"Are you okay?" Joseph asked while checking Chloe. He was worried that she might have been grazed or hit by the bus."I'm fine. Thank you," Chloe replied flatly. "Who pushed you?" Joseph asked as he glared at Xavia coldly. Although he had not seen the person who pushed Chloe, it was impossible for a person to suddenly fall without an external force."I have no idea," Chloe replied softly as she stepped out of his embrace. She turned around and approached Xavia. "But besides you, there was no one else who could’ve done it."The harrowing incident had left Chloe’s complexion pale, and her bangs were dampened with a thin layer of sweat. She looked a little afraid, yet the eerie gleam in her eyes showed that she was wholly p*ssed.Fear gripped Xavia as she took a step back. While she might have been able to handle Chloe, things were different when Joseph was here."Trying to run away now?" Chloe grabbed Xavia’s wrist and chuckled. "It's too late."In the next second, she grabbed
Chloe narrowed her eyes. Xavia did not look like she was pretending. The first trimester of pregnancy was the hardest period. When the mother was agitated or hurt, it was likely that something would happen to the baby. Chloe had wanted to give Xavia a lesson, not harm the innocent baby.Without sparing Xavia another glance, Joseph whisked Chloe and Jasper away to his car.Chloe's gaze remained fixed on Xavia through the window until the driver of Xavia’s car got out and pulled her into the car. Chloe felt as if someone was watching her, but the car’s window was heavily tinted, and she could not see inside."Are you an idiot?" Otto hissed, "Not only did you fail to get the little b*stard, but you also almost got yourself killed. If anything happens to the baby in your womb, my father will kick you out of Duskfall." Xavia trembled and regained some sense. Her hands trembled as she placed them over her abdomen. Feeling pain that was getting stronger with each passing second, she pa
Chloe's jaw dropped in astonishment as she stared at Jasper's innocent expression. She quickly composed herself and patiently asked, "That’s a romance movie. Can you even understand it?""I can. Good movies aren't limited by genre.""But you're still a kid. It might not be suitable for you."Jasper was just five years old. There was no way he could understand love and relationships."I want to watch it for the storyline, not anything else. Please, Ms. Chloe. There aren't any children's movies playing right now. Just think of it as me accompanying you and Daddy to watch a movie. I'm sure it'll be nice," Jasper said.Despite his reasons, Chloe still felt awkward about taking a child to see a romance movie. More importantly, she had no clue how to set the stage for them to reunite if they were to watch such a movie.Joseph, on the other hand, had no such concerns. He understood Jasper's intentions and instructed the driver to head to the nearest movie theater.'Second Time in Love,
The movie had the typical tropes of a romance movie tailored for young adults.The main characters started dating in high school and then were faced with the challenges of a long-distance relationship during college, leading to misunderstandings and separation. After graduating, they reunited in the city they were working in. Even before the movie reached its ending, Chloe could guess that the protagonists would reconcile and everyone would live happily ever after.Finding the plot somewhat dull, Joseph leaned to the side slightly, gazing at Chloe's cheek through the corner of his eyes. Under the lights of the screen, her face appeared radiant and the tiny fine hairs on it were just visible.To avoid disappointing Jasper, Chloe was forcing herself to focus on the movie, appearing like an obedient and attentive child. Joseph had the urge to reach out and caress her face."Why have you been staring at me?" Chloe asked. She had noticed Joseph's intense gaze a long time ago.Busted, J
"Some other time. I'm very busy at the moment," Chloe said as she took Jasper's hand and headed toward the exit. "Mind the steps. Don't trip.""Okay. You be careful too, Ms. Chloe," Jasper replied.When they left the theater, they were met with the evening rush hour. The roads were congested.Chloe nervously picked at her fingernails. It was time to tell Jasper the truth. "Jas, do you like me?"Jasper was caught off guard by this question. His face turned red with embarrassment and he nodded. "Yes, I do."After Joseph and Harold, Chloe was his favorite person. Chloe's eyes sparkled with joy. She felt relieved. "And do you miss the days when Xavia was your mom?" she asked.She was not confident that Jasper would accept her instantly. After all, the one who had been with him for the past five years and assumed the role of his mother was Xavia. Even though the relationship between Jasper and Xavia was strained at the moment, it did not mean he could accept another woman as his m
Chloe noticed the sadness in Jasper’s eyes, and her heart ached in response. He must have endured much unfair treatment though he was just a child.Joseph nodded and said, "Yes, but it indirectly proves something else."Jasper looked up and asked, "What does it prove?""Every mother loves her child. In other words, Xavia isn't your real mother.""Really?" Jasper found this incredible, even though he fully trusted Joseph’s words. Suddenly, the boy realized something. His eyes went wide as he stared at Chloe. "Yes, I’ve found evidence," Joseph said as he took out the paternity test report and unfolded it in front of Jasper. "Chloe is your real mother. Back then, I made a mistake and misunderstood her, which gave Xavia a chance to break us apart. I'm sorry about that. Can you forgive me?"Joseph appeared aloof, but he had a strong sense of responsibility. He was willing to admit his mistakes.Tears welled up in Jasper's eyes as he stared at Chloe. In a tone verging on sobbing, he
Joseph raised an eyebrow and asked, "Do you have enough time?""Yes, I do. I've already self-studied the entire primary school curriculum, so there's no need to worry about my studies. Besides, I’d be wasting my time otherwise," Jasper replied, his eyes glowing as he meticulously laid out his plans like an adult.He knew he had to grow up quickly, and good grades alone would not cut it. Being part of a wealthy family gave him access to more resources, and now that he had a clear goal, he would give it his all."Okay," Joseph said. He glanced at the time. "Let's start today.""Okay, Daddy.""I'll have Vince take you.""But isn't Mr. Vince on vacation?""He's about done. It's time for him to come back," Joseph said calmly as he called Vince.Thirty minutes later, Vince arrived in a black RV. His complexion had improved significantly, and he seemed to be in good spirits, looking robust and lively.Joseph gave him a once over and asked, "Can you get Zoelle to meet with us?"Vince
The smile on Zoelle's face faded as she scoffed. "Why should I feel shy? Was it me who entered the women's locker or me who fed you some kind of drug?""I'm not that kind of person! That was an accident! I didn't mean to do it!" Vince had been a virgin. He could not have his image tarnished in this way!Zoelle crossed her arms and sneered as she silently stared at Vince.Vince felt embarrassed and lowered his head. It occurred to him that Zoelle had a point. Even though she was seductive, she was not the one who started things. "So, what should we do? Do you want me to take responsibility for you?" Vince asked. In his perspective, a man should be loyal to a woman and make her his wife after sleeping with her. Otherwise, he would be considered a bad guy.Zoelle froze for a moment before bursting into laughter. She leaned in, their breaths mingling as they got closer.Vince's face, tanned from his rigorous training, was flushed red. He evaded her gaze and stuttered, "Wh-What a