"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
"Jen, it's just a coincidence. You don't need to thank me!" Penelope said, not taking any credit. She also refrained from commenting on Joey's actions, which touched me even more.Despite her own hardships, Penelope never passed her suffering onto others. She approached everyone with kindness and equanimity. In my eyes, she had become the embodiment of goodness.Not just me, but Wendy also praised her highly, even suggesting she'd introduce Penelope to a successful, gentle-natured boyfriend.I teased, "Wendy, you love matchmaking so much. If you ever quit PR, you could become a professional matchmaker.""I'd only play matchmaker for those closest to my heart, which right now is just you and Penelope! I wouldn't bother for anyone else!" Wendy retorted.Given Wendy's connections, her introductions would surely be promising young men. "I thank you on Penelope's behalf," I said."Don't thank me yet. She may seem gentle, but her actions show she's quite strong-willed. She might alread
The hotel had a comprehensive security system that ensured excellent privacy.Luke's room was an executive suite on the top floor, while mine was a single room on the third floor.After receiving my key card from the reception, I handed Luke his suite card.Luke glanced at my card. "Our rooms aren't on the same floor?""I'm your assistant. Our travel expense standards are different," I explained.If I stayed in an executive suite, the company wouldn't fully reimburse me. Although I could afford it, I believed in spending wisely. Since losing my child, I had been donating monthly to disabled children, trying to make amends."When traveling, I need to ensure your safety. In the future, book a room next to mine," Luke insisted."It's not necessary, Mr. Walker. The Brookshire Hotel is very safe," I replied. The hotel had excellent reviews, although it was expensive."The company will cover all your travel expenses.""Mr. Walker...""It's settled," Luke said firmly. He had planned
From his expression and eyes, I could see that he was very hungry, yet still trying to maintain his dignity.I pushed the pie towards him. "If you don't know the way, perhaps you could tell me about Brookshire's culture and customs instead!"I was determined to give him the pie one way or another."That I'm familiar with," he said, wiping his hands on his clothes before taking the pie. After a bite, he looked at my empty hands. "You gave me your pie. What will you eat?""I'll buy another one," I said, going to purchase two more pies and a cup of milk, worried that one wouldn't be enough for him."It's too much. One pie is plenty," he protested, eating slowly despite his obvious hunger."You'll get thirsty with just the pie. The drink will help," I explained."Well, if you insist," he said gratefully, accepting the milk.We moved to a nearby bench. I wiped it clean with a tissue from my bag.He sat on the edge, careful not to dirty my clothes.After he finished eating, I offer