Joseph's expression turned icy. "Get me the phone."*Noah and Chloe were at a food alley near his school. They were hashing out future entrepreneurial plans at Estre for the next few years.Chloe listened attentively and was interested in all he had to say. She felt him an excellent business partner, and based on her current understanding of him, he was rich, responsible, and had a strong background. All these attributes were rare to find in one person.This was her first time establishing her own business and she felt inexperienced and not very confident. She did not want to become a burden to others. "That's all I can think of at the moment. Do you have any good ideas?" Noah looked at Chloe tenderly.Chloe was about to say something when his phone rang. She smiled and said, "Go ahead and answer it."Noah went to a corner to answer the call. He put his phone to his ear. "Grandpa? I'm in a business discussion … You're back? Okay, I’ll be home in a bit… But I can't leave now, G
Desmond’s gray brows furrowed as he sighed and did not deny this. "She's Joseph's wife.""Grandpa, they divorced a long time ago. It's the twenty-first century now. What's wrong with me trying to gain the heart of the woman I like?" Although Noah did not want Chloe to return to the Sullivan family with Joseph's child, he could not do anything to wrong her."Her disgrace makes it hard for her to be a part of Sullivans. As your grandfather I need to consider certain things.”Noah was the grandson of Desmond's friend, and that friend had entrusted Noah to him more than ten years ago. Desmond felt responsible for looking after Noah. Marriage was a big issue, and he could not let Noah take the wrong path out of ignorance. As an elder, he admitted that he did not hate Chloe. He pitied her, but it was impossible for her to marry Noah.Noah looked at Desmond and asked seriously, "If Chloe was your granddaughter, will you still think of her as a disgrace?" Desmond was taken aback. Reconsi
Chloe thought that he was dissatisfied, so she pouted and offered, "I’ll post a public apology on the Internet and admit that this is all my fault given our past relationship. And none of it has nothing to do with you or Xavia. I'm just reaping what I’ve sown. Will that be enough?"She would do anything as long as he was willing to let her go. Even if she had to say that she had cheated on him, she would do it. She was too exhausted to continue arguing with him over what was right. She was ready to accept her loss in this battle.A coldness enveloped Joseph. For the first time, he realized that a gentle woman like Chloe was capable of such harsh words. She could not be bothered to struggle anymore. He closed his eyes briefly before grasping her chin and forcing her to look at him."So you're okay with ruining your public image just to break up with me?" he questioned.Chloe rolled her eyes and laughed bitterly. "No one wishes to slander themselves. I’ve just decided to go with it s
"Just go and think about my offer. I'm willing to cooperate."Before Joseph could react, Chloe went to the bedroom and crawled into bed. Her breathing soon evened out as if she had fallen asleep. Joseph stood at the doorway and watched her rising and falling back for a long time. He wanted to tell her that he never intended to push her away. He had been angry with her but he never intended to harm her. Unexpectedly, Chloe told him that his neverending suspicion and the choices he made had chiseled away her feelings until there was nothing left.Love was selfish and was a game meant for only two people.*Samuel took on a case for the Whitman Group, so he came to the villa to discuss the details with Joseph. As they spoke, he sensed that his friend was not himself. As he gazed at Joseph, he sincerely hoped to help resolve the situation and asked Joseph about his woes. He found that he had no remedy for the situation as he did not understand love. He then decided to call on Nathan,
The following day, the three men left the house one after another until Chloe was the only one left in the spacious house. She had expected to be confined to the room once again, but to her surprise, she was given the freedom to move around so long as she allowed the bodyguards to accompany her. She could not comprehend Joseph's sudden change in behavior and did not understand why he was acting so differently. Now, she was allowed to use her phone and even had a video chat with Emily for a while."How about I come to visit you? I'm on vacation and have nothing to do."Chloe hesitated, "You want to come to the villa?""Yeah. It must be boring for you to be all alone. It’d be kind of awkward to meet outside with all those bodyguards trailing behind us. If we stroll around town with all those guards protecting us, people might think we're the daughters of some mafia boss.”"Okay, do come over then." Chloe calculated the time, estimating that Joseph would not be back for at least ano
Emily was stunned, and she unconsciously reached up to rub her ears."What did you say?"Was Joseph truly this generous?"If you're a fan of Master Zaman, you can have them all. They're just taking up space here." Joseph said, turning to address Lucas who stood behind him. "Help her move the artwork in the basement."Lucas nodded and proceeded toward the basement to move the pieces.Joseph put on his shoes at the entrance and turned his gaze toward the bewildered Emily. He paused for a moment and continued, "I acted impulsively at the hospital last week.”After some time, Emily realized that Joseph was apologizing to her. Feeling guilty about taking the statue without permission, she followed suit and accepted his apology. "It’s fine, I accept your apology..."Joseph's deep eyes shifted toward the direction of the bedroom. "Spend more time with Chloe when you have the chance. I’m sure she gets bored being here alone.”Emily did not like hearing this. "Why don't you set her free t
Chloe stared at Joseph, her expression filled with mixed emotions. Thinking she was touched by his gesture, Joseph hurriedly explained, "I invested in their brand because I noticed how much you liked it. There's a newly opened store next to the Johnson Group."Just then, a message from Emily popped up on Chloe's phone.[Guess what? I snooped around, and guess what I found? That scumbag Joseph opened a franchise store for you two, and get this, it's called J&C! The initials of your names!]Chloe was at a loss for words.Joseph cleared his throat. "The brand added that as a gesture of gratitude.""Joseph, just stop trying."His heart sank. "What's wrong?""I won't forgive you," Chloe finally spoke the words that had been weighing heavily on her chest. Her eyes, devoid of any sparkle, remained as calm as still water. A shattered mirror could never be repaired, just like how she would never be able to trust him again.Marriage was supposed to be a lifelong commitment, yet their fir
Joseph lowered his gaze and noticed Chloe's reddened eyes. She resembled a small rabbit, her eyes glistened with tears, a few shimmering droplets clinging to her curly lashes. It was a sight that would soften any man's heart and ignite a strong desire to comfort her."Why are you crying?" He hurriedly wiped away her tears, a deep distress evident in his expression. He could not fathom what could have caused her to shed tears. He had not mistreated her. What could be the reason behind her sorrow?"Don't touch me." Chloe slapped his hand away. She hastily wiped her tears and adamantly refused to acknowledge him.Joseph sighed. His hand hung in the air for a moment before gently patting her back, attempting to offer solace. Slowly, Chloe regained control of her emotions and the tears ceased. She turned her gaze toward the window, feeling a wave of drowsiness wash over her. With heavy eyelids, she succumbed to sleep. Joseph remained by her side, eventually dozing off himself.Before lo