some time. If she comes back as a ghost to haunt you, I'll stop her."Joseph, Tyson, and a few officers had arrived just moments after Xavia jumped. He had brought a g
Everyone erupted into gasps. As a deafening crash came from below, the staff scattered. Some ran downstairs to try and rescue Iris. Some who had rushed to the windows shouted anxiously, "She's still alive!"Everyone around Chloe was running as her mind was filled with an endless ringing. The whole world became a blur. She never imagined that things would end like this. The meeting hall was on the third floor. It was not too high, but it could be fatal if one were to land on their head. Everyone's accusatory gaze fell on Chloe, and the crowd started to murmur."Damn, how could she do this to Iris? Do you think she’ll be haunted by nightmares tonight?""Yeah, why does she insist that Iris is Xavia?""What if Iris dies? Won’t Ms. Chloe indirectly become a murderer?""Do you think Iris will come for revenge in the middle of the night when she dies?"Something inside Chloe snapped, and she shouted, "It wasn't me! What she did has nothing to do with me!"Her outburst silenced the ro