Joseph looked at Chloe intently. "Should we continue digging?""Never mind, forget it," Chloe said.If there was no immediate threat, that was enough for her. The only ones pulling the strings were likely Duskfall or Xavia. She could not be bothered to dig any further, and she was about to deal with Xavia anyway.A phone buzzed, breaking the silence. It was Joseph's. Chloe found herself glancing at the screen. It was Gabriel calling."What is it, Gab?" Joseph asked as he reclined in his chair."Bethany's back," Gabriel answered.Chloe could feel his enthusiasm even through the phone.Joseph instantly sat up straight. After gaping wordlessly a few times, he finally said, "I’ll come over right now."Vince shot to his feet, thinking Duskfall was causing trouble again. "What's going on, sir?"Joseph hesitated, then finally spoke. "Bethany's back.""Bee is awake?""Yeah, though I don’t know why she didn’t give me a heads-up.""This is great news! Let's go see her!" Vince was vis
Chloe acted like she was mad, she came off more like a jealous woman.Joseph smirked and teased, "I'm a pervert with eyes only for you."Chloe did not reply. Giving him the cold shoulder, she turned around and stormed into the Sullivan manor.As he watched her disappear, Joseph fired up his car and made his way to Imperium. When he got there, an excited petite woman came running toward him.Vince trailed after her, yelling, "Take it easy! You're not fully recovered!”Ignoring him, Bethany ran up to Joseph. She glowed as said, "It’s been a while."Joseph smiled warmly. "When did you wake up?""Just last week," Bethany answered after counting the days on her fingers. "I wanted to see you right away, but the doctors wouldn't allow me to leave. I was bored out of my mind.""You should heed the doctor’s advice. Your well-being should be your top priority. As a healthcare worker, you should understand that,” Joseph cautioned.Back when Imperium was just getting off the ground, they
Joseph's eyebrows furrowed. "This money is for you. You've sacrificed too much for Imperium. You should now rest and enjoy life."Bethany was not considered a senior member of Imperium. However, her contributions had earned her the utmost respect. Besides, Imperium now possessed an advanced level of medical care, so there was no need for her anymore."I don't want to leave. I want to stay with Imperium forever. Please don't reject me," Bethany said, tears welling up in her eyes as she clung to Joseph's arm. She was not as cunning as Xavia nor as bright as Chloe, but she had a gentle and homely charm.Joseph freed his arm from her grasp. "You're overthinking it. This isn’t about rejection.""Then why are you trying to make me leave?""You should retire early. You can go to the spa, watch movies, find a good partner, and have children. It's better than staying here."Nearly everyone in Imperium was male. It would not be suitable for her to remain in a male-dominated environment."
The intern was reluctant to give up. "But I really like Mr. Joseph. Please grant my wish and transfer me to your department. I'll work hard and prove myself." Joseph was her ideal man. Even though she knew there was a considerable gap between them, she knew there would be no chance at all if she did not try.Lucas' patience wore thin. He said sternly, "This is your final warning. Don't let me hear about this again. You were hired to work, not to woo your superiors. If there's a repeat of this behavior, you will be dismissed."The intern felt humiliated. Her face turned bright red and she muttered under her breath, "You're just an assistant. Stop acting all high and mighty." But not daring to pester Lucas any further, she sulked away.Lucas had other matters on his mind and did not dwell on this minor incident. He knocked on the office door and entered after receiving Joseph's approval. "Sir, I'd like to ask you about something." Lucas looked hesitant, and it was clear that he
Lucas' last relationship had been during his university days, and that was many years ago. He had long forgotten what it felt like to be in love, but he did want to be in a relationship. Now, being influenced by his work to take the most efficient route available, he decided to just express his real feelings.His expression was calm. On the contrary, it was Emily who looked shy and uneasy. She said hesitantly, "This is too sudden...""You don't have to give me an answer right now. I just wanted to let you know how I feel. Make sure to get plenty of rest. I have to head back to the office now. If you ever encounter any trouble, call me, all right?"Lucas was not as influential as Joseph, but he would not just stand by if someone he cared about was mistreated."Um... When did you start liking me?""I don't know exactly. I've had feelings for you for some time now."After Chloe went abroad, Lucas lost contact with Emily. However, he could not forget her and often found himself think
When Joseph returned from the meeting room, he passed by Lucas' office and saw Lucas with his head on the desk, looking forlorn and dejected. "Emily rejected you?" Joseph asked with his hands in his pockets."How did you know, sir?""Your face says it all," Joseph responded.Lucas touched his face and asked in confusion, "What did my face say?""It says ‘loser,’" Joseph replied."Please stop mocking me, sir," Lucas said, smiling bitterly. He had anticipated that Emily would reject him, but he had not expected it to happen so quickly and for her to be so straightforward about it."Do you have a property in Docwood?" Joseph asked."No, but I bought a house in Aesper," Lucas replied."What about a car?""I have a car.""How much is it worth?""About 50,000 dollars."Joseph furrowed his brows. "Are you that poor?"Chloe and Emily were best friends, so it was only natural for Emily to draw comparisons between a potential boyfriend and Joseph. She might struggle to accept that
Chloe instantly replied. She could not wait to see Kenneth's reaction when he learned that Xavia had another daughter. Would he forgive her or would he abandon her? She was really looking forward to it.Joseph asked, [Okay. Why aren't you asleep?][I'll go to bed soon.][Is Noah still staying at Sullivan manor? Has he made any other moves?][Yes, and no. Why?]Joseph leaned against the headboard of his bed. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Why was he asking these questions? It was just idle chit-chat. If Jasper found out that he was taking a leave out of the book, the kid would surely mock him. After all, he claimed he did not need a book to teach him such things.Joseph replied, ['m just worried about you.]Perhaps she was not gazing at his usual cold, stern face, Chloe found that his messages were warmer than usual. A faint smile graced her lips. She propped herself up with a pillow and continued typing. [Grandpa locked Noah up in hopes that Noah would reflect
Chloe felt a warm sensation push aside her questions about Eustace. Her eyes sparkled as she said, "Okay, then my safety depends entirely on Jas. I'm looking forward to a life of comfort.""You can't rely on him. He's just a kid," Joseph said sternly, "You should rely on me. I'm your man."Chloe rolled her eyes at him. "Don't be delusional. We're just friends."If it were not for Jasper, she would not spare him a single glance."We're friends? So why did you have sex with me inside that stone chamber?" Joseph questioned.The stunned Chloe quickly covered up his mouth. "Stop talking nonsense! There are others in the car!"Joseph removed her hand and looked deeply into her eyes. "Am I talking nonsense? Point out where I was wrong."Chloe decided to play it cool and said, "So what if we had sex? We both got what we wanted. I'm a woman, and I don’t mind it. You’re a man, yet you’re making a big fuss about it? Have some shame.""I'm a traditional man who’s committed to one person. I
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