"This way, please," Harriet spoke with a softer tone.Joshua's face was clouded with tension, and he responded with another hum. He took a step forward. This was the first time he had ever been subjected to such questioning.Everything about this situation was new to him, and a bunch of feelings rushed in—shock, embarrassment, suspicion, anger, and disappointment.Most folks would probably be super embarrassed or eager to explain themselves, maybe even begging for forgiveness from Havenfield.Offending the best hospital in Oceanville could seriously hamper a pharmaceutical company's success.Still, Joshua remained calm and reserved, his face unmoved even as emotions stirred inside him. His demeanor revealed the composure often seen in those born into privilege."Apologies for the trouble," Joshua politely extended those words as a courtesy of his own. "There might be some issues with the letter of authorization, and the reasons are a bit tangled."Once I sort it out, I'll explai
Joshua stubbed out the cigarette, started his car, and sped like a bullet until he reached an apartment building. Looking all grumpy, he stomped up the stairs and knocked on a door.Gina opened it and asked, "Mr. Grayson, what brings you here?"Joshua shot her a chilly glare, saying nothing.Gina quickly called for Natalie, "Ms. Lovelace, Mr. Grayson's here."Gina knew Joshua could be a bit aloof, but his unusually serious expression caught her off guard.Natalie quickly came over as soon as she heard Joshua was there."Josh, why the surprise visit? You mentioned coming after sorting out the hospital collaboration. I thought it'd be a while before you showed up! I'm so happy to see you," Natalie exclaimed.She couldn't shake the thought that her charm must have been irresistible, leading to Joshua's sudden visit. With a smile, she ushered Joshua into the living room.She was too caught up in her excitement to notice his solemn expression."Josh, it's pretty warm in here. Why n
Feeling the weight of her mistake, Natalie blurted out, "It's Natasha's fault!"All she wanted was to avoid Joshua thinking poorly of her."Natasha! She…" Natalie stammered as she tried to conjure up excuses.Memories rushed back, reminding her of how Joshua had been disappointed in her due to Natasha in the past.Fortunately, Natalie had fabricated a lie back then, explaining that her mother had fallen seriously ill and passed away overseas. This left her in a financial bind, compelling her to work hard to make ends meet.This tale managed to prevent Joshua from continuing to get angry, but Natalie was aware that each excuse she created chipped away at Joshua's affection for her.She knew she couldn't tarnish the cherished image of being Joshua's first love in his heart.Joshua quirked an eyebrow and questioned, "What did Natasha do this time?"Natalie anxiously tugged at her dress hem, still scrambling to come up with an excuse. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead as nervou
"Natasha made me believe the letter she sent was fake on purpose. She knew I'd destroy it, but the one she sent was actually real, and the fake one remained in my possession."She knew everything but dropped me confusing clues. She planned to make you doubt me and make you think I was a liar."All of that was so that you'd see me as dishonest, and you wouldn't want to be around me," Natalie explained.Joshua thought deeply, his lips pressed together.Natalie added, "And there's more to it—Natasha despised the idea of Grayson Corp getting that authorization letter."She wanted it torn up in your hands and hoped it would lead to Grayson Corp's downfall. She wanted you to feel regret!"It's a kind of twisted love-hate thing she has for you. She's dead set against Grayson Corp getting that authorization, no doubt!" Natalie covered her mouth in shock. "Natasha can be pretty scary."As Joshua listened in silence, a wave of anger welled up within him. His face grew intensely somber as
Natasha stood at the doorway, gazing into Joshua's eyes for a long moment. His face seemed indifferent, but a closer look revealed a touch of anger.Joshua was all dressed up in an elegant outfit—a white shirt, black waistcoat, and a gold-speckled tie."What's up?" Natasha didn't sound too friendly.It was only when she spoke that she noticed how tired Joshua looked, with a touch of redness in his eyes. He seemed like he had been through a rough patch."Why not let me in for a bit?" Joshua's voice stayed calm.Natasha had no patience for it. "Seriously? This is my place, and we're finished. There's no tie between us anymore. Why on earth would I let you in?"Joshua gave a little smirk with a touch of mockery in his eyes. "Are you getting mad? You were the one who made me sign those divorce papers, and now you're regretting it?"The divorce was a relief for Natasha. She scoffed. "I'm not mad, and I don't regret a thing. I just don't want strangers in my space."Joshua sensed Nat
"Let's say you did find Professor Nancy. How on earth did you manage to sneak into the lab in the first place?" Joshua questioned.Natasha stayed composed as she had expected Joshua's question. She sent the package under her own name instead of Ryan's because Joshua had already spotted her in the lab.Plus, the second time he came across her there, she was already inside before he entered the building. It ruled out any chance of him thinking she was tailing him into the lab.Knowing Joshua's meticulous nature, it was clear he might have harbored suspicions. Sending the letter of authorization under her own name was a strategic move.This choice naturally explained why she appeared in the lab before him—she had returned to seek the letter of authorization."I depended on the bodyguard, simple as that," Natasha replied casually.Joshua studied her as if trying to uncover any deception.Natasha met his gaze confidently and showed no hint of fear. She had already dismissed the bodyg
Natasha noticed a change in Joshua's face. His emotions seemed complicated, and his sharp features looked even more serious in the light.It felt like Natasha might have said something that upset him. Maybe she had gone too far in the heat of the moment.Jacob had told her about Joshua's childhood and personality, and Lorelei had brought it up recently. The scars from his past haunted Joshua, and Natasha tried her best not to bring up those painful memories."I've sent you the letter of authorization. Does it matter where it came from?" Natasha kept her emotions in check, trying to sound calm.Joshua remained silent. Natasha wondered why he cared about the letter of authorization's source. After all, they were already divorced, so it shouldn't matter to him.Even after their marriage ended, Natasha kept working hard to help the Graysons through tough times, holding onto the memories they shared.Instead of asking questions, Joshua should see and value the effort she was putting i
"I tore it," Joshua confessed. His lips pressed together, and a touch of awkwardness flashed across his face.Natasha blinked, wondering if she had misheard him.No wonder Joshua sought her out. At first, she thought he was going to question her, but it turned out to be about the letter of authorization. Regardless, it did match Joshua's character."Wait, not only did you tear up the letter of authorization I worked hard for, but now you're here questioning me?" Natasha's eyes held disappointment and a hint of mockery.It seemed Joshua had a heart of stone."I got it wrong. I thought the letter you sent was fake, so I accidentally tore it," Joshua patiently explained."That's on you. Why do I have to suffer the consequences?" Natasha raised an eyebrow, her stare turning chilly.She went through so much trouble just to help the Graysons. It seemed reasonable to give Joshua another authorization letter if it meant aiding them. However, his actions left her baffled.Now, she quest