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 stayed in the café after Hanson left. Then, she called Henry."Yes, Ms. Linton?" asked Henry gleefully when he picked up the call."Do you know that Zachary is getting engaged with Yvonne?" said Joey, upset. There was no running away from the truth.Henry was at first surprised by the news, but it didn't take long for him to figure out the reason behind Zachary's actions. "It's probably true if the news has traveled to your ears."So, even Henry wasn't privy to this decision. Joey wondered to herself what Zachary was thinking."What is he doing? Is there no other way of solving the problem?" Joey was slightly annoyed. Why must he sacrifice himself?Henry stammered, "The Fulhams haven't used their trump card yet. Maybe Mr. Gray is worried that if they show their hand, the damage dealt to Emmen will be irreversible."Joey fell silent for a while before asking Henry, "Is Hanson's father that powerful?""Only the fearless and the powerful can gain a footing in Imperia. Emmen i
"Pixie has made a grave mistake today. I hope it won't come back and bite you in the ass," the men sent by the Fulhams yelled and left.As soon as they left, Pixie's major shareholders began to kick up a fuss. "Harrison, Chester, explain this at once. We had an agreement. Why did you pull out at the last minute and are kicking us out instead?"Harrison turned to Chester, the white-haired shareholder. Chester returned the gaze, saying "I was planning to sell Pixie too, but I am too attached to it. I can't let people who know nothing about fashion run it.""But you should have talked to us first.""That's right! How could you let Joey run the company?""Unbelievable."Joey listened to their arguments in silence.Suddenly, Harrison stood up. He also owned some shares, so he had the right to speak up."If I may say something. Those who don't want to work with Emmen can take your dividends and leave. I want Pixie to do better in the future, not worse," said Harrison.He sounded con
Instead of answering, Zachary said, "Tell me. When we were married, did you want to give me a child because you loved me, or because our grandmothers asked you to do so?"Joey frowned. "Why are you asking me?""Just answer me, please," ordered Zachary."Zachary, when one gets married, they build a family. It's only normal. Even if Rose or Grandma hadn't rushed me, I would have wanted to have a child, too," answered Joey honestly."So, you wanted to give me a child out of obligation. It wasn't because of me, right?" Zachary felt frustrated."Zachary, it's all in the past. Let's not bring it up again. Just tell me if you have a way out once you get engaged to the Fulhams."Not one to dwell in the past, Joey merely wanted to know if Zachary had a backup plan for his risky endeavor."You care so much about whether you'll owe me a favor, thinking that you'll never be able to repay me. What are you going to do if I tell you no? Will you live in regret forever? Will you be upset and la
Hanson fell silent. Emily too stood quietly on the sideline.Vaughn then continued, "Why judge someone who was missing for nearly two decades based on your standard?"You are given elite education and upbringing, but Yvonne wasn't. As long as she does not violate the law, we will bail her out no matter what. She can ask Emmen to be gone if she wants, let alone sabotage it."Hanson gulped. Then, he looked his father dead in the eyes and uttered matter-of-factly, "You're enabling her.""She's an adult. I trust her not to go too far. I will indulge her, and you don't get to judge her with your moral standard," rebuked Vaughn angrily."What about me and Selena, then? I love her. I have slept with her. She will bear my baby," Hanson pressed on.He knew that he couldn't hold his missing sister to a high standard, but that didn't mean he'd allow her to hurt an innocent woman."Get out of this house now. I will disown you tomorrow. Selena is never going to be part of our family."Yvonn
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