Selena was stunned. She didn't anticipate Emily would burst into tears all of a sudden, and neither did Joey.Hanson patted Selena's hand and said gently, "Go upstairs with Kenneth and Joey. I'll join you guys later.""Okay." Selena was befuddled.Selena only found her words when the group went inside Hanson's study."His mother is like a child. She cries if she can't win an argument," Selena mumbled to Kenneth.Kenneth sat on a chair and said, "Ms. Emily can be quite cute. She is quite innocent even though she has already given birth to two children."Joey had already noticed Emily always acted tougher than she was.Selena was stumped. "That explains why she began crying and said she was going to tell her husband. Will he beat up Hanson?""It's hard to tell. He is very protective of his wife," uttered Kenneth."I can imagine," said Selena.Joey looked at Selena. She wanted to say something but wasn't sure if it was right. In the end, she decided to withhold her tongue.Downst
"Besides, Selena is a successful entrepreneur. She runs Emmen and oversees its purchases and contracts. If she isn't good enough, who else is?" Hanson explained patiently to his mother."I don't care. You can't date her!" Emily squealed once again.Hanson sighed. "I'm really disappointed that you refuse to let go of your prejudice."Then, he left the wide-eyed Emily alone and went upstairs.Moments later, Emily went looking for Yvonne again, clasping her necklace. "He is disappointed? I am the biggest victim here. He knows I hate Emmen, yet he is dating Selena. He wants to tear this family apart, I swear."Yvonne patted her chest and said, "Selena and Hanson have barely just met. Hanson is into her, but she might not be. In fact, it feels like she is dating Hanson for another reason."Emily already knew that, of course. But Hanson was so love-struck that it was impossible to tell him otherwise."When is Dad coming back?" asked Yvonne suddenly."His work abroad won't end this so
While Joey and Kenneth strolled in the neighborhood, Henry appeared out of nowhere. "Ms. Linton, I'm here to pick you up."Joey looked at the cheery Henry and uttered, "Didn't I tell you that you may go home already? And how did you know where I am?""I'm your bodyguard. I always know where you are," replied Henry tactfully."When did you become my bodyguard?" Joey said coldly. Zachary must be the reason why Henry was there."Joey… No, Ms. Linton. You pay me 20 thousand dollars per month. I have to make myself useful somehow. Otherwise, it's not right to take the paycheck," answered Henry wryly.Joey took out her phone and texted Selena. Then, she added, "You sure are very hardworking, then."Kenneth had been trying to join the conversation several times. Now, the opportunity presented itself. "I can send her back. Since you're not working now, you don't have to drive her."Henry chirped as soon as he finished the sentence, "I can't do that to you. I'm being paid, not you.""Th
"Work with me." Zachary revealed the purpose of why he came there."Anyone can buy Emmen's shares but you," declined Joey right away."I know you turned me down because of my grandmother. I can assure you that within a month, she will no longer have any right to meddle in my affairs," said Zachary confidently."You say that all the time but you never deliver, Zachary. Can you walk the talk for once?" growled Joey impatiently.In front, Henry brought up the soundproof panel in silence.Zachary knew Joey was annoyed. He kept quiet for a while before continuing, "I am often a man of my word in many settings. But for some reason, it doesn't work when it's you.""And you sound so proud of it," condemned Joey."Think about my offer. I don't need Emmen's shares. For the financial details, you can turn to Lawrence or Cyrus." Zachary leaned back lazily."No need." Joey would rather take out a bank loan than accept his help.However, what he said today did enlighten her. Emmen could not
"It's been very stressful lately. Why? Can't I travel to Minville now?" asked Joey nonchalantly."Alright. Just have fun. No need to worry about me." Selena didn't pry further. She had faith in Joey.When Joey heard Hanson's voice on the other end of the line, Selena hung up right away.When she arrived at Minville Airport, Joey saw Melvin from afar. He was fanning himself.In March, while it was freezing in Imperia, it was scorching hot in Minville.Joey was wearing a white down jacket with a wine-red top underneath. She approached Melvin as she said, heaving, "It's so hot here. It feels like it's summer even though it's only March.""You're just unlucky. It's around 28 to 29 degrees these few days. Next week, the temperature will drop to around 20 degrees." Melvin fanned Joey with a smile."I'm not staying till next week anyway. Let's find a hotel. I need a shower," said Joey.Melvin nodded and followed her, fanning her like a loyal sidekick. "A backpack is all you've got? Do
After Melvin hung up, he called out to Zachary grouchily, "Hurry up. She's waiting for her clothes."Zachary gave the beige dress to the staff member. "This one, too."Once they were done with their shopping, Melvin couldn't help but complain, "Your taste is so bad. Joey is a designer. She's not going to like what you bought her.""Why didn't you tell me just now?" Zachary glanced at him.Melvin scoffed. "Would it have changed anything? You didn't like anything I picked. You're just jealous."Zachary ignored him and shoved the bag of dresses in his arms. "Get these to her. Your car is safe for now.""What do you mean for now? Hey!" Melvin stomped his feet.Zachary ignored him and blended into the crowd. Melvin cursed at him for a while then immediately drove back to bring Joey her clothes.…Joey was appalled when she saw the dresses. They were cliché—puffy sleeves, V-neck, and a cinch made of creases.A lot of feminine brands were making this kind of dress. They were average
