His mind recalled that fateful thunderstorm five years ago. Josephine had looked disheveled and pathetic. She was covered in blood...Soon, Jay received a call from Grayson to report on Josephine’s movements.“President, after Ms. Ares left Grand Asia, she went to the real estate office opposite Grand Asia to look at some property. Subsequently, she visited a few malls and bought many children’s items. Now, Ms. Ares is heading in the direction of Exuberant City.’“Exuberant City?”Jay frowned. Exuberant City was a middle-class apartment. However, Jay had heard about it because it was located in one of the expensive real estates within City South, and it was near Horizon Colors as well.‘Why is Josephine heading to Exuberant City?’“Alright, noted.” Jay hung up the call, raised his wrist, and took a look at his watch. He switched off his computer and left the office.‘Exuberant City is just a stone's throw away from Grand Asia. Let me personally find out what tricks are up Joseph
Josephine anxiously arrived at Rose’s rented unit and plopped all the shopping bags and gift boxes on the sofa. She then patted her chest that was still feeling some residual fear. She said to Rose, “Sister-in-law, what should I do? My brother is suspicious of me. He sent someone to follow me around. I bumped into him downstairs earlier.”Rose’s relaxed expression immediately turned pale. The cup in her hands shook tremendously as she stuttered, “Your brother is downstairs?”Josephine saw how Rose turned into a coward within a split second and laughed. “Sister-in-law, I thought that you’re the only person in this world who isn’t afraid of him and even dares to bicker or go against him. It turns out you're merely an origami tiger?”Rose guiltily said, “You know how ruthless your brother can be at work. Which of those who went against him ever lived to see a good ending? If your brother knew that I’m still here, pulverizing me will not be enough to quench his hatred for me.”Joseph
The man Josephine mentioned was her elder brother, Zayne Severe.Josephine’s feelings for Zayne was like how she felt for Jay—tragic and lowly. They were like two moths toward the fire. Their endings may have been different, but they were equally poignant.Rose felt as if there was lead stuck in her throat. She stood up, headed to the wine cupboard, and took out two bottles of red wine. She passed one to Josephine while the other was for herself.“I think you need this,” Rose said.Josephine gave a grateful smile. “Sister-in-law, you’re truly a good friend.” She took the corkscrew and opened the bottle of wine. Once done, with two hands on the bottle, she tilted her head backward and gulped down the wine.Traces of red liquid flowed down her neck and into her cleavage. She looked rather appalling.Rose smiled slightly. “You’re the most un-aristocratic young mistress I’ve seen.”Josephine sniffled. “To hell with those etiquettes!”Josephine drank half a bottle of wine in one go.
It would have been better if nobody mentioned Jay. Every fiber in Rose’s body stood straight at the mention of Jay’s name.“No, I must go down right away to hide the children. I can’t let your brother find them.” Rose swayed around as she fought to stand up.Josephine threw the empty wine bottle into the dustbin and staggered along. “I’ll go with you.”The two tipsy women hit and bumped their way downstairs. They could not tell which was the correct direction in that state of mind as they ran all over the place. Finally, they walked out of the apartment compound unknowingly.Jay was outside the entrance waiting for his prey. When he saw Rose’s face, that face that he would recognize even if it had turned into ashes, he was immediately coated with a layer of frost.‘Rose’s tactics are truly extraordinary. First, she got Josephine to be loyal to her. Now that Josephine has been bewitched by her, they’re working together to fool me.’Jay squinted his eagle eyes, staring at the two w
Zetty suddenly dashed over with her fist pointed at Jay. “You’re not allowed to bring my brother away.”Jay squinted his eyes slightly. He always had a severe headache whenever he met this little girl. She seemed to have a natural animosity toward him. She was always rude and rough with him. Unfortunately, he could not bully her because of his size and seniority.‘She is Rose’s child with another man.’ Jay could not find it in him to like Zetty when he thought about that.“I’m bringing him back. You go look for your mommy.” Jay coldly brushed off Zetty.He carried Jenson and did not notice the tears welling up in Zetty’s eyes. At such a young age, her daddy had trampled over her weak little heart. ‘I knew it. Daddy loves sons and dislikes daughters.’“Hmph. I hate you!” Zetty roared angrily before dashing away.Jay frowned. ‘I don’t recall ever doing anything to her. Why does this little girl seem like she holds such a huge grudge against me?’Jay did not have the time to bother
Jenson speechlessly looked askance at Josephine and suddenly questioned Jay, “Daddy, why won’t you let me see Mommy?”There were traces of anger in his voice that shocked both Josephine and Jay.Josephine sighed. ‘It’s a different ballgame when it’s Jenson taking action.’Jay pinched on his brows that were throbbing and said, “Jens, you don’t understand what’s going on with the adults.”There was stubbornness written all over Jenson’s cool and handsome face. “Then why are you involving the children if it is an adult issue?”Jenson’s dissatisfaction toward his daddy increased. This was a first in history.Jay was seated at the front passenger seat. Although nobody saw his expression, from the length of time he kept quiet, it was obvious that he had suffered a severe blow from Jenson’s rebellion.Josephine gave a thumbs up at Jenson but said some teasing words, “Just wait for your daddy to settle the score with you later!”Jenson rolled his eyes at her and ignored Josephine.Gra
“If it wasn’t for you, why would Jenson be at Exuberant City?” Jay bellowed.Josephine felt extremely wronged.Jenson softly said, “Don’t scold her. I went to Exuberant City on my own.”Jenson’s heart for justice did not allow him to tolerate his daddy accusing the wrong person, thus he stood up to admit his mistake.Jay who was like an over-inflated balloon was burst by Jenson and deflated within seconds.Josephine observed both father and son. Although Jay was fuming mad, the anger in his gaze would automatically plummet whenever he looked at Jenson. Josephine felt that she needed to protect herself first.“Big Brother, it’s quite late now. I’ll go home first.” Josephine wanted to sneak away but was interrogated coldly by Jay. “Why hasn’t she left?”Josephine’s face scrunched up like a bitter gourd. She turned around and timidly replied, “Big Brother, she can’t bear to part with Jenson.”Jenson’s shoulders trembled slightly.Jay shot a death glare at Josephine. ‘This lass is
Rose shivered. Tears rippled in her pair of obsidian black eyes. At that moment, it was as if she had lost her judgment and was being swept around by the winds aimlessly.Josephine could not bear to see Rose in that state. She clenched her teeth and said, “Or maybe let’s just wait a little longer. If their motive is money, I still have a large sum that I cheated off from my big brother. It should be enough to feed those kidnappers’ appetites.”Rose was feeling lost, and her mind was in a mess. She could not decide if she should seek help from Jay.Rose’s hunch was correct. The kidnappers had abducted Baby Robbie for money.However, when the kidnappers forced Baby Robbie to give them his parent’s phone number, Baby Robbie got worried that these kidnappers would frighten his weak and helpless mommy, thus he gave them Jay’s phone number without hesitation.When the kidnappers dialed Jay’s number to demand ransom, Jay and Jenson had made peace and were having their meal at the dining