When Joey returned to her office, she was surprised to find Selena there. Her brows raised in amusement as she sneaked toward her friend.Selena was busy working before her computer. She heard someone come in but had assumed that it was Stacy.She was startled when Joey appeared brusquely on her desk. "Jesus! You freaked me out. Did you only travel for two days?""Because I have things to do tomorrow." Joey stared at her friend, intrigued, and switched the topic. "What have you done with Hanson when I was gone?""Just sex. Reproduction. Baby-making," answered Selena frankly.Joey almost choked on her saliva. "Did you use protection?""I took pills. Don't worry." Selena grinned. "He was a late bloomer.""Spare me the details. That said, isn't it too risky to do that? What if you can't get rid of him when you want to break up?"Joey was traumatized by her experience with Zachary. Had she not stood her ground firmly, Zachary's love-bombing would have swept her off her feet."Hmm…
Joey made no response. She'd know more details once she met with Pixie tomorrow with Zachary.Noticing Joey's silence, Selena uttered, "Let's wait until we get the precise figures. Aren't we supposed to have dinner at your place? Don't talk about work."Hanson smirked. "Okay, no work talk."As the group drove and stopped before a traffic light, Joey suddenly said, "I told Selena to install cameras in Yvonne's room. I thought about it and realized it isn't right."Hanson was stunned by the sudden reveal.Selena looked at Joey incredulously. She couldn't believe that her friend would take the blame for her. Biting her lips, she shot Joey a quizzical look.Hanson fell silent. When the light turned green, he asked Joey, "Have you always held prejudices against Yvonne?""If she hadn't done all those things to get on my bad side, I wouldn't have held any grudges against her. Can you remove the cameras in her room?"Also, I won't join you guys for dinner. Just drop me off somewhere,"
Hanson's lips tucked into a smirk. "I'm that good in your eyes, huh?""But of course. You're my boyfriend, after all, and I have high standards," replied Selena with a smile."Who do you like more, Harrison or me?"The fact that she had dated Harrison still bothered him.The intimate moment was ruined by Hanson's untimely question.Selena shoved him away and protested, "You aren't supposed to mention exes during the honeymoon period.""I don't have any exes. You are and will be my only one," said Hanson glumly.Selena glanced at him. "Why? Do you think I did you wrong?""No. I merely think Harrison is not a good fit for you, and it bothers me that you were with him before," added Hanson.Selena licked her lips and whispered into his ears. "He's young, handsome, and virile."Hanson blushed as he tilted his head to look at Selena.She raised her brows and continued, "I'm very open when it comes to my sex life. If it bothers you, there's nothing much I can do.""I'm fine with
Alas, life was often treacherous. Right when Joey was busy typing the proposal to convince Harrison in the meeting tomorrow, Zachary texted her and told her to go online to look at the news.Joey went on her social media and found several topics trending.#SelenaBuggedYvonnesRoom #YvonnesRoomFootageLeakedJoey clicked on the link.In the footage, Yvonne was sleeping in her room. Her sleeping gown slowly receded as she tossed and turned, revealing her thighs.If Yvonne had done this on purpose, it meant she was hellbent on destroying Emmen.Before she could finish watching the video, Zachary called. Joey picked up right away."Will the news affect our plans tomorrow?" Joey cut to the chase.Zachary knew it served no purpose to lambast Selena's reckless action.Sternly, he uttered, "The Fulhams asked Pixie to decide tonight. Selena committed a crime, and they are not going to let her go unpunished. Emmen's reputation will be affected, too.""I know. Everything is in the footage
Once they left Pixie, Zachary asked Joey, "How much money have you prepared?""200 million dollars," answered Joey.Zachary nodded. "Once the precise sum is out, we'll see if we need more.""Thank you so much for today."Joey had doubted him yesterday, but today, she felt she owed him a heartfelt thank you. She was simply too inexperienced in the playing field."It's too early to thank me. As for Selena's problem, you'll have to wait and see how Yvonne reacts to it." Zachary then looked at his watch. "It's getting late. Go back and rest up. We have work to do tomorrow at 5:00 am.""Okay." Joey was utterly in the passive role. Dismayed, she had to acknowledge that Zachary was way more competent than her.Zachary could guess what she was thinking and comforted, "If Selena had not done what she did, your plan would have gone smoothly."Joey glanced at him. "You don't have to say that. I'm not as shrewd as you. It's the truth."But she would work harder. When similar things happen
A prestigious family was trying to destroy Emmen. Caught in the crossfire, Pixie was destined to be cannon fodder. Only a few major shareholders still clung to the pipedream of a possible comeback.A lot of money had been spent on Pixie in past years. Most shareholders were at their wit's end."I'll sell it," exclaimed a white-haired shareholder. He then turned to his peers. "We get the money and move on from Pixie."Everyone agreed, so Joey gave Harrison the contract. "Take a look. If you're fine with everything, you can sign it."Harrison accepted the document and studied it. Several other shareholders stood next to him and read through it, too. Once they were done, Harrison went to make a copy of the contract."Ms. Linton, do you think there's still hope for Pixie?" The white-haired shareholder seized the momentary pause and posed a question."I believe so, and I will work for it," said Joey confidently.The shareholders had been nurturing the brand for a decade. Suffice to s
Joey returned to the office with good news. Unbeknownst to her, Monica had been waiting for her. She immediately cried when she saw her."Selena was taken away by the police just now. Infringement of privacy, I heard? What is happening?" Monica grabbed Joey's sleeves and stomped her feet in frustration.Joey patted her on the shoulder. "There's a misunderstanding with the Fulhams. Let me ask them.""Please help her. Selena is also like my granddaughter. I don't want her to get hurt," said Monica earnestly as she let go of Joey's sleeves."I'll make sure she's safe," uttered Joey. Then, she called Hanson while Monica called Zachary.Hiding in her room, Monica asked Zachary what Selena had done quietly."She installed cameras in Yvonne's room. Yvonne had anticipated that and used that against her. According to the law, the worst that can happen is a heavy fine and ten days of imprisonment," Zachary comforted Monica.The damage dealt to Emmen's reputation, however, was irreversible
Monica wasn't able to give Zachary a solution. It was a conflict in their relationship.She too had once asked Joey to give birth to a baby soon. In a sense, she was also part of why Zachary misunderstood Joey.But did Joey ever want to give Zachary a child out of love? Even Monica couldn't say no to that question.After Zachary consoled Monica, he sent her back to Emmen.Standing right in front of Emmen, he called Yvonne. As soon as she picked it up, he said coldly, "Let's talk.""For Selena? If that's the case, forget it," Yvonne refused categorically.Zachary knew what she was doing. Once Vaughn came back from his business trip, he would unleash his wrath on Selena.Zachary fell silent for a while before adding, "Yvonne, there's a limit to everything.""I don't know what you're talking about. I have always been respectful toward Joey. This misunderstanding—""If you don't want to meet up, I'll hang up," Zachary interrupted her impatiently.Yvonne panicked immediately. "Wha
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