Joseph nonchalantly looked up and said, "Come in then. Are you afraid I'll gobble you up or something?"Chloe remained vigilant and remained by the door. "Didn’t you ask me to cook? How can I do that here?""Why not?"Impatiently, she retorted, "This is a cafe."Joseph reached for the curtain behind him and lifted it, revealing a small antique-styled stove complete with vegetables and meat."...I don't know how to use that." Chloe sighed in frustration."The appliances here are all modern," Callum said, "He didn't call you here to cook. He's just teasing you."Chloe looked puzzled. "If I'm not here to cook, then I’m going to leave. Please be clearer next time. I'm not obligated to accompany you two for idle chatter."Today had been a tiring affair for Chloe, handling two gigs in one night. All she wanted was to wind down while playing some board games with her colleagues."We have serious business to discuss," Joseph said as he poured a cup of hot tea and placed it in front of
"No, I swear that’s not what I meant." She simply smiled in return, not believing in him in the slightest.Callum felt helpless and turned to look at Joseph. Chloe was overly cautious. She was nothing like her mother, and he had no idea how to get close to her.Joseph did not want to get involved. His own relationship with Chloe was strained. If she learned of his true connection to Callum, she might resent him even more. However, he found it difficult to ignore Callum's cue.After a few seconds of contemplation, he said, "In terms of blood relations, you are Mr. Callum’s daughter. But morally speaking, he never raised you or fulfilled his fatherly responsibilities. However, you can look at the bigger picture.”Meeting Joseph's gaze, Chloe said calmly, "So you want me to compromise and gain benefits from the relationship?"Joseph did not respond or refute. Instead, he took a puff of his cigarette and listened attentively.Chloe took a deep breath. She did not want to waste time
The housekeeper did not know what happened, but seeing how angry Callum was, he nodded respectfully and went to do his bidding.At half past ten in the evening, Kenneth drove into the garage. "Mr. Callum seems to be in a bad mood. be careful and choose your words wisely, Mr. Kenneth," the housekeeper advised him.Kenneth paused in his tracks and asked, "Is it because of my sister again?" His sister was spoiled and stubborn, Even the most harmless of comments from others would upset her."Mr. Callum didn't mention anything. I think it’d be best if you talked to him.""All right."In the living room, Callum’s face sank when he saw Kenneth. He asked, "I heard you found yourself a girlfriend?" "Yes, I planned to tell you and Mom next week," Kenneth replied."Her name is Xavia?""Yes. Vee is a very gentle woman. Although we’ve only known each other for less than a month and know that she has a child, surely everyone makes mistakes. I'm not someone who cares about other people's
Blinking, Chloe asked, "A man's lover? You mean the kind I'm thinking of?""Yes. A man," Noah replied calmly. Her lips twitched, and she seemed puzzled. "Seriously? He doesn't strike me as that kind of person. How could he..."She had read some reports about Michael. He came from a wealthy family, and his journey to fame was inspirational. It was hard to believe that he would compromise himself like that.Sensing Chloe's doubt, Noah continued, "Some people are like that. You can't judge a book by its cover.""Maybe you're right." Chloe shrugged. "Xavia’s that way too." She did not hold much attachment to Michael and was simply curious about it. He was just Exotic Star's cooperative partner. If things did not work out with him, they could replace him.Noah watched Chloe return to her bedroom before heading to the bathroom to freshen up. The large mirror reflected a sophisticated and gentle young man with impeccable features and a warm, amiable demeanor. But upon closer scrutiny
Michael was attending a variety show when this news came out. His agent urgently halted the filming and pulled him backstage. "Have you offended anyone recently? Someone is out to get you.""No, I get along well with people. You know that. Who would want to target me? Are you sure you've got the right person?""Bullshit! It's all over the Internet right now!" his agent retorted. Michael was taken aback. "Let me see."He showed Michael the blurry photos and the article. Michael took a closer look and said, "Damn it! That guy isn't me!""I know it isn’t, but the guy in the photos looks similar to you. That's why I said someone has deliberately set you up. Can you remember who you offended? We need to visit and apologize to them to resolve this scandal."Dumbfounded, Michael said, "I really haven't offended anyone. Who should I apologize to?""I'll give you some time to think while I investigate who’s behind this. This news was released by several major entertainment companies sim
Chloe glanced at Lucas and then checked the time. "It's too late. I won't be going."She was unsure if Callum would be waiting there again, and she had no time to accompany him in another repentance session."There's no one else at the house. Only Mr. Harold and Mr. Jasper," Lucas said as if he knew what she was thinking. "Mr. Joseph promised that it won't be like last time."Still, Chloe insisted, "No, please make sure to schedule the cooking in advance next time. I'm busy, and I'm the Whitmans hired cook.”Lucas hesitated, knowing Joseph would punish him severely if he gave up.Refusing to waste her time, Chloe yawned and walked away."Wait, Ms. Chloe.""I already said that I won't go.""It's not about that. I just want to know if you're still in touch with Emily. If yes, can you please share with me her new number?”Chloe stopped in her tracks. She looked at Lucas curiously and asked, "Do you like Em?"Lucas was stunned for a few seconds. He had not expected such a direct
Shaking his head, Timothy said, "No, we can't do that! We can't enter my parents' room without my mommy's permission."Jasper crossed his arms in front of his chest and said, "Then I won't let you copy my answers in the final test.""What? But…my mommy’s really fierce. I'm scared.""Fine," Jasper cocked an eyebrow. "Then I’ll tell Christy tomorrow that you like her and that you've been hiding her hair ties."This tactic worked like a charm, and Timothy's face turned bright red. He stuttered, "No! Please don't tell Christy! Fine, let’s go…"With his goal achieved, Jasper’s expression softened. He patted Timothy on the shoulder and said, "I’m just curious about the drink. I won't take it without permission. We're still good friends, and you can copy my homework. I'll help you pursue Christy too."Timothy breathed a sigh of relief and patted his chest. "That's good. If my mom finds anything missing, she'll punish me. But how do we get to my house?"Jasper looked around and pulled T
Joseph turned his head and met Jasper's gaze. Seeing the gleam of expectancy in his eyes, he said, "No."Refusing to back down, Jasper pushed the glass of orange juice toward him. "It's freshly squeezed and very delicious. It'll replenish your Vitamin C."Joseph leaned back on the sofa and crossed his arms over his chest. "You’ve never been such a good son before."Jasper was stumped. He began to suspect that Joseph had noticed something. But to Chloe, she felt that Joseph was being unappreciative. After all, Jasper was offering him orange juice. All he had to do was drink it. Why make things difficult for the kid? "It's okay, Jasper. If he doesn't want to drink it, I will," she said, taking the glass from Jasper and boldly taking a few big gulps. It tasted sweet and sour, but there was an unknown flavor that lingered on her tongue. Jasper was stunned. "Ms. Chloe…"Joseph immediately stood up and took the glass from Chloe. He frowned coldly and said, "Why did you drink it?""W