A red handprint appeared on Zachary's thigh. He looked at it and commented, "Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed today."Turning on the bed was all it took to look at Zachary, but Joey did not want to look at him. Therefore, she turned her back on him.Melvin asked the staff members on the cruise ship to move the dining table, chairs, and some decorations outdoors.Zachary went to help out, too. Joey could hear him talking to Melvin. She was curious about their conversation but couldn't hear a thing. The loud sea breeze drowned out their voices.Once everything was set up, Zachary called Joey over."Come and look at the menu."Joey got up slowly. When she thought that Zachary might have been the one who bought the dress, it felt iffy.She sat down by the dining table and leafed through the menu. When she saw the five-digit price on the menu, she almost thought she was hallucinating.She counted again. Indeed, everything on the menu cost five figures.Joey lost her appet
Zachary continued, "300 million dollars at least. Not 300 million dollars at most."Melvin looked at Joey glumly, "I only have 50 million dollars. That's all my savings, ma'am."Joey hated Zachary's fearmongering. She glared at him and said, "Can you stop scaring people?""I'm serious. Pixie is a ten-year-old brand, and it used to be famous. Without that much money, you can't acquire it." Zachary then took a sip of his wine.Joey frowned and said nothing."Must you acquire Pixie?" Melvin inquired meekly.If he gave all his money to Joey, he'd be penniless. While he could still feed himself, he wouldn't have any money left to spend on his games.He loved to whale on his games. If he no longer had the funds to sustain his hobby, his friends would mock him."Yes. Emmen needs its own brand, but releasing one is tough. Pixie is well-known among consumers. If we can acquire it under the current circumstances, it'd be a very advantageous move," explained Joey.Pixie had close to no n
Joey shot him a cold glance. "You and he are both the same, so neither of you should be laughing at the other."Zachary nodded. "You're right, but I've turned over a new leaf now.""Let's go. Enough about him," Joey said. She was annoyed whenever Henry was brought up.He had a great girl willing to be with him, yet he was still unhappy. Any other man would have been grinning from ear to ear.They arrived at the restaurant, and while Joey ordered the food, Zachary sent a message to Henry."You should think about this. Joey and Grandma just want you to have someone by your side in the future, which is why they're saying these things."Don't give up on her just because of what her parents said. Having someone who genuinely likes you is rare."From Zachary's perspective, Henry had a pretty good start. Tessa didn't mind his circumstances, so what was he dissatisfied with?Henry quickly replied, "I know. I'll think about it carefully."In truth, Henry found it all a bit troublesome.
Henry was immediately startled and started stammering, "O-Okay."As soon as Joey hung up the phone, she turned to see Tessa, who was crying pitifully, and handed her a tissue.Tessa took the tissue and sobbed without saying a word.Monica had prepared some desserts for her and looked at her with compassion. "Henry has never been in love before. Plus, he's straightforward and doesn't know how to talk properly. There's no need to cry."Joey thought that Henry just didn't love Tessa enough. Otherwise, how could he say such things?Tessa's eyes were swollen and red. Her tears continuously streamed down. "I know he doesn't like me. Maybe he just agreed to the relationship because I pursued him."Joey patted her shoulder. "In love, if one person is too proactive, the other will seem passive. The fact that you dared to love already makes you braver than many.""What's the point? He doesn't care about me at all." Tessa sniffled."Here, eat something," Monica said. "Feelings like love d
No one tried to persuade Henry further, but Zachary continued to say to him, "Come with me to choose a location for the security company. It's worth doing."Henry was a bit speechless. "I'm not even pursuing the relationship anymore. Why should I still think about the security company?"Zachary responded, "Do you plan to cling to Joey's coattails your whole life? Once the business is set up, you can have apprentices teach others, and you can become a hands-off boss in a year or two."With that, Zachary headed out.After they left, Monica sighed in disappointment. "And I here I thought Henry had found someone good for him.""I think it's quite normal. Finding a good woman isn't easy," Joey said.Henry was indeed a good person, but with one eye missing and his job as a bodyguard, it was inevitable that Tessa's parents would worry."How disappointing," Monica murmured repeatedly.Joey didn't know what else to say and could only comfort her. "There's still a chance. What if Tessa d
