"You drive. I'll change clothes," Luke said, putting away his phone and turning back into the living room.I was bewildered. Was he expecting me to come along and be a third wheel?I wanted to knock some sense into Luke's head and figure out what he was thinking!...Twenty minutes later, we drove into Joey's neighborhood.After years of work, Joey had a good salary. While her apartment complex wasn't top-tier, owning a place in downtown Johnsonville and supporting Jon showed her capability.Luke called Stephen to ask for Joey's exact address.I was puzzled. Luke was usually meticulous, thoroughly vetting potential partners before collaboration. He cared so much about business associates, yet didn't know his crush's exact address?This confirmed he was a good boss but not a good boyfriend or husband material.I parked the car and said, "I'll wait for you downstairs."Luke opened the door. "Come up with me. She's a woman, some things might be easier for you to handle."Was he
"Still no response?" Luke asked the property manager."And you are?" The manager quickly sized up Luke."I'm her friend. We spoke earlier.""We've rung the doorbell several times with no answer. The locksmith will be here soon."Noting Luke's distinguished air, the manager spoke respectfully."Have you checked the security footage to confirm she hasn't left?""Ms. Parker called the police half an hour ago. She's been in her apartment since they left." The manager showed Luke the copied footage. "We've reviewed it carefully.""Has anyone entered her home since the police left?" Luke was checking if Joey had been harmed."No one has entered or left the building during that time," the manager said confidently.As they talked, the locksmith arrived.Just as he prepared to open the door, Joey's voice came from inside: "Who... who's there? Why are you at my door? I'll call the police if you don't leave!""Ms. Parker, we're from property management. We knocked several times with no
"This morning, Mr. Thomas confronted me and asked if I was colluding with you to undermine Felfast."Felfast had developed a new car model based on Joey's designs and concepts, but it lacked the performance of Hanque's new model.Felfast had high expectations for their model and raised its price accordingly. However, they didn't anticipate that Hanque's new model would surpass theirs and overshadow their offering.Hanque's new model had a breakthrough in sales, gaining popularity and boosting sales of their other models. In contrast, Felfast's new model only sold well for a few days before sharply declining, affecting their other models as well. Felfast, which had been on an upward trajectory, lost this round to Hanque, causing fluctuations in their stock price.As the decision-maker at Felfast, Mr. Thomas hurriedly launched their new model alongside Hanque's without fully understanding their competitor's product. His failure to assess the risks called into question his competence,
"I... I didn't want Jon to be exposed to the public. Besides, I've already signed an agreement with Felfast. If I tell them the truth, I'll have to pay ten times the compensation. I don't have that kind of money," Joey explained."Hanque's payment to you was substantial," Luke pointed out.When renegotiating with Jon, Luke had considered this, offering far more than before, factoring in potential compensation. To spare Joey the stress of compensation issues, he had arranged for all payments to be made upfront."That money belongs to my brother. I can't touch it," Joey insisted.I was baffled. Joey seemed conflicted, unable to balance Jon's dignity against her income.Luke pressed his lips together. "How do you plan to resolve this?""I... I..." Joey looked lost, biting her lip and gazing tearfully at Luke. "I could have signed with Felfast on Jon's behalf. But considering our long acquaintance and Hanque's recent struggles, I chose to work with you. Now that Hanque's difficulties
Luke treated me, his employee, much better than Joey!Being Luke's friend or employee was fine, but being his romantic interest would be maddening!I felt a twinge of sympathy for Joey. After some thought, I suggested, "Ms. Parker, if you're scared, I could take you to Jon's place."Jon had a live-in caretaker; Joey might feel safer there with company."It's so late. My brother and the caretaker are already asleep. I don't want to disturb them," Joey replied, her gaze fixed on Luke, hoping for some response.Luke stood with one hand in his pocket, not turning around.Disappointment flickered in Joey's eyes. "I'll lock the door securely and sleep lightly," she said dejectedly."Take care," I said, stepping out towards the elevator. I wasn't close enough to Joey to stay and keep her company.Luke followed me, closing the door behind us, cutting off Joey's view.In the elevator, I hesitated, wanting to ask Luke why he didn't stay with Joey.Luke, seeming to read my thoughts, sai
Luke's driver was a familiar face, recognized by many reporters. When he was photographed driving Joey, it made the news, causing Joey's public profile to surge again.Seeing these reports, Felfast would likely grow even more resentful towards Joey. I placed the relevant newspapers and magazines on Luke's desk, hoping to remind him that having his driver transport Joey wasn't a wise move.Luke merely glanced at them before setting them aside.I observed his expression as I left with the documents he'd reviewed."Prepare for a business trip tomorrow. You'll be accompanying me," Luke said, adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses and looking down at his papers."Where are we going?" I asked, surprised. I hadn't seen any trips on Luke's recent schedule. I quickly checked my phone for his itinerary."To Brookshire. Jon has an unparalleled gift for AI. Such talent is rare and needs proper nurturing," Luke explained."Penelope mentioned that despite Jon's challenges, he can communicate norma
However, I wondered if Luke had considered the consequences of their traveling together. If news of their trip got out, it could confirm rumors about their relationship and worsen Felfast's resentment towards Joey.It was perplexing how someone as typically cautious as Luke could be so careless when it came to matters of the heart. At least he hadn't gone as far as booking Joey a first-class seat with him.I had taken care of booking Luke's ticket and had arranged a business class seat for myself. Joey's seat was across the aisle from mine. She turned towards me, striking up a conversation and asking about the purpose of our visit to Brookshire."Mr. Walker will explain the purpose of this trip to you at a later time, Ms. Parker," I replied politely.Luke would discuss with Joey the details of Jon's systematic education, as her consent was required."Is your trip related to me?" Joey's face lit up. "You're staying at the Brookshire Hotel, right? I'm in room 1304. It's my first tim
I quickly detected her malice beneath the facade of kindness.Her hurtful comment about my painful past stung, and I replied, "You had such a tragic childhood, yet you've managed to achieve success on your own. You're braver than I am."Joey's childhood was a nightmare for her. As soon as I mentioned it, her expression froze."I envy your happy childhood," she said, visibly struggling to control her anger."People who have had fortunate childhoods continue to heal throughout their lives. That's why I was able to move on from my unfortunate marriage so quickly," I responded, returning to my magazine."During that livestream, Max said he wasn't the father of your child. Have you ever thought about finding the man you had sex with?" Joey probed.Initially, I had wanted to find him, but that desire faded over time. Without a child connecting us, there was no reason to be tied to a one-night mistake.Only Wendy and Steven knew that I had been searching for him. I wouldn't share my tr