The third secretary confessed, "I have a stomachache.""Roderick," Luther suddenly said, and Roderick stepped forward instinctively.Luther glanced at the second and third secretaries and ordered, "Take them to the hospital for a checkup. I'll cover the expenses."Both of the secretaries were shocked.The second one quickly said, "There's no need for a checkup. I'll take a pill, and in a few hours, I'll be fine.""I'll do the same. I have some medicine at home. I'll just take that.""It's better to have a checkup. You've been working wholeheartedly for the company for several years. I can't allow you to come to work while you're unwell," Luther said calmly.Their hearts raced as they stammered, "W-We're really fine."Luther ignored them and said, "Roderick." Roderick went over, thinking Luther genuinely wanted to show concern. He spoke calmly, "Ladies, please."Both of them remained still.Roderick was puzzled. Just as he was about to say something again, the secretary wit
"What if he finds out about your arranged marriage and still refuses to confess?" Joshua could not help but worry about her as she had never faced any major setbacks in her life. Her academics went smoothly, her family life was harmonious, and her career was on the right track. Just like he had been.If Isabella had suffered an emotional blow, how could he comfort her wounded heart?Isabella sipped her soup and said playfully, "Then, I'll sleep with him."Joshua warned, "You're a girl, you know?""Just kidding!" Isabella chuckled, her lips curving into a smile. She had thought things through for the future. "If it comes to that, I'll lock him at home and force him to talk. If he doesn't speak, he won't be allowed to leave."Isabella knew it would not be ideal, but there were some things one had to do, even if you knew they were not right. Nonetheless, she would not go to such lengths if Luther truly did not like her."Can you keep him from escaping?" Joshua was curious."Phy
"Considering how those three families operate, they won't directly confirm anything until it's set in stone," Roderick replied, adding, "As a result, it's difficult to determine whether it's true or not.""Start by questioning Isabella's friends," Luther said from the back seat of the car, his expression unreadable. Roderick boldly asked, "Why don't you just ask her directly?""Just do as you are told," Luther said curtly before ending the call.If he could ask, he definitely would. However, as someone who 'doesn't like' her, he would not bother to inquire about her arranged marriage or show any additional concern.Over the next week, Isabella received messages from friends, all telling her that someone wanted to know about her arranged marriage with the Yarbrough family. Nonetheless, they all replied to that person as instructed by Isabella.Isabella thanked them for being helpful. Nick, being a straightforward person, directly called her."I just can't understand why you wo
Luther's gaze remained fixed on the distance as he replied, "I've figured it out."Joshua instinctively thought Luther meant that he had decided to be with Isabella. "So, if you've figured it out, why haven't you told her yet? Or are you planning to confess on the day she's supposed to leave?""Marrying Chris is a good choice. I had someone investigate him; he's humble, has a good character, and is compatible in many ways," Luther said, his tone suppressing the complex emotions he felt.Joshua was stunned, not expecting his answer. From what Joshua knew, Luther appeared composed and cool on the surface, but deep down, he had a strong sense of possessiveness and long-term commitment. Such a person would not easily let someone they liked go."Haven't you understood this circle yet?" Joshua wanted him to think a bit more about this. "What you know is just what others want you to know. How can you be sure that your investigation is accurate? Most people don't reveal their true nature
This time, Luther did not deny it. He took Joshua's phone and deleted the message he had sent. After a moment of silence, he admitted very seriously, "Yes, I like her... a lot. But not all affections lead to a relationship, just like your affection for Auntie Cynthia."Luther suppressed his emotions, looking at Joshua. Joshua was taken aback as he had not expected Luther to bring up that matter."She deserves the very best this world has to offer," Luther continued. His voice was soft, so fragile that it seemed like it could shatter with the slightest pressure. "She should have a perfect life."His existence would only become a stain on her life, turning her happy life into one filled with anxiety and depression.Joshua sensed there was more to it. "Is it because of your family background?""It's not just because of my family background," Luther replied, not revealing the ultimate reason, but he affirmed, "She would be hurt if she were with me, and I know you wouldn't want her
An eerie silence settled over the scene. Luther wracked his brain but could not come up with a reasonable excuse."Is it so difficult to admit that you like me?" Isabella pressed, deliberately misconstruing his intentions, "Or is liking me something so embarrassing that it makes you feel ashamed?"Luther blurted out, "Yes."Isabella did not fall into his trap. "Tell me, what's so embarrassing about it?""Everything is embarrassing," Luther confessed, unable to find an excuse. He chose to follow her lead and lied, keeping his cold expression as an indicator that he would not admit his feelings.Isabella countered, "I haven't committed any crimes or done anything wrong. My values are decent, and I've never posted inappropriate things online. I think I'm pretty great, and I can't find anything embarrassing about me."Luther did not want to continue the conversation. He stood up and said to Joshua, "Uncle Joshua, I'm leaving.""Stop. You're not leaving until we finish this discussio
"I understand." Isabella stepped aside and said, "You can go now."Upon hearing this, Luther did not feel great, but considering his unstable emotions, he left without a second glance.After watching him drive away, Isabella and Joshua sat side by side. She gave him a sidelong look and asked, "Don't you think there's something wrong with Luther's head?"Joshua agreed, "Yes.""If I remember correctly, ever since you took over their family affairs because of me, Luther's dad hasn't hit him again, right?" Joshua thought for a moment. "Yes, more or less.""So, how did he end up like this?" Isabella was deep in thought. She did not understand why Albert would drag Luther outside to humiliate him publicly. She only learned the reason after asking Joshua. Albert had done that to embarrass Luther, ensuring that he would never again defy his words. However, any lingering emotional wounds should have healed after all these years. After all, Joshua has been taking care of Luther since
"That's good to hear. I was worried someone at the company might be secretly trying to sabotage him," Isabella said, letting out a sigh of relief."You can rest assured about that. Mr. Brooks isn't one to be taken advantage of. Anyone trying to sabotage him should be prepared for the consequences. Don't be deceived by his usual reserved and handsome appearance. In reality, he's quite shrewd," Roderick blurted out. "True, considering he's the President of the Neal Group. What about his hobbies or interests?" Isabella agreed, nodding. "He doesn't have many hobbies. He plays golf and tennis, but mainly for networking purposes. Even outside working hours, he focuses on work and maybe some exercise," Roderick replied."That's not too bad. A life well lived," Isabella praised."Well, it's not all that great," Roderick muttered quietly."What do you mean?" Isabella asked.Roderick acted naturally, giving nothing away. "It's nothing. I just think Mr. Brooks has a tough job managing su