Joey snorted. "You looked down on me and thought I had no opinions back then."Zachary pulled her into his arms. "Joey, do you like the person you are now or the person you were before?""What about you?" Joey asked him."I liked you from the beginning. Do you think I would have pursued you for so long if I didn't? I never thought you were serious about the divorce. At first, I was angry, but now I just think I was too slow to react."Joey was genuinely angry back then, but he had thought she was playing hard to get.The two of them sat close and watched the movie together.Selena hadn't returned yet, so Joey guessed that she wouldn't be coming back."Selena probably won't return. Hanson is cunning by taking her away with just a movie," Joey said.Zachary turned off the projector and was still savoring the moment as Joey left his arms."They're in love. Otherwise, Selena wouldn't go with him so easily," Zachary remarked.Selena must really like Hanson. Otherwise, she wouldn't
Zachary squeezed her hand tightly. "You're just like an exquisite and beautiful flower."Joey couldn't help but laugh. She pulled her hand back with a little force. "Even though we just had a heartfelt conversation, I haven't thought about being your girlfriend.""I get it. You're Chloe, and countless people are lining up to pursue you," Zachary said in a voice tinged with jealousy.If she wasn't so focused on her work, she probably would have found a new boyfriend by now. For example, Kenneth was an excellent person. If Joey had accepted him back then, Zachary thought he wouldn't stand a chance now.When they got back to Emmen, Joey freshened up and got back to work.Zachary couldn't help but say, "Can't you take a break?""I've gotten used to this over the past year. When I can't sleep at night, I'll work. I find it hard to relax now," Joey said while reading a document intently.Without her dedication and hard work, Emmen wouldn't have grown so quickly.Zachary beckoned her
Zachary felt a heavy weight on his chest as he looked at Joey.She continued, "Even if I accept you again, and we try to rebuild a family, I know things can never go back to the way they were. I gave you my best years, and I don't feel like I owe you anything."During those three years, you ignored my true feelings and neglected me. Do you think it's possible to go back to the past now?"Zachary said, "I'm truly sorry.""I want to fully accept you, but I can't. You all think that the many hurts inflicted on me are something I can just get over, let go of, and move forward from. But I can't."I realize now that people are complicated and hold grudges. I constantly revisit every wrong done to me. If I didn't care, it would mean I don't care about any of you at all."Joey rarely opened up to Zachary like this, but she felt it necessary to make this clear.Zachary watched her silently and felt as though it was his first time knowing what she actually thought."It's like how I don't
Selena readily agreed, "Alright. It's not fair for you to handle everything alone."Her relationship with Hanson was intense and passionate at the beginning, but now that the initial fire had burned out, Selena felt less attached to Hanson. But after dinner, she was still dragged by Hanson to watch a new movie.Joey was exhausted from work and didn't want to move, so she sat at the dining table with Zachary to enjoy the peace."Shall we head back soon?" Zachary asked after a long while.Joey hummed, exhausted. "Let's sit a bit longer.""If you don't want to walk, I can carry you," Zachary said with a smile.Joey snorted. "Do you want Grandma to scold me? Have you even recovered?""Probably not. These wounds don't heal so easily," Zachary admitted honestly. He wanted to please Joey but had forgotten that his health was no longer as robust as before."Let's sit for another half an hour," Joey said as she leaned back in her chair and replied to messages on her phone."You're work
Selena felt that what Joey said made sense and immediately nodded in agreement. "Then I won't consider marriage."Zachary glanced at them and thought that Selena was a bad influence on Joey. Even if they were married, couldn't they still have fun? What was the difference?Around noon, Hanson and Tessa arrived at Emmen together.As soon as Tessa saw Henry, she ran to him and grabbed his arm. "I got out of class early to see you. You're not mad, are you?"Henry was taken aback, but seeing Tessa clinging to him so sweetly filled his heart with joy."Not at all. Why didn't you tell me? I could have picked you up," Henry said.Tessa held his hand. "Why do you have to pick me up? I know where you work, so I can come to find you."Henry nodded dumbly."Tessa, have you eaten?" Monica stepped forward with a gentle smile."No, but my parents want to invite him to dinner tonight. I've already arranged it with them," Tessa said with a smile.Joey thought this wasn't just a regular dinner
Henry had a smile on his face, looking quite pleased with himself. "Of course, she fell in love with me at first sight."Selena laughed. "Impressive! But your cosplay style probably appeals to most young girls, right?"Henry may have only one eye, but he was still very handsome. He was like a cosplayer you'd see on the street.He simply smiled and picked up his phone to check in with Tessa.After chatting, Henry grinned like a fool. "She asked me out to lunch. She said she doesn't have classes this afternoon and wants to take me to her place."Joey felt a bit envious. "You're incredibly lucky. You need to cherish this."Henry nodded as Monica looked at Henry with a smile."What is your girlfriend studying in grad school?" Selena asked curiously."Something related to Eldelish language studies I think," Henry replied, unsure.Joey nodded. "That sounds good."After finishing his meal, Henry sat nearby, playing on his phone.Selena couldn't help but tell Joey, "Is he just going