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
When Otto saw Vanya, he noticed her broken leg, pale complexion, and the multitude of injuries that marred her body. Her already slender frame appeared even more emaciated than usual, resembling a bag of bones.Vanya’s eyes landed on Otto. A faint change flickered across her face, revealing a glimmer of hope. He unconsciously looked away, avoiding eye contact with her.Vince fetched a chair and positioned it beside his employer. Joseph, donning a black overcoat, wore a cold and stern countenance. As always, he emanated an air of superiority.Silence prevailed between the two parties.Clad in a padded jacket, Vince resembled a formidable Tibetan Mastiff. His gaze fixed fiercely on Otto as he demanded, "Where's the money?""My father says to consider Vanya a gift," Otto retorted, “A worthless person holds little value in Duskfall.”As the words fell, Vanya's head snapped up and her pupils dilated. In a voice hoarse from thirst, she shouted, "That's impossible! Cyrus would never tre
“Sir, will this woman really appreciate us for doing this?"Joseph's gaze swept dismissively over Vanya, her disheveled appearance resembling a drowned rat. "We don't need her gratitude. We only have to ignite the hatred in her heart." As an insider of Duskfall, Vanya possessed valuable knowledge that Joseph was determined to extract. He would not allow her to die without revealing the secrets she held, for her demise would be in vain otherwise.*Chloe had slept for an extended period of time. When she opened her eyes, it was already dark outside. She reached out and felt the empty space beside her. It was devoid of warmth, signaling that Joseph had departed long ago. She went downstairs to have her meal, but halfway through it, Patrick arrived."Heat up this lentil soup.""Fetch me the woolen sweater Mr. Harold left in the basement.”Patrick swiftly assigned tasks to the helpers, gesturing for them to hasten their efforts. They obediently set about their assigned duties witho
Eustace remained silent for what felt like an eternity, suspending Xavia in a state of unease. She cautiously called out to him once more, her voice filled with uncertainty, "Eustace, are you there?""What do you want?""I want to talk to you. Can we meet? Do you have time to meet up?" Xavia felt a glimmer of hope upon hearing his reply."Are you coming to kill me again?""No, you've misunderstood me... I just want a chance to explain everything properly. I was coerced into it..." Xavia pretended to choke up, inserting a hint of desperation and sorrow into her voice."Are you being forced to climb into Joseph's bed too?""Umm..." Xavia's sobbing intensified as she struggled to find the right words. "Please. Let's not discuss this over the phone. I’m begging you to hear me out in person. I'll explain everything—the whole story and its cause and effect.""I'll consider it."Xavia grew impatient. It used to be him who longed for her attention. He was her devoted follower. But now,
Chloe remained silent. She was unsure if Joseph had deliberately planned this and lacked any evidence to support her doubts. After finishing the whole ice cream, her teeth ached from the cold. Noticing her discomfort, Joseph thoughtfully handed her a thermos cup filled with warm water. She eagerly drank more than half of it, finding relief from the discomfort in her mouth.After returning to the villa, Joseph lingered for a short while before hurrying off to the office. Chloe did not go upstairs to take a nap. She sat on the sofa in the living room and waited anxiously. Patrick arrived just as the clock on the wall struck one. Her eyebrows went up as a visible expression of joy dawned on her face. "Patrick!"He smiled warmly and waved in response. Chloe wasted no time and followed him out of the villa. As they entered the yard, the bodyguards made no attempt to intervene, allowing Chloe to calmly get into the car Patrick had arranged.Patrick stood by the car and held the door ope
After Eustace left, Xavia stood in the courtyard and shivered from the cold. Refusing to let him have his way, she tightened her collar and followed after him.Harold was standing inside the room next door when Xavia passed by. She caught a glimpse of him and felt a sense of familiarity. Curiosity got the better of her and she halted her steps. She gently pushed the door open to take a closer look, but before she could see clearly, Harold raised his cane and swung it toward her.Xavia narrowly dodged the hit, but her movements were restricted due to her pregnancy and she got hit on the arm. She let out a sharp scream of pain and was left stunned when she fixed her gaze on Harold. ‘What?! How was this decrepit thing still alive?!'"That child in your womb isn't Joseph's! How dare you deceive all of us, you vile witch!" He had sensed that something was amiss long ago but had not managed to find any evidence. However, everything was now crystal clear. Xavia had actively sowed disco
Chloe anxiously recounted the events to Joseph. "I asked the staff, and they said there are no surveillance cameras inside to protect their customer’s privacy. Hurry up and call the police. I'll stay with Grandpa."Joseph's expression was grim as he said, "I already called the police. They went to the restaurant to secure the crime scene and gather evidence. Did you notice anyone acting suspiciously?""No..." Chloe replied."Why didn't you tell me that you were meeting him?" Joseph asked. "I was worried that you wouldn't agree. Besides, you didn't tell me that he's still alive." Joseph glanced at Amelia and pulled Chloe aside. Staring at her, he said in a serious tone, "I just don't want you to get into a dangerous situation. That's why I didn't tell you about it."He did not want her to get entangled in the same situation as he was, where dangers lurked around every corner.Chloe smirked. "You just don't trust me, do you?"Joseph was stumped. He now understood why people alw